You are now in the ship’s wheelhouse, or bridge. Under wartime conditions this space would typically only be used when under fire or inclement weather due to the poor visibility from inside.
The original equipment was very limited. The ship’s wheel was used to control the rudder via a hydraulic connection to the ship’s steam steering engine, and the engine order telegraph was used to convey orders for engine speed and direction to the engine room.
Immediately in front of the wheel is the binnacle, which houses the ship’s magnetic compass as well as compensators that are adjusted to counteract the influence of the ship’s own magnetic field. The pedestal, with an Indicator to the side of the wheel and the binnacle, is a repeater that indicates the ship’s heading relative to true north as determined by the gyrocompass in the chart room.
There are also controls for lighting as well as fire Indicators on the aft bulkhead. Sound powered phones and speaking tubes were available to speak with the engine room and other critical locations.
There were originally were no indicators for displaying the actual ruder angle or engine speed, these have been added to comply with modern safety requirements. (script did not comply with actual audio recordings, so this is what Capt. Maloney actually said.)
Explore this Station's Gallery
Next, we’ll take you to the Top of the House to admire the views and see from where the ship can also be steered. Exit the Wheelhouse from the starboard side door. Turn right and take the ladder up.