Managing variations of content for different vessel types and operational scenarios is a critical challenge for maritime companies. DITA XML provides an effective solution by allowing organizations to create structured content that can be easily adapted and customized based on specific requirements.

Modular Content Creation

DITA enables the creation of modular content, where information is broken down into smaller, reusable components called topics. These topics can contain content related to different vessel types or operational scenarios. Content creators can then assemble these topics to create tailored documents. For example, information about engine maintenance for cargo ships can be combined with information about navigation procedures for fishing boats to create a comprehensive manual for a specific vessel type.

Conditional Processing

Conditional processing in DITA allows organizations to apply conditions to content. This means that specific content can be included or excluded based on criteria such as vessel type, operational scenario, or even language. For instance, a manual for a passenger cruise ship may include information about passenger safety procedures, while a manual for a cargo ship may omit this content. This level of customization ensures that crew members have access to the most relevant information for their specific situation.

Example:

Here’s an example of how DITA enables the management of variations in content:

<topic id="engine_maintenance">
  <title>Engine Maintenance</title>
  <condition vessel-type="cargo-ship">...
  <condition vessel-type="fishing-boat">...
  <content>...

In this DITA topic, conditional processing is used to deliver different content for engine maintenance based on the vessel type.