the present invention relates to a steering arrangement for ships with a water jet unit , comprising a steering device that is pivotable about an essentially vertical shaft having a first center line , at least one hydraulic cylinder articulately connected at a first end of the hydraulic cylinder to the attachment flange of the water jet unit , a turning device connected to the shaft for attachment to a second end of the hydraulic cylinder at a distance from the shaft , a reversing device for pivoting the steering device , the reversing device being arranged about an essentially horizontal shaft , an additional hydraulic cylinder arranged to act on the reversing device , the additional hydraulic cylinder following the movement of the steering device , characterized in that all the hydraulic cylinders are arranged within a sheltered space located above the extension of the vertical shaft .