IEC 63173-2-2022 PDF

Full title and description

IEC 63173-2:2022 — Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems — Data interfaces — Part 2: Secure communication between ship and shore (SECOM). This part defines the SECOM information service interfaces (APIs), information security measures and service discoverability mechanisms to enable secure, interoperable exchange of maritime data (designed for IHO S-100 based products but payload-agnostic). SECOM targets technical interoperability for online secure exchange using IP-based web services while leaving “last mile” link technologies and physical/link-layer transport unspecified.

Abstract

IEC 63173-2 (SECOM) standardises a service-layer exchange framework for maritime information between ship and shore (and between ships), specifying interfaces for data exchange, service discovery and information security. It is intended primarily to support S-100 family products but is designed to be payload-agnostic so other data types can be transported via the same interface model. SECOM relies on IP-based web services for information exchange, defines service registry and discoverability features, and includes provisions for a PKI-like key management and data protection alternatives. The document does not mandate physical or link-layer transports and includes an informative annex illustrating a “last mile” implementation.

General information

• Status: International Standard (published / in force).
• Publication date: 30 May 2022.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), TC 80.
• ICS / categories: 47.020.70 (Navigation and control equipment).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2022).
• Number of pages: 402 pages.

(Product metadata and publication details as listed by the IEC webstore.)

Scope

Specifies the SECOM information service interface(s) supporting secure exchange of maritime information services and service discoverability. SECOM defines information security measures (including communication channel security and a variant of PKI with service interfaces for key management), service discovery/registry operations, and the expected technical behaviour of SECOM information services. It is primarily applicable to IP-based web services and is payload-agnostic (designed for S-100 but usable for other data). SECOM intentionally does not specify physical or link-layer transports nor prescribe the “last mile” connection between a service and an end-user application (an informative annex shows one implementation option).

Key topics and requirements

• SECOM information service interface definitions (APIs) for exchanging maritime information services over IP-based web services.
• Service discovery and registry operations allowing consumers to search for and select service instances (discoverability).
• Information security provisions: communication channel security, data protection alternatives between end-users, and a PKI-variant with defined key-management service interfaces.
• Payload-agnostic approach that is compatible with IHO S-100 product families (e.g., S-421 route plans) but usable for other data types.
• Non-prescriptive stance on physical/link-layer and “last mile” transport — SECOM requires IP-support but allows different link technologies between vendor APIs and ship/shore systems; informative Annex D provides an example.
• Targeted to support public (governmental) and private (commercial) services as well as ship–ship, ship–shore and shore–ship use cases.

Typical use and users

Intended users include maritime systems and equipment manufacturers, port and shore service providers, hydrographic offices, maritime software vendors, service operators implementing S-100 product distribution, and system integrators building shipboard or shore-side services. Use cases include secure distribution of S-100 nautical products, route plan exchange and other voyage-related information services, navigational warnings, chart updates and other operational data exchanges between ships and shore systems. Industry commentary and reporting at publication highlighted SECOM as a foundation for interoperable maritime data exchange and maritime data security.

Related standards

IEC 63173-2 is part of the IEC 63173 series of maritime data-interface standards. Related publications include IEC 63173-1 (Part 1: S-421 route plan based on S-100) and IHO S-100 product specifications (managed by the International Hydrographic Organization). SECOM is designed to interoperate with S-100 family products and complements other maritime interface standards and guidance (for example, existing IEC/IMO/IHO standards addressing navigation data formats and maritime communications).

Keywords

SECOM, IEC 63173-2, maritime data, ship-shore communication, S-100, service discovery, API, PKI, information security, web services, route plan (S-421), maritime interoperability.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 63173-2:2022 (SECOM) is an international standard that specifies service interfaces, discoverability and information-security arrangements for secure exchange of maritime information between ship and shore (and ship–ship).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers SECOM API definitions for information services, service discovery/registry operations, information security measures (including a PKI-like approach and channel/data protection alternatives), and guidance on implementation patterns. It requires IP-capable transport but does not mandate physical or link-layer transports or “last mile” connection technologies.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Maritime equipment and software vendors, hydrographic authorities, port/shore service providers, system integrators, and operators that need secure, interoperable exchange of S-100 and other maritime data.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 63173-2:2022 was published on 30 May 2022 and is the first edition (edition 1.0). The IEC webstore lists a stability date of 2026; at the time of publication it is the current international edition. Users should check national/adopting bodies for any regional adoptions or amendments.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 2 of the IEC 63173 series. Part 1 (IEC 63173-1:2021) defines the S-421 route-plan product specification based on IHO S-100; SECOM (Part 2) provides the secure service-layer exchange mechanisms that can be used to distribute S-100 products such as those defined in Part 1.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: SECOM, S-100, maritime interoperability, API, service discovery, PKI, information security, ship–shore, web services, route plan (S-421).