Design of Large Passenger Ships and Passenger Infrastructure:
Guidance on Meeting the Needs of Disabled People

Section 6
Information and Announcements

6.1 Port and ferry operators should make leaflets available to disabled people covering the facilities available at ports and on ships. Such written material should conform to the RNIB clear print guidelines.

6.2 Safety announcements, whilst covered by marine legislation, should also cater for hearing impaired people by being complemented by video or staff demonstrations. The design of safety signage used throughout the vessel should consider the requirements of disabled people, particularly in respect of lettering, size and height.

6.3 Signs should be provided in accordance with the following design criteria:

Font

6.3.1 Use a clear font such as Helvetica medium san serif.

6.3.2 Character size should be 100mm high, at a viewing distance of 3m or pro rata, with a minimum height of 25mm.

6.3.3 Wherever practical, use pictograms rather than text signage. Pictograms should be in accordance with ISO standards or common practice where an appropriate standard does not exist.

6.3.4 The sign board should be in a colour which contrasts with the background against which it is seen, and the characters on the sign should contrast with the sign board.

6.3.5 Useful advice on the design of signs and signage systems can be obtained from publications of the Joint Mobility Unit.

Audible Information

6.4 Audible message should be made in a clear voice with good diction. Messages should be well structured, with the key words at the beginning to attract attention. Use plain language and avoid jargon and technical terms.

Visual displays

6.5 Visual display units should be positioned at a height which enables passengers to get close. The VDU or electronic display should have a non-reflective surface. Light coloured text against a dark background assists readability. The text should be bright and in a clear font. If it is necessary for the information to scroll, it should do so slowly with sufficient text displayed on the screen at any one time to make reasonable sense of the message.

Websites

6.6 It is possible to design websites so that they are accessible to those using text to speech computer systems. Advice on website design can be obtained from RNIB.

Large Print

6.7 Many people with poor eyesight will be able to read large print. Large print is easy and simple to produce on most standard word processors and printers. Legibility is enhanced by using black type on off white or pale yellow paper. If coloured text is to be used, it should be in a dark tone. Many organisations around the country have good quality recording and production equipment, such organisations include the RNIB and many local associations for blind and partially sighted people.

Dual sensory loss

6.8 A small number of people have a hearing and visual impairment. They will not be able to access information by any of the means listed above other than possibly braille. It is recommended that a member of staff receive training in use of the deafblind alphabet. This is a simple system, which can be easily learnt. As a member of staff is unlikely to use a deaf blind alphabet regularly, they should carry an instruction card to assist them.

Published: 29 November 2000

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