Nautical Term: Steering wheel
Definition of Steering wheel
A steering wheel is a control device used to steer a vessel. It operates the steering gear, which in turn transmits the steering action to the rudder. By turning the steering wheel, the person at the helm can change the direction of the vessel. For instance, during a transatlantic voyage, the captain might issue the command ‘steady on course 270 degrees.’ The first mate would then turn the steering wheel to maintain the vessel’s heading towards the destination.
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