Take the Helm

To assume responsibility for operating a vessel’s steering control.

A proper handover identifies the course or heading, steering mode, traffic, wind and current, vessel response and any current helm order. The person taking over should confirm control and demonstrate that the wheel, tiller or autopilot interface is responding as expected.

Taking the helm does not automatically transfer command, navigation or the con. Those roles must be stated clearly, and the outgoing helmsperson should not release control until the handover is acknowledged.