steersmen

Steersman is a person who steers a vessel at the helm. The primary duties include maintaining a set course, steering the vessel according to the navigator’s chart and compass, and making timely adjustments for wind, current, and traffic. The steersman operates the helm, responds to orders from the captain or officer of the watch, and during watch keeps a lookout for hazards, ensuring safe navigation and collision avoidance.

In larger ships, steering may be automated or assisted by steering gear or an autopilot, but a human steersman remains on duty to take over as needed and to execute maneuvers, mooring, and harbor entry. On sail and smaller boats, the steersman may also handle sail trim and rig adjustments. Tools include the wheel or tiller, the compass and navigational charts, and, in modern vessels, electronic instruments, GPS, and autopilot interfaces.

Etymology and terminology: the term steersman derives from Old English and has historically been used alongside helmsman. In contemporary usage, helmsman is common in many navies and merchant fleets, while steersman appears in nautical literature and historical contexts. The role is typically part of the deck crew or watch team, and on harbor entry or when a pilot boards, a harbor pilot may assume steering duties under the master’s supervision.