[irish1958]

Originally Posted by Tom

I think that if you just order a heading (instead of using the course plotting tool) the submarine turns towards that heading and then continues with rudder amidships. The waves (and possibly the wind too, not sure about this) will cause slight deflections to your course and these will not be corrected, thus changing your heading over time.

When you use the course plotting tool, your heading is constantly corrected, so that you are always moving towards the next waypoint. If you closely watch the rudder dial, you will often see a 1-3 degree deflection, especially in rough weather.

That is correct (just as it is in real life).