TYPES OF STEAMSHIPS ^

starboard," whereupon the wheel is turned in the required direction
until it can go no further Incidentally, it may be remarked that the
angle of maximum turning efficiency, of the rudder is about 35 degrees.
When the ship's head is swinging the officer may order "ease the helm"
to which the quartermaster at once replies "Ease the helm, sir" and
brings the wheel back a few turns. But should the order be a peremptory
"Steady" the quartermaster replies "Steady, sir," and notes the direction
of the ship's head at the time by the compass, or by an object in sight
ahead of the ship and steers straight for it. All steering orders are
repeated by the man at the wheel in a clear, responsible manner.

When the wheel is relieved at sea the man going oS steadies the ship
on her course and announces the course distinctly to his relief man, who
repeats it when taking over. The man going off duty reports the course
to the officer of the watch, who repeats it and then makes sure the new
man at the wheel is steering the proper course.

Sailing Ship Rigs.—It is still essential to be able to recognise sailing
vessels by their rig if only for reporting intelligently about them when
sighted at sea. On page 4 the silhouettes give an indication of their
general outlines.

Types of Steam Vessels.—Steam vessels also have their characteristic
features, probably more varied than sailing ships ever were, and seamen
can often identify ships belonging to particular companies by little
peculiarities in their general outlines, the rake and positions of theii
funnels and masts, the arrangement of deck erections, etc., long before
t they are1 near enough to distinguish the colours and markings of funnels
and hull, assisted, no doubt, by a knowledge of their trading routes.
We give here a few silhouettes of distinctive types of ships.

TYPES OF STEAMSHIPS.

4 Tmke*