4.1 General 4.1.1 Introduction All equipment shall be subjected to all the appropriate tests in this standard unless otherwise specified in the relevant equipment standard, with the fo
Definitions
For the purposes of this International Standard, the following definitions apply:
3.1.1 electronic navigational aid an electronic item, for example instrument, device or chart, carried on board and intended to assist the navigation of a craft
Maintenance involves the repair or replacement of defective parts and necessary software corrections While minor changes and improvements to existing functionality are classified as maintenance, the introduction of new functionality does not fall under this category.
3.1.3 operational check a check by a suitably qualified person to confirm that the equipment complies with the operational requirements in this standard or in the equipment standard
3.1.4 performance check a short functional test carried out during or after a technical test to confirm that the equipment operates
3.1.5 performance check (EMC) a short functional test carried out during or after an EMC test to confirm that the equipment complies with the required immunity performance criteria
3.1.6 performance test a measurement or a group of measurements carried out during or after a technical test to confirm that the equipment complies with selected parameters as defined in the equipment standard
3.1.7 pre-conditioning the treatment of a specimen with the object of removing or partly counteracting the effects of its previous history
NOTE 1 Where pre-conditioning is called for, it is the first process in the test procedure
To ensure accurate measurements and tests, it is essential to stabilize the properties of the specimen by subjecting it to specific climatic, electrical, or other conditions as outlined in the relevant specifications.
The product family EMC standard defines specific electromagnetic requirements and testing procedures tailored for particular product families It is based on IEC basic standards, coordinated with IEC generic standards, and takes precedence over those generic standards.
Abbreviations used in this standard
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
CDN Coupling and decoupling network
CISPR International special committee on radio interference d.c Direct current
EFT/B Electrical fast transients/bursts
EMC Electromagnetic compatibility e.m.f Electromotive force
ISO International Organization for Standardization
PT Performance test r.m.s Root mean square
SOLAS International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea
SMCPs Standard Marine Communication Phrases
IMO performance standards
For the purpose of interpreting IMO performance standards the following definitions apply:
Access must be easily attainable and unrestricted, aligning with its intended function Operators should be able to access the system comfortably from their designated workstations without the need for tools While maintenance access may have different requirements, it should still be straightforward, avoiding the need to remove other fixtures or use special aids.
3.3.2 adjustments; normal adjustments made by an operator in the course of equipment usage to maintain its operational efficiency
3.3.3 atmosphere; satisfactory an atmosphere suitable for the preservation, safety and comfort of occupying material and/or personnel
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3.3.4 audible; clearly of sufficient amplitude and characteristics relative to the ambient noise environment to alert a person with normal hearing within a prescribed area
3.3.5 conspicuous/prominent/clearly visible of good visibility by virtue of position, size or contrast with surroundings
3.3.6 marked; clearly marked in a conspicuous place with information which can be easily seen and understood by qualified personnel
3.3.7 means; all practicable means within accepted practice, or of a similar implementation standard, for the equipment or function concerned
3.3.8 observable; readily affording unrestricted visibility of legible information to an operator at his assigned (not necessarily fixed) work station
3.3.9 operable; readily operable without difficulty regarding access to controls, action required and indication of response
3.3.10 qualified; suitably trained and experienced in the operation of specified equipment
3.3.11 removable/renewable/replaceable; easily capable of removal, etc by qualified personnel on board ship with the use of tools, if necessary, but without the need to disturb other equipment
3.3.12 time; adequate sufficient time for the execution of a function by equipment with a qualified operator
3.3.13 time; limited the maximum permitted time for the execution of a function (must be compatible with adequate time)
3.3.14 ventilated; adequately maintaining a satisfactory atmosphere (as previously defined) or environment within a compartment or equipment
General
All equipment must undergo the relevant tests outlined in this standard, unless specified otherwise in the equipment standard Exceptions include: a) waiving the solar radiation, oil, and corrosion tests if the manufacturer provides evidence that the materials and finishes meet the requirements; b) waiving the safety test for visual display units (VDU) if the manufacturer can demonstrate compliance; and c) waiving the X-radiation test if the manufacturer proves the equipment meets the necessary standards.
