The article presents various configurations of nonlinear ship course controllers. The controllers were designed based on backstepping method, the PD and sliding mode control. The controller versions at the design stage take into account the dynamic properties of the steering gear. A simplified simulation model of the B-481 type vessel, including wave and wind effects, was applied to simulate the control algorithm by using time domain analysis. The results of computer simulations have shown the advantages of control algorithms taking into account the dynamics of steering gear such as the increasing the economic efficiency of system operation, the reducing rudder activity and increasing the average speed of the vessel during the voyage

The problem of synthesis a dynamic positioning system for low frequency model of surface vessel was considered in this paper. The recursive vectorial backstepping control design was used to keep a fixed position and heading in presence of wave disturbances. The passive observer was introduced to smooth the measurements and to estimate the velocities needed for the control algorithm. The computer simulation results were given to demonstrate the effectiveness of that combination of controller-observer system to compensate environmental disturbances