5.5 Input Devices
5.5.1 Control Orientation
All controls associated with ship movement should be located so that the operator faces forward.
5.5.2 Movement of Controls
Movement of a control forward, clockwise to the right or up, should turn the equipment or component on, cause the quantity to increase, to move forward, clockwise, to the right, or up.
5.5.3 Corresponding Movements
Controls should be selected so that the direction of movement of the control will be consistent with the related movement of an equipment component, or vessel. The direction of motion of operating elements for maneuvering equipment should correspond with the direction of the effect on the ship caused by the installations controlled.
5.5.4 Return to Navigation Monitoring Mode
When a single device is used simultaneously for voyage planning and navigation monitoring it should be possible to revert to the monitoring mode with a single operator action.
5.5.5 Minimal User Actions
Control actions should be simple, particularly for real-time tasks requiring fast user response; control logic should permit completion of a transaction sequence with the minimum number of actions.
5.5.6 Consistency of Control Actions
The same functions should be activated on devices by the same control actions, as far as practicable.
5.5.7 Feedback
Visual, auditory or mechanical feedback should be provided to indicate that a controller input has been registered.
5.5.8 Operation of Controls
Controls should be easy to identify and operate.
5.5.9 Accessibility of Controls for Important Functions
The controls for the most important and/or frequently used functions should be easily visible and accessible to the user from the normal working position.
5.5.10 Operation of Controls for Important Functions
The controls for the most important and/or friequently used functions should require only a single actuation to accomplish their function.
5.5.11 Assignment of Controls of Important Functions
The controls for the most important and/or frequently used functions should be assigned to only one function.
5.5.12 Accidental Input or Actuation Prevention
The system should be designed to prevent the accidental manipulation of controls, e.g. physical protection, which could result in changes to the status of the system, the system functions, components, or data, e.g. loss of power.