The relevant equipment standard referred to above shall contain the following information which is required for the conduct of tests in this standard:
– pre-conditioning for environmental tests (see 8.1)
To support administrations in issuing type approval as mandated by SOLAS, the laboratory or testing facility performing technical tests must be accredited for this purpose and adhere to relevant international standards for calibration and quality control.
Operational checks, particularly those involving subjective judgement, shall be conducted by personnel having appropriate qualifications and nautical knowledge
Requirements and the related tests are cross-referenced in annex F
Equipment that offers features beyond the minimum standards outlined in this regulation and the applicable equipment standard must ensure that the operation and potential malfunction of these additional features do not compromise the overall performance of the equipment.
(A.694/2) Equipment shall be installed in such a manner that it is capable of meeting the requirements of applicable performance standards adopted by IMO
This standard does not include tests to meet the IMO requirement, as it is focused exclusively on equipment For installation guidance, refer to IEC 60092, IEC 60533, and the relevant equipment manuals.
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Design and operation
Equipment shall be so constructed that it is capable of being operated readily and in accordance with the requirements of the relevant standard by a suitably qualified person
The user shall be easily able to develop and maintain an understanding of the HMI state at any time
The HMI shall not increase workload in a way that causes risk to safety related operational requirements
(A.694/3.1) The number of operational controls, their design and manner of function, location, arrangement and size shall provide for simple, quick and effective operation
Controls shall be arranged in functional groups
The layout of function keys shall be compatible with their importance, for example keys for emergency functions should have a prominent position, distinctive appearance and be dedicated to their function
All operational controls must be designed for easy normal adjustments while minimizing the risk of accidental activation Additionally, controls that are not necessary for regular operation should be kept out of easy reach.
The operation of a control shall not cause obscuration of its related indicator where observation of the indicator is necessary for making the adjustment
All operations must include a clearly defined method for users to recover from mistakes or exit undesirable states Users should have the ability to start, pause, resume, and complete operations seamlessly Additionally, any incomplete or interrupted manual inputs should not hinder the equipment's functionality.
(A.694/3.2) All operational controls and indicators shall be easy to identify and to read from the position at which the equipment is normally operated
Controls and indicators must be labeled in English, utilizing the identifications outlined in the equipment standard Additionally, symbols from IEC 60417 or the applicable equipment standard may be incorporated alongside the English labels.
Displays should convey only essential information relevant to their purpose, avoiding any unnecessary details or graphics At a minimum, the information must be presented in English.
Menus should be organized based on their functions, ensuring that similar items behave consistently Users should not need to recall information when navigating between different sections of a menu.
The system must ensure that the state is observable, with crucial data readily displayed for user operations All necessary information for performing tasks should be accessible on the current screen, and each operational mode must be clearly identified Additionally, users should have the ability to revert to the original status with a single action at any point during a screen-supported operation.
Consistent feedback timing is essential to meet task requirements, ensuring that responses to actions are provided promptly In cases where there is a noticeable delay, clear visual indicators should be presented to inform users.
Displayed text shall be clearly legible to the user and easy to understand Simple natural language shall be used wherever possible The equipment shall employ marine terminology
Where additional on-line help is available it shall be in task dependent form, easy to search and list the steps to be carried out
Information should be displayed on a high-contrast background that minimizes light emission at night to preserve the night vision of the officer on watch.
Voice announcement, if provided, shall be supplementary to other indications and alarms
Failure of the voice announcement system shall not degrade the operation of the provided indicators and alarms
All announcements must be made in at least basic English, utilizing clear marine terminology It is essential that these announcements are easily understood and distinct from typical commands issued by personnel.
