DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture) offers powerful capabilities to facilitate the reuse of standardized equipment documentation modules across different vessels and equipment types in the maritime industry. This structured approach enhances efficiency, consistency, and accuracy in documenting maritime equipment.

Modular Documentation

DITA encourages the creation of modular documentation components, often referred to as “topics.” Each topic can represent a specific aspect of equipment documentation, such as technical specifications, maintenance procedures, or safety guidelines. These topics can be organized into a central repository and reused across multiple documents or vessel types. For instance, a standardized safety protocol for lifeboats can be authored as a DITA topic and effortlessly reused for various vessels equipped with similar lifeboats.

Conditional Processing

Conditional processing in DITA allows documentation authors to tailor content based on specific criteria. This feature is particularly valuable in the maritime industry, where vessels may vary in size, equipment, or operating conditions. Using conditional tags, authors can include or exclude content sections as needed. For example, a maintenance procedure topic can include conditional sections for both diesel and electric propulsion systems. When generating documentation for a particular vessel type, only the relevant sections are included, ensuring that the documentation remains accurate and concise.

Example:

Here’s an example of conditional processing in DITA for standardized equipment documentation:

<topic id="lifeboat_safety_protocol">
  <title>Lifeboat Safety Protocol</title>
  <version>1.2</version>
  <last-reviewed>2023-11-05</last-reviewed>
  <content>...
  <conditions>
    <condition type="vessel-type" value="cargo-ship" />
    <condition type="vessel-type" value="passenger-vessel" />
    <condition type="vessel-type" value="oil-tanker" />
  </conditions>
</topic>

In this DITA example, the “Lifeboat Safety Protocol” topic includes conditional processing based on vessel types. When generating documentation for different vessel types like cargo ships, passenger vessels, or oil tankers, only the relevant sections of the safety protocol are included, streamlining documentation customization.