DITA XML is versatile and can be used to produce various types of maritime content, offering structured authoring and content reuse capabilities. Here are some common types of maritime content that are commonly produced using DITA:

Safety Procedures

Maritime safety is of paramount importance, and DITA is often used to author safety procedures. Whether it’s guidelines for handling hazardous materials, emergency response plans, or safety protocols for specific maritime operations, DITA’s structured approach allows for the clear documentation of safety procedures, ensuring that critical information is readily available to the crew.

Navigation Guides

Navigational guides, including charts, maps, and instructions for safe maritime navigation, benefit from DITA’s ability to manage complex data. DITA enables the creation of structured content that can be easily updated when navigational information changes. This ensures that vessels have access to accurate and up-to-date guidance to navigate safely in various waterways.

International Regulations

The maritime industry is subject to numerous international regulations and standards. DITA facilitates the creation and management of content related to these regulations, making it easier for maritime organizations to stay compliant. Content such as International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, environmental compliance guidelines, and reporting requirements can be efficiently documented using DITA’s structured approach.

Example:

Here’s an example of how DITA can be used to structure safety procedures for maritime operations:

<topic id="hazardous_materials_handling">
  <title>Hazardous Materials Handling</title>
  <version>1.1</version>
  <last-revised>2023-10-15</last-revised>
  <revised-by>Captain Smith</revised-by>
  <content>...

In this DITA topic, safety procedures for handling hazardous materials are documented. The version, last revision date, and the author responsible for the latest changes are clearly recorded, ensuring that safety information is traceable and up-to-date.