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Bridge Terminology

Page 6 of 11
  • Helmsman. Operates the helm and is responsible to the Conning Officer. Duties include:
    • Must be qualified by the navigator as a helmsman.
    • Makes steering correction using ship’s wheel as ordered.
    • Repeats orders word for word.
    • Reports completion of order.
  • Lee Helmsman. Operates the Engine Order Telegraph (EOT) and is responsible to the Conning Officer. Duties include:
    • Qualified to relieve the Helmsman.
    • Rings up speed changes to engine room as ordered.
    • Repeats orders word for word.
    • Reports conformation of order received from engine room.
  • Messenger. Relays messages to and from the OOD Duties include:
    • Knowing where to go to find key personnel
    • Deliver message directly and quickly.
    • Repeat message exactly.
    • Message for captain or admiral should be delivered to his or her orderly.
    • Report delay in delivery and reason for delay to OOD.
    • Report to sender the delivery or the message.
  • Lookouts. Located at various points outside the bridge. They scan the surface and air for contacts and report any contacts to the OOD on the bridge using sound-powered phones. Due times of low visibility, extra lookouts are posted.