Methods shall be provided to check the functionality of the voice output and to adjust the necessary volume It shall be possible to adjust the volume to extinction
Announcements shall be clearly understandable at all possible places where the operator may be situated and under the prevailing environmental conditions
Loudness of announcements shall not exceed that defined for alarms (see 4.2.2.2) Sudden changes of loudness shall not be permitted
Announcements shall be stopped when their associated indication or alarm is acknowledged
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The system shall attempt to prevent ascertainable user-action error from occurring
All actions that may cause irreversible errors shall require a confirmation before proceeding
When an action causes a detectable error, the system shall give clear feedback such as by including UNDO and/or REDO options where possible
Equipment shall make use of any quality indication contained in the input from other systems or sources
The user is to have available means to return to a known safe state with a single action
(A.803/2.6) A distress alert shall be activated only by means of a dedicated distress button
This button shall not be any key of an ITU-T digital input panel or an ISO keyboard provided on the equipment, shall be red in colour and marked “DISTRESS”
(A.803/2.7) The dedicated distress button shall:
2) be protected against inadvertent operation by means of a spring loaded lid or cover
(A.803/2.8) The distress alert initiation shall require at least two independent actions
The equipment designed for transmitting distress alerts must clearly indicate the status of the alert transmission Additionally, there should be a minimum time delay of 3 seconds between the initial activation of the button and the actual activation of the alert.
(A.803/2.10) It shall be possible to interrupt the repetition of distress alerts and initiate distress alerts at any time
Equipment with a safety-related function shall be simple in design
(A.694/3.4) The design of the equipment shall be such that misuse of the controls shall not cause damage to the equipment or injury to personnel
Operational controls must be safeguarded to prevent unintentional activation that could inadvertently turn off equipment, degrade its performance, or produce misleading indications that are not easily recognizable by the operator.
Provision shall be made for the removal of, or for blocking off, the position of controls of any optional facilities which are not fitted
(A.694/3.6) Where a digital input panel with the digits “0" to “9" is provided, the digits shall preferably be arranged to conform with ITU-T recommendation E.161/Q.11 (4x3 array)
However, where an alpha-numeric keyboard layout, as used on office machinery and data processing equipment, is provided, the digits “0" to “9" may, alternatively, be arranged to conform with ISO 3791
The equipment shall be provided with facilities, which permit the testing of all operational indicators (alarm, warning and routine), displays and audible devices required by the relevant equipment standard
Warning and alarm indicators shall show no light in normal condition (indication of a safe situation) Alarm indications shall be red, or if on displays, red or otherwise highlighted
If alarm messages are displayed on colour VDUs, the alarm status shall remain visible in the event of a failure of one colour of the display system
The sound pressure level of an audible alarm 1 m from the source shall be at least 75 dB(A) but not greater than 85 dB(A)
In areas with low ambient lighting, equipment must include adequate adjustable illumination to ensure controls are identifiable and indicators are readable at all times Additionally, provisions should be made to dim any equipment light source that could potentially interfere with navigation.
Any external illumination required shall be clearly identified in the equipment manual
The lighting must be glare-free and adjustable to complete darkness, except for warning and alarm indicators that need to remain visible during alerts, as well as indicators for powering on/off, resetting equipment, or initiating distress signals, which should be clearly visible under all ambient lighting conditions.
Transparent covers to instruments shall not cause reflections which reduce readability
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The software design and testing code of practice must be clearly defined and adhere to a quality control system that is audited by a qualified authority This code should outline the development methodology and the applicable standards, including essential criteria for ensuring software integrity and reliability.
Complex software must be designed to enable independent testing of individual modules or groups of related modules Safety protection functions associated with control functions should always prioritize safety.
