Engage the Autopilot
JRC Autopilot Modes and Their Functions
The JRC Autopilot System (e.g., JRC JAN-7201, JAN-9201, JLN-720) features multiple
steering modes for different navigation conditions. Below is a detailed breakdown of each
autopilot mode available on JRC systems, how they work, and when to use them.
1. Manual Mode (MAN)
Displayed as: STEERING MODE: MANUAL
• Function: The ship is manually controlled using the helm (steering wheel) or tiller.
The autopilot is disengaged.
• When to Use:
Navigating in port areas, congested waters, or near obstacles.
Emergency steering if the autopilot system fails.
Maneuvering for mooring, berthing, or anchoring.
• How to Engage:
Press the MAN (Manual Steering) button on the JRC autopilot panel.
Verify that the rudder responds manually to helm input.
2. Auto Mode (Heading Control Mode)
Displayed as: STEERING MODE: AUTO
• Function: The autopilot maintains a set heading by automatically adjusting the
rudder.
• When to Use:
Open-sea navigation with minimal course changes.
Reducing officer workload on long passages.
• How to Engage:
Press the AUTO button on the JRC autopilot.
Enter the desired course heading (e.g., 090°).
Adjust rudder sensitivity (gain control) for steering response.
3. Track Mode (Route Tracking via ECDIS/GPS)
Displayed as: STEERING MODE: TRACK
• Function: The autopilot follows a pre-planned route from ECDIS/GPS,
automatically adjusting course at waypoints.
• When to Use:
Long voyages requiring precise route tracking.
Narrow or traffic separation schemes (TSS) where exact routing is needed.
• How to Engage:
Ensure the voyage plan is loaded into the ECDIS.
Select TRACK mode on the autopilot panel.
The autopilot will follow waypoints automatically.
Monitor Cross-Track Error (XTE) and course deviations.
4. Economy Mode (Fuel-Saving Mode)
Displayed as: STEERING MODE: ECO
• Function: The autopilot optimizes rudder movement to minimize fuel
consumption.
• When to Use:
Long transits with stable sea conditions.
Maximizing fuel efficiency and reducing rudder wear.
• How to Engage:
Press ECO Mode on the autopilot panel.
The system will reduce unnecessary rudder movements.
Monitor fuel flow rate and rudder position.
5. Weather Mode (Heavy Seas Mode)
Displayed as: STEERING MODE: WEATHER
• Function: The autopilot adjusts rudder movement to compensate for wind,
currents, and wave effects.
• When to Use:
Heavy seas, rough weather, or crosswinds.
Preventing excessive rolling and yawing.
• How to Engage:
Select WEATHER mode on the JRC autopilot.
Adjust counter-rudder settings to stabilize the vessel.
Monitor rudder movements and adjust as needed.
6. Adaptive Mode (Dynamic Autopilot)
Displayed as: STEERING MODE: ADAPTIVE
• Function: The autopilot dynamically adjusts rudder response based on ship
speed, sea conditions, and weather.
• When to Use:
Changing environmental conditions where a fixed gain setting is not optimal.
Optimizing rudder movement without manual adjustments.
• How to Engage:
Select ADAPTIVE mode on the autopilot.
The system will continuously analyze and modify steering input.
Monitor rudder adjustments and ship stability.
7. Override Mode (Emergency Steering)
Displayed as: STEERING MODE: OVERRIDE
• Function: Forces manual control of the rudder in case of autopilot failure.
• When to Use:
If the autopilot fails or does not respond.
Emergency course adjustments are required.
• How to Engage:
Press OVERRIDE or EMERGENCY STEERING button.
Take manual control of the rudder using the helm.
Summary Table of JRC Autopilot Modes
Mode Function Best Use Case
Manual Mode Full manual control Port navigation, maneuvering,
(MANUAL) emergency steering
Auto Mode (AUTO) Maintains a set heading Open-sea navigation, reducing
officer workload
Track Mode (TRACK) Follows a planned route Pre-planned voyages, TSS, precise
from ECDIS navigation
Economy Mode Reduces rudder movements Long voyages, optimizing fuel
(ECO) to save fuel consumption
Weather Mode Adjusts for rough seas High winds, heavy waves, bad
(WEATHER) weather
Adaptive Mode Dynamically adjusts rudder Changing sea conditions,
(ADAPTIVE) response efficiency optimization
Override Mode Emergency manual steering Autopilot failure, emergency
(OVERRIDE) course changes
Best Practices for Using JRC Autopilot
✔ Always verify the actual heading against the gyrocompass.
✔ Regularly check the rudder movement to avoid oversteering.
✔ Monitor Cross-Track Error (XTE) when using Track Mode.
✔ Disengage autopilot in congested areas or restricted waters.
✔ Perform steering gear tests before engaging autopilot.
