The "steering wheel," or rather the equipment which controls the direction the boat or ships is heading, is called the helm. Sometimes its a wheel, sometimes its a joystick, sometimes its a lever. The person who controls the helm is called the helmsman. read more
A ship's wheel or boat's wheel is a device used aboard a water vessel to change that vessel's course. Together with the rest of the steering mechanism, it forms part of the helm. It is connected to a mechanical, electric servo, or hydraulic system which alters the vertical angle of the vessel's rudder relative to its hull. read more