When a seaman is serving as a helmsman, how many other assignments are they permitted to take?

When a seaman is serving as a helmsman, they are responsible for steering the vessel and maintaining a steady course. This role demands a high level of focus, attention, and situational awareness to navigate safely, especially in busy or challenging conditions. Engaging in additional assignments while acting as helmsman can lead to distractions, potential errors, and unsafe situations.

The importance of a single, undivided focus while operating the helm underscores the necessity for this role to be treated with priority. Other tasks can interfere with the ability to respond promptly to navigational needs, communications, or changes in the environment, such as other ships or weather conditions. Therefore, it is vital that the helmsman is not assigned any other duties during this critical task to ensure both safety and operational efficiency.