II.—The Ergonomic Bridge

Extract

In considering ships’ bridges, present and future, we must first look at the history of the bridge itself. In the days of sail it was necessary for the helmsman and Master to stand on the poop in order that they could watch the trim of the sails, and for the helmsman to get sufficient purchase on the wheel he had to stand up. With the introduction of steam it was necessary to stand as near as possible to the machinery so that orders could be passed by voice pipe and initially the ‘bridge’ was placed between the two paddle boxes. From here the quartermaster steered the ship and the Master passed orders to the engine-room by voice pipe or mechanical telegraph.