i use a combination of wheel & keys/mouse (for the throttle) for most ships, but for azipod stuff I use just keys.
i use the wheel with the power disconnected so it doesn't spring back to midships, for me this gives the most realistic feel to the game & allows me to leave the wheel in one position e.g 10 degrees rudder without having to hold it there, but everybody like different controls, so my advice is use the keys first & see how you get on.