IEC 61097-14-2010 PDF

Full title and description

Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) - Part 14: AIS search and rescue transmitter (AIS-SART) - Operational and performance requirements, methods of testing and required test results. IEC 61097-14:2010 specifies minimum performance requirements, technical characteristics, test methods and required test results for AIS-SART devices intended to be carried by ships as search-and-rescue locating devices under SOLAS Chapters III and IV.

Abstract

This standard defines the operational behaviour, transmission characteristics and environmental and performance tests for Automatic Identification System Search and Rescue Transmitters (AIS‑SART). It ensures AIS‑SART messages are compatible with existing AIS installations, specifies marking and identification requirements, and establishes test methods and pass/fail criteria for type approval and regulatory compliance.

General information

• Status: Published international standard (base publication).
• Publication date: 18 February 2010.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 47.020.70 (Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2010).
• Number of pages: 79 pages (IEC publication listing).

Scope

IEC 61097-14:2010 covers AIS Search and Rescue Transmitters (AIS‑SART) intended as ship‑carried search-and-rescue locating devices required by SOLAS (Chapters III and IV). The scope includes required message types and timing, electrical and RF performance, environmental and mechanical robustness, battery and expiry/battery‑base requirements, marking, documentation and the specific test methods and required results for type approval. The standard takes account of relevant IMO resolutions and is associated with general maritime equipment requirements such as IEC 60945.

Key topics and requirements

• Operational behaviour and message content: AIS‑SART message formats, periodicity and timing to ensure compatibility with AIS and SAR systems.
• RF performance: transmitter power, frequency stability, channel occupancy and spectral requirements for operation in the maritime VHF AIS channels.
• Battery and endurance: minimum battery life, expiry/replace-by marking and performance under expected operating conditions.
• Environmental and mechanical tests: temperature, vibration, shock, humidity and ingress protection to demonstrate reliable operation at sea.
• Identification and labelling: unique identifiers (user ID), marking, manuals and instructions required for certification and use.
• Test methods and required results: defined laboratory and bench tests with pass/fail criteria to support type approval.
• Normative and referenced documents: links to IMO performance standards and radiocommunication recommendations (for example IMO resolutions and ITU‑R/IEC references used for measurement methods and AIS signalling).

Typical use and users

Manufacturers of maritime AIS rescue locating equipment, conformity assessment and test laboratories, maritime authorities and flag state approval bodies, shipowners and shipyards seeking compliance with SOLAS carriage requirements, and search-and-rescue organizations that rely on AIS locators. Regulatory bodies and standards developers also use the standard when drafting national/adopted versions (for example EN adoptions).

Related standards

Commonly referenced documents include IEC 60945 (maritime equipment — general requirements and test methods), IEC standards on GNSS receivers (IEC 61108 series), ITU‑R Recommendation M.1371 (AIS technical characteristics), and IMO performance standards for survival craft AIS‑SART (e.g., IMO MSC/RES documents). The standard is part of the broader IEC/ISO/IMO framework governing GMDSS equipment.

Keywords

AIS‑SART, GMDSS, SOLAS, search and rescue transmitter, maritime distress locating, performance requirements, test methods, IEC 61097 series.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61097-14:2010 is the International Electrotechnical Commission standard that specifies operational, performance and testing requirements for AIS Search and Rescue Transmitters (AIS‑SART) used as ship‑carried locating devices.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers message formats and timings, RF and electrical performance, environmental and mechanical requirements, battery/endurance criteria, labelling and documentation, and detailed test methods with required results for type approval.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Device manufacturers, test and certification laboratories, maritime regulators and flag administrations, shipowners and SAR agencies involved in procurement, certification and operation of AIS rescue locators.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61097-14:2010 is the 2010 edition (Edition 1.0). The IEC Webstore lists the publication date as 18 February 2010 and a stability date of 2026; users should check national adoption notices or the IEC Webstore for any amendments, corrigenda or later revisions before relying on current regulatory requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. It is Part 14 of the IEC 61097 series addressing GMDSS equipment; other parts of IEC 61097 and related IEC maritime standards cover different GMDSS equipment and testing requirements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: AIS‑SART, GMDSS, SOLAS, AIS, search and rescue, type approval, performance testing.