Mars Reports 2015 The Nautical Institute has issued a Mars Report as follows:A ro-ro passenger vessel was departing a regular scheduled port and was controlled by the Master from the port bridge wing during the backing and turning manoeuvre in the outer basin. During this time an officer and the helmsman were at the centre console. After the turn was completed and the vessel headed on the intended course of 051 degrees, the Master ordered the steering to be transferred to the centre console and for the helmsman to steer 051. The officer pressed the helm TAKE OVER button and confirmed; the helmsman then confirmed he had hand steering. Immediately thereafter the helmsman expressed doubt as to whether he had hand steering. The Master noticed the vessel was still turning to starboard and ordered port rudder. The helmsman confirmed his wheel had no effect and the officer tried pressing the TAKE OVER button once again, but to no apparent effect. The helm Non Follow Up button was then pushed but did not seem to affect steering, so the Master returned to the port bridge wing to try and regain control. This seemed to work and the Master also deployed a ...
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