Helm

The helm station is situated behind an elaborate skylight and pilothouse in bright wood. Aft of the helm is a capacious trunk which probably protects the steering gear. Elevated gratings each side presumably allow the helmsman to stand higher and see over the top of the pilothouse. Visibility from the helm position is not great and reminds us that the helmsman was only a human autopilot -- lookouts did the seeing for him, and the skipper made all the deicions. All helm was required to do was steer the commanded course.