Chapter 5: Initial Sea Trials 955.6 Automatic Trim ControlThe autopilot automatically corrects for trim. No adjustment of the pilot isnecessary.After each course change the automatic trim is cancelled and the autopilotwill re-establish the correct trim for the new heading. It should be notedthat if a large course change is keyed in(greater than 60 degrees) theautopilot will not assume the final selected course immediately. The vesselwill come to within say 10 degrees of the desired course and will onlysettle onto course when the automatic trim has been fully established. Thismay take up to two minutes.It is recommended the following procedure is adopted for large coursechanges:• Note required heading• Select STANDBY and steer manually• Bring vessel onto new heading• Select AUTO and let vessel settle onto course• Bring to final course with 1 degree course change incrementsIt is sound seamanship to make major course changes only whilst steeringmanually. In this way any obstructions or other vessels may be clearedproperly and due account taken of the changed wind and sea conditionson the new heading prior to engaging the autopilot.Note: If the autopilot trim control is switched off, regular checks on thevessel's heading should be made as changes in standing helm will changethe course steered by the autopilot.