– the structure shall support maintenance and up-dates of software by minimizing the risk of undetected problems and failures
Power supply
(A.694/4.1) Equipment shall continue to operate in accordance with the requirements of the relevant standard in the presence of variations of the power supply normally to be expected in a ship
(A.694/4.2) Means shall be incorporated for the protection of equipment from the effects of excessive current and voltage, transients and accidental reversal of the power supply polarity or phase sequence
4.3.3 Power supply short-term variation and power supply failure
When operating equipment from multiple electrical energy sources, it is essential to have arrangements in place for a quick transition between these sources However, these arrangements do not need to be built directly into the equipment itself.
Durability and resistance to environmental conditions
(A.694/5) Equipment shall be capable of continuous operation under the conditions of various sea states, ships' motion, vibration, humidity and temperature likely to be experienced in ships
This standard classifies equipment into four categories: a) portable, b) weather-protected (previously class B), c) weather-exposed (previously class X), and d) submerged or in continuous contact with seawater (previously class S).
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Examples of equipment in each category are given in annex D
The equipment manual shall identify the category of the equipment
A description of the environmental conditions for ships is given in annex B.
Interference
All feasible measures must be implemented to guarantee electromagnetic compatibility between the equipment in question and other radiocommunication and navigational devices on board, in accordance with the applicable standards outlined in chapters III, IV, and V of the SOLAS Convention.
Equipment earthing requirements shall be incorporated in the equipment installation instructions and shall, as a minimum, comply with IEC 60533
A description of the electromagnetic compatibility (see IEC 60050-161) requirements for ships is in annex C
(A.694/6.2) Mechanical noise from all units shall be limited so as not to prejudice the hearing of sounds on which the safety of the ship might depend
Each piece of equipment intended for installation near a standard or steering magnetic compass must be clearly labeled with the minimum safe distance required for mounting.
Alternatively, the minimum safe distance for fixed equipment may be given in the equipment manual, but portable equipment shall always be marked
ISO 694 specifies that "vicinity" in relation to the compass refers to a separation of 5 meters For equipment that lacks a designated compass safe distance, the manual must include instructions indicating that the equipment should be placed outside this defined vicinity.
Safety precautions
4.6.1 Protection against accidental access to dangerous voltages
To prevent accidental access to dangerous voltages, all components and wiring with peak voltages exceeding 50 V must be adequately protected This includes automatic isolation from electrical energy sources when protective covers are removed Alternatively, access to these voltages should require the use of a tool, such as a spanner or screwdriver Additionally, clear warning labels must be displayed both inside the equipment and on the protective covers.
(A.694/7.2) Means shall be provided for earthing exposed metallic parts of the equipment, but this shall not cause any terminal of the source of electrical energy to be earthed
(A.694/7.3) All practicable steps shall be taken to ensure that electromagnetic radio frequency energy, radiated from the equipment shall not be a hazard to personnel
(A.694/7.4) Equipment containing elements such as vacuum tubes, for example cathode ray tubes, magnetrons and TR cells, which are likely to cause X-radiation shall comply with the following requirements
1) External X-radiation from the equipment in its normal working condition shall not exceed the limits laid down by the Administration concerned
2) When X-radiation can be generated inside the equipment above the level specified by the
Administration, a prominent warning shall be fixed inside and outside the equipment and the precautions to be taken when working on the equipment shall be included in the equipment manual
If any equipment malfunction could lead to an increase in X-radiation, the equipment manual must provide clear warnings about the potential circumstances and outline the necessary precautions to ensure safety.
Maintenance
(A.694/8.1) The equipment shall be so designed that the main units can be replaced readily, for on-board repair, without elaborate recalibration or readjustment
(A.694/8.2) Equipment shall be so constructed and installed that it is readily accessible for inspection and maintenance purposes
Equipment must be designed for easy onboard software maintenance, supported by proper labeling as per section 4.9 (Marking and Identification) Additionally, maintenance procedures should not require any user retraining.
On board documentation shall be updated with the software maintenance to reflect any changes introduced.
