Abstract: A rudder assembly for interfacing with a jet nozzle of a water jet propelled watercraft so as to thereby provide steering of the watercraft by pivoting of the jet nozzle even when a water jet is absent from the jet nozzle. A rudder is connected to a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is connected to the jet nozzle. In a first preferred form, the rudder extends in-line with, and immediately behind (aft of), the jet nozzle so as to be located in the water jet. In a second preferred form of the present invention, the rudder is notched adjacent the sleeve for accommodating movement of a thrust plate of a water jet propelled watercraft equipped with a thrust plate mechanism. Alternatively, the rudder may be located dependingly downward from the jet nozzle.