The wheel probably only turns about 45 degrees in either direction so there's no frantic spinning of the wheel for a "hard a-starboard" manoeuvre. But at least it is a wheel, rather than a small toggle lever or a rocker switch that have been the means of steering some vessels I've been on

Thanks Phil. There's a lot more gadgetry now but it was nice to find a sextant tucked away which the 'old man' knew how to use too. Just as well with twin ECDIS set up and no paper charts ;-)
Best Regards
John Jones

Good photos John. It's been about 30 years since I was last on a ship's bridge. Amazed at how small that steering wheel is. It wouldn't look out of place on my Ford Focus !