Titanic navigation bridge
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
On the Titanic, the navigation bridge (or command bridge) was a superstructure where the ship's command was exercised. From this location, the officer on watch determined the ship's geographical position, gave all orders regarding navigation and speed, and received information about everything happening on board.
The bridge was composed of various compartments: a navigation shelter where watch was kept, and the wheelhouse where a wheel was located, known as the helm in maritime language, which steered the rudder and transmitted orders to the engines, also called a chadburn. On either side to starboard and port of the navigation shelter, two exterior wings allowed for maneuvers. There was also a chart room and the captain's watch room. The bridge was also connected to officers' cabins, which varied in comfort according to rank. It was also close to the wireless telegraphy room. Six officers took turns on watch duty on the bridge, accompanied by quartermasters and other members of the deck crew. The second officer and the captain could also be present if the situation so required.
On April 14, 1912, around 11:40 p.m., decisions to attempt to avoid the iceberg were made from the bridge. After the collision, the order to evacuate the ship was also decided on the bridge. Crushed by the fall of the first funnel, then by that of the foremast, little remained of the bridge when the wreckage of the Titanic was discovered in 1985.