10 Things to Consider While Using Auto-Pilot System on Ships

Back in the old days of merchant shipping, the ‘Quarter Master’ was a vital member of the Bridge team. ‘Quarter Master’ was the title given to the able bodied seamen whose primary responsibility was to steer the ship according to the Master’s and Officer’s helm orders. Quarter Masters kept watches and took turns on the helm all day when at sea. This practise continued until automation took over in the field of navigation. The significance of Quarter Master almost vanished off when the revolutionary equipment ‘Auto-Pilot’ was invented.  It was during the early 1920’s when an automated steering and helm control system was introduced onboard merchant