Auto Pilots

The ship bridge layout is filled with equipment and tools used for navigation. The autopilot is considered to be
one of the most effective bridge navigational equipment as it assists the human operator in controlling the
ship. Keeping the steering in autopilot mode, it is possible to steer the ship automatically without human
operator. The steering system is a combination of hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical system and is used to
control the ship’s steering system from a remote location, such as the navigation bridge.

Ship’s steering stand

Rudder Angle Indicator
Ship’s Steering :

Ship’s Steering System: Presently most of the steering system of vessels are electro-hydraulic system. When
the steering wheel turns in the wheel house it creates an electrical signal and this electrical signal is
transferred in the steering room to the steering motor and pumps. The steering pumps and motors work with
the hydraulic system and these hydraulic pumps activate to move steering rams in the desired direction and
these rams move the Rudder-Tiller and when the Rudder-Tiller moves the Rudder also moves causing the
change of course for the vessel.
Doppler Log :

Definition of 'Doppler Effect'

Doppler Effect refers to the change in wave frequency during the relative motion between a wave source and
its observer. It was discovered by Christian Johann Doppler who described it as the process of increase or
decrease of starlight that depends on the relative movement of the star.

Doppler Effect works on both light and sound objects. For instance, when a sound object moves towards you,
the frequency of the sound waves increases, leading to a higher pitch. Conversely, if it moves away from you,
the frequency of the sound waves decreases and the pitch comes down. The drop in pitch of ambulance sirens
as they pass by and the shift in red light are common examples of the Doppler Effect.

The use of Doppler Effect in astronomy in relation to light waves depends on the fact that the spectra of stars
are not constant. Different stars exhibit different absorption lines at defined frequencies, but Doppler Effect is
identifiable only when these absorption lines are away from these defined frequencies.

Doppler Log (Speed Log based on Doppler Effect)

Rate of Turn indicator:

Rate of Turn Indicator

Introduction:

• IMO Recommendations on passage planning lay stress on controlled navigation. The passages in
narrow channels or harbors are either along straight courses or along arcs of circles.
• As per SOLAS 2000 Amendment Chapter V Regulation 19.2.9, it is mandatory for ships over 50,000 GRT
to have a rate of turn indicator. IMO recommends that large alteration of courses have to be planned
along circular tracks with wheel over point marked.
• The Rate of Turn Indicator (ROTI) is a device which indicates the instantaneous rate at which the ship is
turning. It is fitted on ship as an independent fitment integrated with the steering gear/auto pilot.

When the wheel is turned over, the ship actually traverses along a curved track rather than performing a sharp
turn about a point. It is very useful knowing the nature of this traversed path the ship takes which can help in
planning:

• The desired turn with given radius

• Desired speed of the vessel to execute the planned turn.
• When to apply the turn (wheel over point).
 Navigation Lights and Shapes :

A Power Driven vessel 50m or more seen at night

A vessel not under command at night Not under command during day

A vessel at anchor 100m or more

A vessel dredging, surveying, under water operation, laying servicing or picking up navigational buoys.

Deep draft vessel at night Deep draft vessel during day

Ship’s whistle

Ship’s whistle used for :-

1. Maneuvering Signals
2. Fog Signals
Daylight signaling Lamp

Can be used in day or night to transmit Morse Code , to attract attention of other vessels, transmit distress.
Morse code ( SOS … --- … Meaning : save our soul /distress )
Ship’s flags

Ship’s Flags

1. Each Single letter flag has a meaning ( H = I have a pilot onboard )

2. Flags can be used in groups for a different meaning ( GU = it is not safe to fire a rocket at me )