Equipment manuals
(A.694/8.3) Adequate information shall be provided to enable the equipment to be properly operated and maintained by suitably qualified members of a ship’s crew
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Operating and servicing manuals must be written in English and clearly identify the equipment category For equipment designed for fault diagnosis and repair at the component level, they should include comprehensive circuit diagrams, component layouts, and a parts list In contrast, for equipment with complex modules where component-level repair is impractical, the manuals must provide adequate information to locate, identify, and replace defective modules.
Other modules and those discrete components which do not form part of modules shall also meet the requirements of 4.8 c) above
Sufficient information must be provided to ensure that equipment is installed correctly, allowing it to function according to the relevant equipment standards while considering the constraints imposed by the operation of other equipment that will also be installed on the bridge.
Marking and identification
(A.694/9) Each unit of the equipment shall be marked externally with the following information which, where practicable, shall be clearly visible in the normal installed position:
2) equipment type number or model identification under which it was type tested; and
3) serial number of the unit
Alternatively, the marking may be presented on a display at equipment start-up
The equipment shall be marked either before delivery to the ship, or on the ship at the time of installation
The title and version of each software element included in the installed software system shall be either marked or displayed on command on the equipment
When the marking and the title and version of the software are displayed only on the display, such information shall also be included in the equipment manual
Marking requirements for compass safe distance are given in 4.5.3
5 Methods of testing and required test results
General
The testing process is divided into two main categories: technical tests and operational checks Technical tests assess performance, durability, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and are conducted in a laboratory or test facility In contrast, operational checks evaluate the adequacy of facilities for the operational use of equipment and can be performed either in a laboratory or on a ship.
Technical performance confirmation is necessary at multiple levels A performance test is required to verify compliance with specific equipment standard parameters, while performance checks are sufficient to ensure that the equipment is operational.
Performance checks are typically quicker and less detailed than performance tests While a single definition may be adequate for some equipment, it is often beneficial to establish distinct checks for different test types as outlined in this standard.
Performance tests and checks must be clearly outlined in the equipment standard In cases where an equipment standard is absent or does not specify the performance test, the test will be conducted according to the defined test plan and detailed in the test report.
Durability tests assess the resilience of equipment against mechanical wear caused by the shipboard environment and mishandling, including impacts from dropping, as well as challenges during transportation and installation.
EMC tests either check that equipment can operate as intended in the expected shipborne electromagnetic environment, or that it does not contribute unduly to that environment
Except where otherwise stated, electric power shall be supplied to the equipment under test
(EUT) only during the periods specified for EMC tests, for performance tests, and checks and operational checks
Unless a deviation is specifically stated in the relevant equipment standard, all tests and checks shall be carried out as called for, and under the conditions prescribed in this standard
Tests may be conducted in any convenient order, unless a sequence is specified in the relevant equipment standard, and may be combined
Adequate information shall be provided to enable the EUT to be properly set up, maintained and operated during testing
Cross-references between the IMO Resolution A.694 and the tests in this standard are in annex F.
Test conditions
Normal and extreme test conditions are characterized by specific environmental factors and power supply parameters The definition of "normal" should be understood in context, as both normal and extreme conditions encompass the wide variety of scenarios typically encountered on ships.
The test power supply must deliver both normal and extreme test voltages, as well as frequencies for a.c supplies, accommodating all load variations imposed by the Equipment Under Test (EUT) Its internal impedance should be sufficiently low to ensure minimal impact on test results Additionally, the voltage and frequency of the power supply must be measured at the input terminals of the EUT.
For equipment utilizing integral batteries, employing a test power supply is merely for convenience and must be approved by the manufacturer In case of any discrepancies, the results obtained with the batteries will take priority over those from the test power source.
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Normal environmental conditions shall be a convenient combination of +15 °C to +35 °C temperature and 20 % to 75 % relative humidity
If testing cannot be conducted under the specified environmental conditions, the test report must include a note detailing the actual conditions experienced during the tests.
