What determines the amount of thruster force used while operating in joystick mode?

The amount of thruster force used while operating in joystick mode is primarily determined by joystick deflection and settings. When an operator moves the joystick, the deflection indicates the desired direction and magnitude of force required to maneuver the vessel. The joystick acts as an interface that translates the operator's intentions into specific commands for the thrusters.

Additionally, various settings on the joystick control may alter how sensitive the joystick is to deflection, affecting the response of the thrusters accordingly. For example, some systems allow users to adjust the sensitivity, so a small movement of the joystick can result in a larger or smaller thruster output depending on the needs of the operation. This means that the operator has direct control over how much thrust is applied, which is crucial for precise maneuvers, especially in challenging conditions.

While wind speed and direction, environmental conditions, and vessel weight all play significant roles in the overall operational procedure and efficiency of a DP system, they do not directly dictate the amount of thruster force applied through the joystick, making the joystick deflection and settings the primary determinants in joystick mode operation.