Helm commands were quite normal as the officer decided how much helm to
use to deterimine the rate of change of turn (very important in
formation). For example, the order "port 20" did not mean turn the ship
to port 20 degrees.

Cheers

Joe wrote:

(Bobsprit) wrote in message ...

It used to be common for the watch officer or pilot to give helm orders
in terms of a tiller... ie, to turn starboard, they'd order the helmsman
"put the helm to port." and vice versa.


Good god. WRONG!!!!
Titanic's wheel worked counter to today's wheels. Tiller logic prevailed for
quite a few years, even with wheels on large ships.
The wheel on Titanic had to be turned to PORT for a starboard course.

RB


Bull Feather!

When the conning officers says hard to Starboard that means he wants
the vessel to turn hard to starboard. It dont matter a rats ass which
way the wheel is turned. And I can not think of one single wheel ship
that works like a tiller. Thats just plain stupid, and dangeriously
confusing.

Joe
USN Certified Helmsman
With 100's of hours on the Helm of a 865 ft ship.