IEC 61996-1-2021 PDF

Full title and description

Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems — Shipborne voyage data recorder (VDR) — Part 1: Performance requirements, methods of testing and required test results. This entry corresponds to IEC 61996-1 as amended in 2021 (IEC 61996-1:2013/A1:2021, consolidated 2021) and specifies minimum performance, technical characteristics and test methods for shipborne VDR installations required under SOLAS Chapter V.

Abstract

IEC 61996-1 sets out performance requirements, required recorded data items, technical characteristics, and methods of testing and expected test results for shipborne voyage data recorders (VDR). The standard takes account of relevant IMO resolutions (including parts of MSC.333(90) and A.694(17)), is associated with IEC 60945, and identifies where its requirements take precedence over IEC 60945. The 2021 amendment updates and clarifies requirements and associated test provisions.

General information

• Status: Current / Active (consolidated edition including Amendment 1:2021).
• Publication date: Amendment published May 1, 2021 (IEC 61996-1:2013 amended by A1:2021; consolidated 2021).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 47.020.70 (Navigation and control equipment).
• Edition / version: Base standard IEC 61996-1 (ed. 2.0, 2013) with Amendment 1 (2021) — commonly referenced as IEC 61996-1:2013+A1:2021 (consolidated).
• Number of pages: Amendment document is short (3 pages for A1:2021); consolidated/base document page counts vary by publisher (consolidated listings indicate larger compilations; some vendor listings show consolidated material up to ~166 pages).

Scope

This part specifies minimum performance requirements, technical characteristics, methods of testing and required test results for shipborne voyage data recorder (VDR) systems as required by Chapter V of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). It incorporates applicable parts of IMO performance standards (for example MSC.333(90)), takes account of IMO resolution A.694(17), and is associated with IEC 60945; where a requirement differs from IEC 60945 the requirement in IEC 61996-1 takes precedence.

Key topics and requirements

• Minimum performance requirements for VDR units (reliability, survivability, environmental protection and power-backup requirements).
• List of mandatory recorded data items and acceptable data formats (navigation, bridge audio, radar, AIS, gyro/heading, speed, and similar inputs).
• Technical characteristics for recorders and float-free/locatable modules, including storage and retrieval requirements.
• Methods of testing and required test results (environmental, electromagnetic, functional tests and playback/download verification).
• Requirements for alarms, download and playback equipment for investigating authorities, and annexes covering sentence formats and LAN image protocols.

Typical use and users

Used by shipbuilders, shipowners/operators, VDR/S-VDR equipment manufacturers, marine electronics integrators, classification societies, flag state administrations, testing laboratories and accident investigation authorities to design, certify, install, test and inspect voyage data recording systems to meet SOLAS requirements.

Related standards

Closely related documents include IEC 60945 (general maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment requirements), IEC 61162 series (marine data sentence formats and network), IMO Resolution MSC.333(90) (performance standards for VDR) and SOLAS Chapter V requirements. The IEC 61996 family also includes Part 2 (S-VDR — simplified VDR).

Keywords

VDR, voyage data recorder, S‑VDR, SOLAS, maritime navigation, performance requirements, testing, IMO MSC.333(90), IEC 60945, shipborne recorder, playback/download, IEC 61996-1.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61996-1 is the international standard that defines performance requirements, technical characteristics and test methods for shipborne voyage data recorders (VDR) required by SOLAS Chapter V; the 2021 item is an amendment (A1:2021) to the 2013 edition and is commonly used in consolidated form.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers what data must be recorded, the minimum performance and survivability characteristics of VDR units (including power and environmental protection), test procedures and pass/fail criteria, and provisions for download/playback equipment and formats used by investigators.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Shipyards, ship operators, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, maritime authorities, classification societies and accident investigation bodies use this standard to design, certify, procure and inspect VDR installations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2013 base edition with Amendment 1 (2021) is in current use as a consolidated reference (IEC 61996-1:2013+A1:2021). Earlier versions (for example 2007) have been superseded by the 2013 edition and its 2021 amendment. Users should verify they hold the consolidated/current publication for compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — IEC 61996 is a multi-part series addressing voyage data recorders. Part 1 covers VDR performance requirements; Part 2 covers the simplified VDR (S‑VDR). Other related IEC and IMO documents provide complementary requirements (eg. IEC 60945, IEC 61162, IMO MSC resolutions).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: VDR, S‑VDR, voyage data recorder, SOLAS Chapter V, performance requirements, testing, IMO MSC.333(90), IEC 60945, IEC 61162.