When it comes to ships and boats, many people wonder what the steering wheel is officially called. While “steering wheel” is commonly used in casual language, the correct nautical term is “ship’s wheel” or simply “helm.”
What Is a Ship’s Wheel?
A ship’s wheel is the round, spoked device used to control the direction of a ship or boat. It is typically made of wood and metal and is connected to the rudder through a system of ropes, chains, or hydraulics. Turning the wheel changes the angle of the rudder, which steers the vessel.
What Is the Helm?
The helm refers to the entire steering system of a ship, not just the wheel. This includes the wheel, tiller (on smaller boats), steering gear, and any mechanisms involved in controlling the rudder.
In conversation, the word “helm” can also mean the position or responsibility of steering the ship. For example, “He is at the helm” means he is controlling or guiding the vessel.
Helm vs. Ship’s Wheel
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ship’s Wheel | The physical wheel used for steering |
| Helm | The full steering mechanism or control area |
Fun Fact
In traditional sailing ships, the ship’s wheel often had eight spokes, which helped sailors keep better control, especially during rough seas.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the steering wheel of a ship is called the ship’s wheel, and the helm refers to the full control system. Knowing these terms is a small but important part of understanding nautical language.
