AUTO PILOT

1. Course selector
2. Rudder control
3. Counter rudder
4. Yaw/weather
5. Permanent helm
6. Rudder limit
7. Off course alarm
8. Draft mode
9. Synchronization control
10. Auto/Follow up/ Non-follow up

1. Deviation alarm
2. XTE alarm
3. Arrival alarm
4. Trip alarm
5. Depth alarm
6. Speed alarm

• An off-course alarm is fitted in the Auto Pilot. The off-course alarm limit angle value is to be set by OOW, usually 10 to 15 degrees.
• If the difference between actual course and the course set by OOW is more than the set limit value, then alarm will sound.
• The testing of off-course alarm varies from maker to maker.
• In general, set the off-course alarm time, usually 20 to 30 seconds. Change the course in auto pilot very more from present set course.
• The auto pilot tries to apply the rudder and get the vessel to changed course, when there is delay in time duration (more than 20 or 30 seconds), the off-course alarm sound.
• This process can be easily tried out when vessel is moored or anchored, when movement of rudder is ineffective.

Auto Pilot should not to be used in following conditions:-

• In narrow channel
• At slow speed
• During manoeuvring
• During pilotage
• During heavy weather condition
• During large alteration of course
• Near or in areas of restricted visibility
• When passing close to vessels etc.

Follow up mode is the principle mode of steering. In this mode, the rudder follows the hand steering wheel. If 10° helm is given, rudder will remain 10°. To bring the rudder amidship, wheel have to be brought amidship.

Non-follow up steering is done with a NFU lever. It is used when steering motor fails (we do not directly go for emergency steering). It send rudder setting directly to control unit.  The NFU lever does not have any markings. As long it is turned, the rudder will continue turning. To return the rudder to amidship, the NFU lever have to be turned to other side.