Section 7 Ergonomics of lighting

7.1.1 In order to meet the ergonomic requirements of Vol 2, Pt 10, Ch 1, 7.2 Luminance distribution the positioning and installation of lights are to comply with Vol 2, Pt 10, Ch 1, 7.1 Positioning and installation 7.1.2.

7.1.2 Natural lighting through the use of windows and doors is to be provided as far as practicable.

7.1.3 Lights are to be positioned, as far as practicable, in the same horizontal plane and arranged symmetrically to produce a uniform level of illumination.

7.1.4 Lights are to be positioned so as to reduce bright spots and shadows as far as possible.

7.1.5 Lights are to be positioned taking account of structures such as beams and columns etc. so the lighting is not blocked by these items.

7.1.6 Lights are not to be positioned in locations which would result in limited illumination.

7.1.7 Lights are to be positioned taking account of air-conditioning vents or fans, fire detectors, water sprinklers, etc. so the lighting is not blocked by these items.

7.1.8 The position of lights configured to strips or tubes is, as far as practicable, to be at right angles to an Operator’s line of sight while the Operator is located at their typical duty station.

7.1.9 Any physical hazards that provide a risk to operator safety are to be appropriately illuminated.

7.1.10 The position of lights is to consider the transfer of heat to adjacent surfaces.

7.1.11 Lights are to be positioned in locations that are easy to reach for bulb replacement or maintenance.

7.2.1 In order to provide even, fatigue-free illumination the requirements of Vol 2, Pt 10, Ch 1, 7.2 Luminance distribution 7.2.2 to Vol 2, Pt 10, Ch 1, 7.2 Luminance distribution 7.2.6 are to be complied with.

7.2.2 The light levels falling on the plane in which a task is performed, are to be suitable for the type of task, i.e. they are to consider the variation in the working planes.

7.2.3 Sharp contrasts in illumination levels across an operator task or working plane are to be avoided, as far as possible.

7.2.4 Sharp contrasts in illumination levels between an operator task area and the immediate surround and general background area are to be avoided, as far as possible.

7.2.5 Where required for operational tasks, local lighting is to be provided in addition to general lighting.

7.2.6 Lighting is to be free of perceived flicker.

7.3.1 In order to minimise glare (to avoid dazzle, discomfort and fatigue), the requirements of Vol 2, Pt 10, Ch 1, 7.3 Glare 7.3.2 are to be complied with.

7.3.2 Lights are to be positioned so as to reduce as far as possible glare or high brightness reflections from working and display surfaces.

7.3.3 Lights are to be positioned so as to provide even illumination and minimal glare on controls, displays and indicators.

7.3.4 Where necessary, suitable blinds and shading devices are to be used to prevent glare.

7.3.5 Surfaces are to have a non-reflective or matt finish in order to reduce the likelihood of indirect glare.

7.3.6 Where a transparent cover is fitted over a control, display or indicator, it is to be designed to minimise reflections.

7.4.1 In order to allow convenient use of lighting the requirements of Vol 2, Pt 10, Ch 1, 7.4 Location of lighting controls and outlets 7.4.2 to Vol 2, Pt 10, Ch 1, 7.4 Location of lighting controls and outlets 7.4.6 are to be complied with.

7.4.2 The lighting system is to be easily maintained and operated by personnel.

7.4.3 Lighting is to be controllable locally in accommodation and working areas, except where this conflicts with safety requirements.

7.4.4 Light switches and dimmers are to be fitted in easily accessible locations where safe and effective operation is possible.

7.4.5 The mounting height of switches is to be such that personnel can reach switches with ease.

7.4.6 Power outlets are to be provided where temporary, local, task lighting will be required, except in hazardous areas.

7.5.1 In order to maintain night vision and facilitate safety during hours of darkness (including ‘dark ship' state, where relevant), the requirements of Vol 2, Pt 10, Ch 1, 7.5 Night vision of watch keepers 7.5.4 to Vol 2, Pt 10, Ch 1, 7.5 Night vision of watch keepers 7.5.11 are to be complied with.

7.5.2 Lighting on the ship’s superstructure is to be directed away from, and shaded to prevent direct illumination of, the bridge windows and lookout points. Attention is drawn to the requirements of International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) with regard to exhibition of lights other than navigation lights.

7.5.3 Lookout positions are to offer shading from direct illumination by off-ship operations.

7.5.4 A satisfactory level of lighting is to be available to enable members of the bridge team to complete such tasks as chart work at sea, and maintenance and ship management in port, by daylight or darkness.

7.5.5 A satisfactory level of flexibility within the lighting system is to be available to enable members of the bridge team to adjust the lighting in brightness and direction as required in different areas of the bridge and by individual user interface devices.

7.5.6 During hours of darkness, and including ‘dark ship’ operations, it is to be possible for bridge personnel to discern equipment on the bridge so that they can move about and locate equipment.

7.5.7 The controls of dimmers are to be at the margin of visibility of the dark-adapted eye. This illumination is to be compatible with image intensifying devices.

7.5.8 Low intensity light is to be used to maintain dark adaptation whenever possible in areas or on items of equipment, other than the chart table, requiring illumination in the operational mode. This is to include equipment in the bridge wings.

7.5.9 Indirect low intensity lighting is to be available at deck level, especially for internal doors and staircases.

7.5.10 Instrument lighting in specified areas is to be such that duty personnel can read off displays, dials and indicators without impediment of dark adaptation.

7.5.11 Lighting (including lighting of instruments, keyboards and controls) is to be adjustable down to zero to preserve dark adaptation and for ‘dark ship’ operations, except for alarm and warning indicators, which are to remain at the margin of readability of the dark-adapted eye. This illumination is to be compatible with image intensifying devices.