What is necessary to enable Auto heading in Joystick mode?

To enable Auto heading in Joystick mode, compass input is essential. This is because the system relies on the compass to determine the vessel's current heading and adjust it appropriately to maintain the desired direction. The compass provides real-time data about the ship's orientation relative to magnetic north, allowing the dynamic positioning system to automatically calculate the necessary adjustments needed to keep the heading steady.

In Joystick mode, the operator typically maneuvers the vessel using a joystick, indicating the desired direction of travel. For the system to automatically maintain that heading, it must reference accurate compass data. Without this input, the system would lack the foundational information needed to make precise heading adjustments, which could lead to unwanted drift or course deviations.

The other options, while important for different aspects of vessel operations, do not specifically relate to enabling Auto heading in Joystick mode. Propeller speed measurement, environmental data input, and fuel consumption monitoring serve different operational purposes and are not strictly required for the heading control capabilities tied to the compass input.