The test power supply voltage must remain within a tolerance of ±3% of the nominal voltage for any of the ship's power supplies that the equipment is designed for Additionally, for alternating current (a.c.) supplies, the test power supply frequency should be within ±1 Hz of the nominal frequency.
Extreme environmental conditions are defined in clause 8
IEC 60092-101 outlines the significant fluctuations in power supplies on ships To evaluate these variations, the appropriate combinations listed in Table 1 must be utilized for the Equipment Under Test (EUT).
Table 1 – Extreme power supply variation
The lower extreme test voltage for equipment using integral batteries shall be in accordance with the type of batteries used, that is for:
– primary: alkaline or lithium cells: 0,8 times the nominal voltage of the battery;
– mercury cells: 0,9 times the nominal voltage of the battery;
– secondary: cadmium cells: 1,2 and 0,9 times the nominal voltage of the battery;
– other types of battery: the end point voltage declared by the manufacturer
The upper extreme test voltage for all types of primary integral battery shall be the nominal voltage of the battery
The extreme test voltages for equipment that operates on various power sources must be determined in agreement with the manufacturer and documented in the test report.
The schedule of performance tests and checks to be carried out on the EUT are defined in table 2
The equipment under test (EUT) must function under conditions that surpass extreme test parameters, regardless of any performance degradation, as specified by the equipment standard Excessive current is characterized as exceeding the normal operating current.
Excessive voltage exceeding the limits specified in section 5.2.2 must be addressed with appropriate protection measures determined by the manufacturer When this protection is triggered, it may necessitate resetting the Equipment Under Test (EUT), such as through fuse replacement The power supply should be calibrated to activate this protection, and following the EUT reset, a performance evaluation should be conducted under standard testing conditions.
Power supply misconnections, considered excessive conditions, require the Equipment Under Test (EUT) to endure reversed polarity or improper phase sequence input for 5 minutes Following this test, the EUT's protection must be reset if necessary, after which the power supply should be connected normally for a performance check.
Test results
A test report shall be prepared to record the results of all appropriate tests
Test results must be compared against acceptable performance limits, with the Equipment Under Test (EUT) passing only if the performance margin is favorable and exceeds the measurement uncertainty The test report will detail each measurement, including the test result, associated measurement uncertainty, acceptable performance limits, and the performance margin where relevant.
Any requirement in clause 4 that lacks a specified testing method will be verified through inspection of the equipment, its manufacturing drawings, or other pertinent documents The inspection process must be documented, and the findings should be recorded in the test report.
Guidance on the information required in the test report is given in Annex E
6 Operational checks (all equipment categories)
Ergonomics and HMI
The EUT will be evaluated to confirm adherence to the specified requirements outlined below, with all checks documented and results recorded in the test report.
It is essential to verify that all operational modes specified by the equipment standard are accessible and controllable within the necessary range Each control position must be utilized to confirm that it fulfills its designated function and operates as anticipated.
Ensure that the operational controls of the EUT are designed for simplicity, speed, and effectiveness Verify that their location, arrangement, and size facilitate easy operation, and confirm that the controls are logically grouped based on their functions.
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Ensure that the shape and size of each control are suitable for its operation mode For trackballs, joysticks, and mice, verify that the controller can generate any combination of x and y axis outputs without driving the follower off the screen Joysticks should have a defined "home position" for easy return For touch screens, the response area must be at least 15 mm in height and width, with a maximum activation force of 1.5 N Information presentation should match the expected rate of change, with analogue displays often better for rapid changes than digital ones Rotating controls should increase in value or effect when turned clockwise, while linear controls should move upwards or to the right Digital displays must indicate directional changes for quick user recognition Lastly, ensure that control elements and their indicators are easily distinguishable from those used for other functions, such as equipment setup.
