5.2 Input devices
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC/Circular.891 – Guidelines for the On-Board Use and Application of Computers – (Adopted on 21 December 1998) - Annex - Guidelines for the On-Board Use and Application of Computers - 5 User interface - 5.2 Input devices

5.2 Input devices

  5.2.1 Input devices should have clearly definable functions, be reliable in use and operate safely under all conditions. The acknowledgment of the instruction given should be recognizable.

  5.2.2 Dedicated function keys should be provided for frequently recurring commands and for commands which must be available for rapid execution. If multiple functions are assigned to keys, it should be possible to recognize which of the assigned functions is active.

  5.2.3 Control panels on the bridge should be provided with separate lighting. The level of lighting and the brightness of visual display units should be controllable.

  5.2.4 Where equipment operations or functions may be changed via keyboards appropriate measures should be employed so as to limit access of such operations to authorized personnel only.

  5.2.5 If the operation of a key is able to cause dangerous operating conditions, measures should be taken to prevent the instruction in question from being executed by a single action such as:

  • use of a special key lock,
  • use of two or more keys.

  5.2.6 Conflicting control interventions should be prevented by means of interlocks or warnings. The active control status should be recognizable.

  5.2.7 The operation of input devices should be logical and correspond to the direction of action of the controlled equipment.

Parent topic: 5 User interface
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