Tut, tut. More terminology bloopers...
They are Helms matey, not steering wheels. They do indeed control the rudder, but that's on the stern (Back end) not deep down in the belly. Consequently, to keep the lines (ropes) short, the helm of an old wooden ship is always near the stern, but it musta bin difficult for the steersman to see where he was going (For'ard) with all them sails in the way.
