![]() ![]() The steering controls of the system can be categorised as Automatic and Manual mode. However, the user has to keep a check on the course changes as in some cases when the gyro compass wanders its course, the auto-pilot will follow the wandering compass and fail to sound the alarm. The user can manually set the required amount of degrees, after which an alarm will sound to notify the user that the set degree of difference has exceeded. In ocean cruising and open sea navigation with less traffic, the pumps running shall be reduced to its minimum.Īn off-course alarm serves for the purpose of notifying the operator if there is any difference in the set course and the actual heading of the vessel. If operating the auto-pilot in areas with traffic density where sudden and swift alterations are required, maximum steering gear pumps shall be running. The officer of watch should be aware of the pumps and use it wisely. The number of pumps available varies as per the steering gear unit. That means, when more pumps are running, the rudder will move more swiftly. Steering gear pumps are used to pump hydraulic oil to actuate the steering gear unit (RAM) which in turn moves the rudder in the required direction. In such method the user can input turn radius in nautical miles. Modern systems allow turning by radius as well. Again, the vessel’s manoeuvring characteristics should be considered while choosing the rudder value. In this method, while altering course the rudder will not exceed more than the set limit. Rudder limit method allows the user to set a value from 1 degree to the max rudder angle. The officer must consider the vessel’s manoeuvring characteristics and set a value safe for the vessel. When turning, the rudder will move as much as it takes to attain the required turn rate without exceeding the set value. In this method, the user can set a value of turn rate between 1-300 degrees (varies on different models). This is the most commonly used turn method. The user can input the limit of such turn methods, which are as follows The system will use the selected turn method for course alterations. ![]() The method of turn is the most important control of the Auto-Pilot system. The below notes are a brief outline of 10 important points to be considered while operating Auto-pilot system onboard for safe and smooth navigation. This was also because of the inability of the operators to study the equipment beyond its basic features. However over-reliance on the equipment and poor comprehension of its efficiency and limitations has resulted in several accidents at sea. This feature cuts out the need of manual course changes and alterations as the system will follow the courses and alterations as per the voyage plan.Īuto-pilot system is surely an undeniable boon in modern navigation. Furthermore, modern auto-pilot systems are capable of being synchronised with the Electronic Chart system (ECDIS) enabling to follow the courses laid out in the Voyage plan. Auto Pilot steers the manually input course by controlling the steering gear to turn the rudder in the required manner. Auto-Pilot is synchronised with the Gyro Compass to steer manually input courses, with reference to the gyro heading. It was during the early 1920’s when an automated steering and helm control system was introduced onboard merchant ships.Īuto-Pilot system is considered as one of the most advanced and technically sophisticated navigational equipment tools on ships. The significance of Quarter Master almost vanished off when the revolutionary equipment ‘Auto-Pilot’ was invented. This practise continued until automation took over in the field of navigation. Quarter Masters kept watches and took turns on the helm all day when at sea. ‘Quarter Master’ was the title given to the able bodied seamen whose primary responsibility was to steer the ship according to the Master’s and Officer’s helm orders. Back in the old days of merchant shipping, the ‘Quarter Master’ was a vital member of the Bridge team.
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