Page No. 21 - 28: Towards mandatory standardization of technical documentation

Abstract

Technical documentation guides the operators in handling machinery and technology safely.

In the operation of ships and its machinery, there is no standard for technical documentation. Every manufacturer creates technical documentation the way he thinks is best. Because of this, all technical manuals delivered for a ship look different and are structured differently.  In case of an integrated system, the designer or yard delivers own technical documentation separately and merely adds the manuals from the component manufacturers, which for the crew is a nightmare to use.

This paper advocates mandatory standards for technical documentation in the operation of ships and its equipment.