IEC 61174-2015 PDF

Full title and description

St IEC 61174-2015 — Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems — Electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) — Operational and performance requirements, methods of testing and required test results. This International Standard specifies functional and performance requirements for ECDIS, together with the test methods and required test results used for type approval and verification of ECDIS equipment.

Abstract

IEC 61174:2015 defines minimum operational and performance requirements for Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), and sets out standardized test methods and required test results for type-approval and conformity verification. The 2015 edition updates references to IHO publications and test data sets, adds requirements for radar and AIS display integration, new interface requirements for ship systems (e.g., BNWAS, VDR), introduces anchor-watch functionality and extends testing for operation near high latitudes. The standard is used by manufacturers, testing laboratories and maritime authorities to ensure ECDIS equipment meets IMO-related performance expectations.

General information

• Status: Current (active international standard).
• Publication date: 19 August 2015 (IEC publication date).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 47.020.70 (Navigation and control equipment).
• Edition / version: Edition 4.0 (2015).
• Number of pages: 225 pages (typical published file).

Scope

This standard specifies the minimum operational and performance requirements, the methods of testing and the required test results for ECDIS equipment intended to meet IMO performance standards. It incorporates and references IHO requirements for chart handling and test data sets, and addresses operational features (route planning/monitoring, alarms), data presentation (ENC/SENC handling), system interfaces (radar, AIS, BNWAS, VDR and others), and environmental/latitude operational limits. The 2015 edition also updates test methods to use IHO test data sets and adds requirements and tests for additional interface and display features.

Key topics and requirements

• Minimum operational and performance criteria for ECDIS including route planning, monitoring and alerting.
• Detailed methods of testing and required test results used for type-approval and verification.
• Requirements for handling ENC/SENC data and conformance to IHO product specifications and test data sets.
• Integration and display requirements for radar and AIS information on the ECDIS display (added/expanded in 2015).
• Interface requirements for shipboard systems such as BNWAS, VDR, bridge alarms/messages (BAM), navigation sensors and route transfer functions.
• Operational requirements including anchor watch and extended latitude operation testing (beyond 85°S/85°N where applicable).
• Normative and informative annexes containing test data definitions, SENC display elements, and test procedures for ENC/RNC datasets.

Typical use and users

Used by ECDIS manufacturers during design and production, test houses and type-approval authorities performing equipment certification, ship operators and shipyards verifying equipment fit for intended service, and national maritime administrations adopting ECDIS requirements into regulations or adoption of EN/ISO harmonized versions.

Related standards

Closely related to IMO Performance Standards for ECDIS (MSC resolutions), IEC 60945 (marine equipment general requirements), and IHO publications including S-52, S-57 and the IHO test data sets compiled as S-64. Regional and national adoptions exist as EN/BS/NEN variants (EN 61174 / BS EN 61174 / NEN-EN-IEC 61174).

Keywords

ECDIS, IEC 61174, electronic chart display and information system, ECDIS testing, ENC, SENC, IHO S-57, S-64, AIS integration, radar overlay, maritime navigation equipment, type approval.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61174:2015 is an international standard that specifies operational and performance requirements and test methods for Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) used in maritime navigation.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers minimum functional and performance requirements, required test methods and pass/fail criteria for ECDIS, including data handling for ENCs, display requirements, alarm and route-monitoring functions, and interfaces to other bridge systems such as radar and AIS. The 2015 edition also updated IHO references and added interface/display requirements and additional test methods.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: ECDIS manufacturers, maritime equipment test laboratories, type-approval authorities, shipowners/operators, shipyards and national maritime administrations. It is a primary reference for type approval and for verifying that ECDIS equipment meets IMO-related performance standards.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61174:2015 is the 4th edition published in 2015 and remains the active edition listed by IEC; earlier editions (2008, 2001) were superseded by the 2015 edition. National/regional adoptions (EN/BS/NEN) reflect this 2015 edition. Note that IEC has an ongoing work program for a future edition (ED5) under development—users should confirm the latest status with their national body or the IEC webstore if a new edition is required for procurement or certification.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — IEC 61174 is part of the IEC/IMO/IHO framework of standards and guidance for maritime navigation equipment. It works alongside IEC 60945 (general maritime equipment), IHO standards (S-52, S-57, S-63, S-64) and IMO performance standards and resolutions that establish ECDIS performance expectations.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: ECDIS, ENC, SENC, IHO, type approval, navigation equipment, AIS, radar overlay, maritime standards, IEC 61174.