What is meant by steering control in a boat?

Steering control in a boat refers specifically to the means by which the direction of the vessel is managed, primarily through the steering nozzle. This mechanism allows a boater to direct the flow of water from the engine in order to change the boat's heading. The steering nozzle is crucial, particularly in boats equipped with jet drives or stern drives, because it enables precise maneuvering, especially at slow speeds or in tight spaces.

Understanding steering control is essential for safe navigation, as it directly affects the boat's response to the steering inputs from the operator. While controlling speed and navigating obstacles are important aspects of boating, they do not specifically define what steering control is. The method for anchoring a boat is entirely unrelated to directional navigation; therefore, it falls outside the scope of steering control altogether.