This is the definition used in the American Merchant’s Seaman Manual
“Steady, or steady as you go.
EXECUTION Steer the course on which the ship is heading when the command
is received. If the ship is swinging to the right (left) when the
command is given, the heading must be noted, and the vessel
> brought back to that course. This command may also be given
after the command to “mark your head”. If the conning officer
wants to steer the course that was called off by the helmsman then
he will give the command “steady, or steady as you go” will be
given.
This is the IMO smcp:
- Steady: Reduce swing as rapidly as possible.
Many American ABs and officers were trained IAW the Seaman’s manual and many pilots in foreign ports follow IMO smcp usage.
If the pilot gives the command “steady” when the ship is swinging rapidly and the helmsman follows U.S. practice the result is the helmsman will be trying to turn back opposite from the direction the pilot expects the ship’s head to swing.
I don’t recall hearing a pilot in the U.S. use the command “steady”.