IEC 61097-3-2017 PDF

Full title and description

Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) - Part 3: Digital selective calling (DSC) equipment - Operational and performance requirements, methods of testing and required test results. This International Standard specifies performance, technical and operational requirements and test methods for shipborne DSC equipment used with MF, MF/HF and VHF installations in the GMDSS, taking into account relevant IMO and ITU provisions.

Abstract

IEC 61097-3:2017 defines the functional, performance and RF test requirements for DSC equipment (notably Classes A and B where applicable), describes required operational behaviour to meet SOLAS Chapter IV carriage requirements, and includes test procedures and required test results for type approval and compliance verification. The 2017 edition incorporates changes from IMO and ITU developments, adds bridge alert management (BAM) considerations, and provides optional provisions for remote operation and consolidated RF test methods.

General information

• Status: Current (active international standard).
• Publication date: 19 October 2017 (2017-10-19).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Technical Committee TC 80 (Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems).
• ICS / categories: 33.060.20 (Receiving and transmitting equipment); 47.020.70 (Navigation and control equipment).
• Edition / version: Edition 2.0 (2017).
• Number of pages: 261 pages (approx.).

Scope

This part of IEC 61097 specifies operational and performance requirements, technical characteristics and methods of testing for shipborne DSC equipment intended for use in MF, MF/HF and VHF GMDSS installations, including provisions needed to satisfy SOLAS Chapter IV carriage requirements. It covers DSC Classes A and B where relevant, and includes RF test methods in annexes for MF, MF/HF and VHF transceivers and watch receivers.

Key topics and requirements

• Performance requirements and technical characteristics for DSC equipment (transmit/receive, signalling, addressing and prioritisation).
• Operational requirements aligned with SOLAS Chapter IV and IMO/ITU recommendations, including DSC alarm and distress procedures.
• Type-approval and factory/test-laboratory test methods and required test results for Class A and Class B equipment.
• RF test methods for MF, MF/HF and VHF transceivers and watch receivers consolidated in annexes.
• Incorporation of IMO and ITU references (e.g., IMO Resolutions A.803/A.804/A.806, MSC/Circ.862; ITU‑R Recommendations including M.493 variants) and alignment with IEC 60945 where applicable.
• Additional 2017‑edition changes such as Bridge Alert Management (BAM) compliance and optional remote operation facilities for DSC functionality.
• Required test results and pass/fail criteria for operational, performance and RF characteristics used in certification and conformity assessment.

All of the above are described and specified in the 2017 edition.

Typical use and users

Primary users are maritime radio-equipment manufacturers, shipyards, test laboratories and notified/type-approval bodies, flag administrations, classification societies, ship operators and maritime equipment inspectors. The standard is used for product design guidance, type approval, conformity testing and regulatory compliance where SOLAS/GMDSS requirements apply.

Related standards

Key related documents include IEC 60945 (shipborne radio equipment and marine navigational equipment general requirements), other parts of the IEC 61097 series, relevant IMO Resolutions (A.803, A.804, A.806 and MSC/Circ.862) and ITU‑R Recommendations such as M.493, M.541, M.689, M.821 and M.1082 which define DSC classes and signalling procedures. These are referenced and incorporated where appropriate in IEC 61097-3:2017.

Keywords

GMDSS; DSC; Digital Selective Calling; shipborne radio; MF; MF/HF; VHF; SOLAS Chapter IV; type approval; RF test methods; bridge alert management; IEC 60945.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61097-3:2017 is an international standard specifying operational and performance requirements, technical characteristics and test methods for shipborne Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment used in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers DSC equipment functionality and performance, addressing and signalling procedures, RF test methods for MF/MF‑HF/VHF transceivers and watch receivers, methods of testing, and required test results for type approval and conformity assessment. It aligns DSC operation with SOLAS Chapter IV and relevant IMO/ITU requirements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of maritime radio equipment, type‑approval and test laboratories, flag administrations, classification societies and ship operators use the standard for design, testing, certification and regulatory compliance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61097-3:2017 is the current edition (Edition 2.0, published October 19, 2017). It replaced the 1994 edition (IEC 61097-3:1994), which was withdrawn when the 2017 edition was published.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. It is Part 3 of the IEC 61097 series (GMDSS). Other parts of IEC 61097 and related IEC maritime communications standards (for example IEC 60945) address complementary equipment and general requirements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: GMDSS, DSC, digital selective calling, shipborne radio, MF, HF, VHF, type approval, RF testing, SOLAS, IMO, ITU.