The term 'steering mechanism' refers to the components used to control the direction of a vehicle. The two main components of a steering mechanism are the HELM and the RUDDER. The HELM is a wheel or tiller used to steer the vehicle, while the RUDDER is a flat plate attached to the stern of the vessel that is used to change the direction of the vessel when the HELM is turned. Together, these two components allow the driver to control the direction of the vehicle.