Steering wheel (ship) facts for kids

Wheel of the French carrier Clémenceau.

The ship's wheel is a special wheel used to steer a boat or a large ship. It helps the captain or pilot change the direction of the vessel by moving the rudder. You might also hear it called the 'helm' along with all the other parts that help with steering.

This wheel is usually connected to a system that uses either gears and cables (mechanical) or liquid pressure (called hydraulic) to move the rudder. Did you know that the steering wheels in cars, tractors, and other vehicles on land probably got their idea from the ship's wheel?

How a Ship's Wheel Works

A ship's wheel is the main way a person steers a vessel. When the wheel is turned, it sends a signal or power to the rudder. The rudder is a flat piece of metal or wood at the back of the ship. When the rudder moves, it pushes against the water. This push changes the direction the ship is heading.

Mechanical Steering Systems

In older or smaller boats, the wheel might be connected directly to the rudder with ropes or chains. This is a mechanical system. When you turn the wheel, the ropes or chains pull the rudder. This makes the rudder move left or right.

Hydraulic Steering Systems

Many modern ships use a hydraulic system. This system uses fluid pressure to move the rudder. Turning the wheel controls a pump that pushes fluid. This fluid then moves a piston, which is connected to the rudder. Hydraulic systems make it easier to steer very large ships. They can move heavy rudders with less effort from the person steering.

History of the Ship's Wheel

For a long time, ships were steered using a 'tiller'. A tiller was a long lever attached directly to the rudder. To change direction, sailors had to push or pull this lever. This could be hard work, especially on big ships or in rough seas.

The ship's wheel was invented to make steering easier. It allowed sailors to use a turning motion instead of pushing a lever. This also meant the steering station could be moved away from the very back of the ship. This gave the helmsman (the person steering) a better view. The first ship's wheels appeared around the early 18th century. They quickly became common on most ships.

Images for kids

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  Iconic image of a helmsman at a ship's wheel: the Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial.

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  Helm of TS Golden Bear

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  Front and overhead view of a traditional ship's wheel in motion.

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  Britannia Yacht Club's Commodore Boardroom features a ship's wheel table

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  USS LST-325 ship's wheel and engine order telegraph

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  U.S. Navy personnel aboard USS Constitution, by the ship's wheel

See also

In Spanish: Rueda de timón para niños