Set It and Sail It: Autopilot NAV Mode in Action
Ahoy, Captains!
Whether you're headed across the open sea or just want to prep your gear while staying on course, Autopilot NAV Mode is here to take some pressure off your maritime journey. With just a few steps, you can plot a course and let the ship do the navigating, giving you the freedom to focus on managing your onboard operation or simply enjoying the scenery.
???? Here’s how to activate it:
1️⃣ Plot Your Course – Open the map and drop waypoints for your desired path
2️⃣ Use the Autopilot Panel – Interact with the autopilot interface in your wheelhouse
3️⃣ Press SET – This locks in your current route
4️⃣ Activate NAV Mode – Toggle the NAV button to engage
5️⃣ Throttle Up – Increase your engine power and let your ship follow the plotted course automatically
Once active, your ship will stay on track — no constant steering required. Ideal for long trips, preparing your onboard operations, or just getting a break from the helm.
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Rudder Feedback Display
The bottom area of the autopilot panel display gives you real-time rudder feedback:
✅ Green Marker – Rudder is angled to starboard (right)
???? Red Marker – Rudder is angled to port (left)
This visual cue helps you monitor manual rudder adjustments or autopilot corrections while underway.
Autopilot Panel – What Each Button Does
- STBY (Standby): Disengages the autopilot.This mode returns full steering control to the player, allowing manual navigation of the vessel.
- AUTO: Engages the autopilot to maintain your current heading. Once activated, the vessel will hold its current course steadily until a new command is given.
- NAV (Navigation Mode): Follows a plotted route from the map. The autopilot will automatically adjust the vessel’s heading to stay on track with your set waypoints or course line.
- Rotary Control Knob: This knob lets you make fine-tuned heading adjustments while autopilot is active. It’s ideal for precise course corrections
- Plus/Minus Buttons (DIM Mode): When the DIM button is activated, the + and – buttons allow you to adjust the brightness of the autopilot display. This is especially useful in different lighting conditions, helping you maintain visibility during day or night operations.
Why It Matters
NAV Mode — along with the other autopilot functions — brings a layer of authenticity to your sailing experience, simulating real-world navigation systems used aboard modern vessels. It’s a vital addition to your captain’s toolkit, helping streamline long journeys, reduce manual workload, and make complex maritime operations more manageable and immersive.
Smooth sailing ahead — and stay tuned for more exciting updates on the horizon!
We’ve heard your feedback about the autopilot occasionally displaying the message “Plotting route over land not possible” — even when navigating open waters. Rest assured, we're aware of this and are actively working on a more robust solution that will not only resolve this but also improve the overall experience in Shps At Sea.
- Team Misc Games
