Autopilot
An Autopilot automatically steers the ship to keep it on a set heading or track, taking heading input from the gyrocompass and applying rudder through the steering gear to correct any deviation. It relieves the crew of continuous hand-steering on long passages and holds a steadier course than a helmsman, saving fuel.
Modern track-control autopilots go further, steering the ship along a planned route from waypoint to waypoint in the ECDIS, adjusting for current and wind. The autopilot must be handed back to manual steering promptly in traffic or emergencies, and this changeover is a defined bridge procedure.
The autopilot steers more steadily and efficiently than hand-steering on a long passage, saving fuel and freeing the watchkeeper — but it also requires discipline: knowing when to switch back to manual, and never over-relying on track control in close-quarters situations, is a core part of safe bridge practice.
What is track control?
An advanced autopilot mode that steers the ship along the planned route from waypoint to waypoint set in the ECDIS, automatically compensating for wind and current, rather than just holding a fixed heading.