Ship Navigation. A Bridge History

We start our bridge history to 1590, which saw the first example of a ‘Whipstaff’ pole. The primary function of this piece of wood within the top deck, was for steering the ship. The ‘Whipstaff’’ was a long vertical pole, which was connected to the ‘Tiller’, which in turn, steered the ships rudder. 

Solarglide a bridge history

The history of the bridge and wheelhouse of a ship

The Wheelhouse On A Boat. A Bridge History

The ‘Tillerman’ was a phrase used for someone who would steer the ship. “Tea For The Tillerman” was a popular Cat Stevens song, which roughly translated into a metaphor figure of a man, steadfast and being able to advance and change. This song could be interpreted in relation to seafaring and the challenges of the sea.

Fast forward to the 17th Century, popular ships including Galleon ships, still did not present a wheel for steering or a ‘Wheel house‘ for that matter.

Historically, it is unclear to when the actually first ‘wheel’ of ship was introduced although it’s believed to have been documented to the start of the 18th Century with the arrival of paddle steamers. While the ‘Whipstaff’ was a revolutionary design, it was sometimes difficult to steer in rough sees.

The introduction of a ‘ship wheel’ made it easier to operate in rough sees, as it was mechanically linked, usually with ropes to the ships rudder. The ‘Wheelhouse’ idea developed over time as a kind of ‘wrap around’ or enclosure of the wheel, this concept developed with shipbuilding technology and operational practices.

The Bridge On A Boat

In regards to the term ‘Bridge’ within the context of paddle steamers, the captain, along with engineers, required a platform to where the paddle wheels could be inspected, this involved constructing some kind of walkway, later referred to as ‘The Bridge’ that connected both paddle houses for clear navigation whilst at sea.

Even with the invention of the ‘Screw Propeller’ that in most cases, replaced paddle wheels – the term ’Bridge’ has continued to be used for the elevated command post within a ship. The actual ‘Bridge’ terminology within the context of a ship, was generally reserved for larger ships, while ‘The Wheelhouse’ was predominately used for smaller boats, tugs and cruise ships.

The Evolution Of Ship Navigation. A Bridge History

As technology evolved and ships become more advanced, the bridge is now typically located near the front and top of the vessel, providing a clear view of the surrounding environment. The Bridge Deck has also underwent a major re-design. This re-design, included instrumentation and layout, with the Chart Room and Radio Room becoming integrated into the wheelhouse area and eventually becoming part of the overall Bridge Console. The ship’s wheel can sometimes still be present on modern ships however, joysticks are now connected to hydraulic systems controlling the ships rudders.

Before Radar, it’s hard to believe that the ships captain relied on the ‘Quartermaster’ or a ‘Hellsman’, observation to visually observe all sights and sounds of the ships navigation. Other practices included Celestial navigation, along with Sextants, Chronometers and compasses for determining location and course.

There is also another, more modern section of the bridge area that is worth mentioning called a ‘Flybridge’ This feature is located above the conventional control area of the bridge and is mostly popular with larger private Yachts. The Flybridge offers a second helm station and additional space for sight seeing, recreation and socialising.

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