At the helm means in control or in a leadership position. The correct answer is this meaning because the expression is used figuratively, not only by its literal words.

Examples:

• A skilled captain was at the helm during the crisis.
• In an HSC essay, At the helm can express this meaning: in control or in a leadership position.
• When this expression appears in a passage, connect At the helm with the idea of in control or in a leadership position.