<p>A steering device consists of a towed steering surface or blade attached to a marine vessel by means of lines. It provides a method of steering the vessel in fluid. The blade is either rigid or non-rigid and may be supported by a framework. Control of the blade is by an attached lever/quadrant or by lines. Attachment lines and/or control lines can be configured according to the current invention so as to permit a lightweight construction of blade and/or light loads on the helm. The device can be designed as primary steering or as a form of emergency or reserve steering which can be deployed either with or without prior preparation of the vessel.</p>