Full Rudder

The greatest permitted steering angle of a vessel’s rudder to one side.

Applying full rudder turns the rudder to the limit allowed by the steering system. It is used when a strong turning effect is required, although the response still depends on water flow over the rudder, vessel speed, hull form and environmental conditions.

More rudder angle does not always produce a proportionally tighter turn. At very low speed the rudder may have little effect, while excessive angle can increase drag and disturb the flow. Helm orders should state the required side clearly and be acknowledged using the vessel’s established procedure.