Chapter 5: Initial Sea Trials
95
5.6 Automatic Trim Control
The autopilot automatically corrects for trim. No adjustment of the pilot is
necessary.
After each course change the automatic trim is cancelled and the autopilot
will re-establish the correct trim for the new heading. It should be noted
that if a large course change is keyed in(greater than 60 degrees) the
autopilot will not assume the final selected course immediately. The vessel
will come to within say 10 degrees of the desired course and will only
settle onto course when the automatic trim has been fully established. This
may take up to two minutes.
It is recommended the following procedure is adopted for large course
changes:
• Note required heading
• Select STANDBY and steer manually
• Bring vessel onto new heading
• Select AUTO and let vessel settle onto course
• Bring to final course with 1 degree course change increments
It is sound seamanship to make major course changes only whilst steering
manually. In this way any obstructions or other vessels may be cleared
properly and due account taken of the changed wind and sea conditions
on the new heading prior to engaging the autopilot.
Note: If the autopilot trim control is switched off, regular checks on the
vessel's heading should be made as changes in standing helm will change
the course steered by the autopilot.
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