Helmsmen are individuals, typically male, who are responsible for steering a ship or boat. This role encompasses controlling the rudder or other steering mechanism, maintaining the vessel's course, and responding to navigational instructions. helmsmen require a good understanding of nautical terminology, the ability to read charts and instruments, and a steady hand to maintain accuracy, and at times must make split-second decisions while being responsible for the safety of the passengers and crew. The role is often highly skilled and demands focus and decision making. They are essential to the safe and efficient operation of the vessel. A helmsman can also be a person who guides or directs a project or team.
Helmsmen meaning with examples
- The experienced helmsmen expertly navigated the schooner through the treacherous straits, their steady hands guiding the ship around unseen reefs and dangerous currents, ensuring the safety of the crew and passengers, while the captain issued swift orders to account for the ever-changing wind conditions. Their navigational skills and calm demeanor were crucial to reaching their destination.
- During the storm, the helmsmen battled against the waves and wind to keep the sailboat on course, their stamina tested as they fought for every degree of heading, responding quickly to the shifting winds, and the urgent calls from the captain, to ensure they survived the tempestuous weather and avoided capsizing.
- With the autopilot disabled, the helmsmen took manual control of the ferry, carefully steering the ship away from other vessels in the busy harbor, relying on their understanding of the waterways, adjusting course as needed and using their training to navigate. Their steady hands were the only thing separating their passengers from danger.
- In the metaphorical sense, the project's lead served as the helmsmen, steering the team through challenging phases, making critical decisions to keep the project on track, and navigating through the complex requirements by keeping the team focused on the end goal, guiding the project to completion despite numerous setbacks.
- The helmsmen, skilled in celestial navigation, used the stars to guide the ship across the vast ocean, aligning the vessel with their observations and adjustments, making sure the ship stayed on the correct trajectory, and the constant adjustments to the ship's course were crucial to their ability to reach their destination.
Helmsmen Synonyms
captain controller coxswain director guide leader navigator pilot steersman wheelmanHelmsmen Antonyms
crewmember follower non-participant observer passengerHelmsmen Crossword Answers
9 Letters
STEERSMEN