Navigational Aids

Auto Pilot

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.
Steering Stand
Rudder angle Indicator
Ship’s Steering System
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.
Basic Steering Gear
Doppler Log
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
 Rate of Turn Indicator
Introduction:
• 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).
Rate of Turn Indicator
Navigation Lights : Power Driven Vessel
Vessel not under command
Vessel at Anchor
Vessels engaged in Fishing & Trawling
• Vessel engaged in Fishing • Vessel engaged in Trawling
Ship’s Whistle
Ship’s whistle used for :-
• Maneuvering Signals
• Fog Signals
 Daylight Signaling Lamp/ Aldis 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 )
• Also called as Aldis Lamp
Ship’s Flags