Ensure that all operational controls are designed for easy adjustments and arranged to minimize accidental activation Verify that controls not needed for normal operation are not easily accessible Assess the usability and accuracy of all controls and indicators, considering their suitability for the environment, such as ambient light and sound levels Confirm that operating a control does not obstruct its related indicator, which is essential for making adjustments Additionally, ensure there is a clear and consistent method for users to recover from errors or exit unwanted states, allowing them to start, interrupt, resume, and end operations seamlessly.
Ensure that all operational controls and indicators are easily identifiable and legible from the equipment's normal operating position The character type for instruments and indicators should be simple and clear, with a height of at least 3.5 times the reading distance in meters, and a nominal width of 0.7 times the character height Instruments intended for operation should be readable from at least 1 meter away, while others should be legible from a minimum of 2 meters All controls and indicators must be labeled in English, adhering to the identifications specified in the equipment standard Additionally, indicators should be positioned to align with the operator's line of sight and remain unobstructed during normal operation of associated controls.
Ensure that menus are organized according to the task environment and that hierarchical structures minimize the number of steps needed for navigation, providing users with clear indications of their current position Verify that menu selections use keyed codes that correspond to the first letter(s) of the displayed option labels, rather than arbitrary letters Confirm that menus only display options relevant to the current context and that items are highlighted when the cursor hovers over them For menu items that can toggle between "On" and "Off" states, ensure the "On" state is visually distinct to enhance user recognition.
“On” and “Off” states change their state e) Check that items which appear the same behave consistently by, for instance,
– checking for consistent display format and selection logic in hierarchical menus, – checking that menus used in different displays are consistent,
Ensure that menus are consistently located on the screen and that input prompts and labels are uniform Users should not need to remember information from different parts of a dialogue, and the system must use marine terminology in accordance with the Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCPs) when applicable Text displayed should be easy to understand, and any available online help must be task-dependent, searchable, and clearly outline the necessary steps The system state should always be observable, with essential data readily visible All information required for operations must be present on the current display, and feedback timing should align with task requirements, providing clear responses promptly In cases of perceptible delays, a visible indication should be given Users should be able to return to the original status with a single action at any point during a screen-supported operation Each mode in use must be distinctly identified on the display, which should present only the simplest information relevant to its function, avoiding irrelevant content and extraneous text or graphics Finally, displayed text must be legible, with consistent font and size, ensuring that characters are easily distinguishable.
Ensure that the unit of measure is clearly indicated for all data Present all information against a high-contrast background for better visibility Additionally, make sure that any highlighting is easily recognizable and is turned off when it is no longer relevant.
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Ensure that flashing is solely utilized for alarm signaling, with only a small portion of the screen flashing at any given moment If alarm text needs to be read by the user, a marker symbol should flash instead of the text Additionally, confirm that no more than two flash rates are employed and that they are time synchronized.
Ensure that voice announcements utilize plain language and appropriate marine terminology in English, adhering to the Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCPs) Verify that the volume can be adjusted to silence without abrupt changes in loudness Confirm that voice announcements cease when the corresponding indication or alarm is acknowledged Additionally, check that disabling the loudspeaker does not impair the functionality of the indicators and alarms.
To ensure user safety and system reliability, it is essential to verify that the system actively prevents user-action errors and requires confirmation for irreversible actions Additionally, the system should provide clear feedback for detectable errors, including options for UNDO and REDO when applicable It is also important to utilize quality indications from external systems or sources, and users should have a straightforward method to return to a known safe state with a single action.
Ensure that a distress alert is triggered solely through a dedicated distress button, and not via an ITU-T digital input panel key or an ISO keyboard on the equipment.
Ensure the distress button is physically distinct from other operational buttons and serves solely to initiate a distress alert It should be easily identifiable, marked in red with the word "DISTRESS," and any protective cover must also bear this marking The button must be safeguarded against accidental activation, utilizing a spring-loaded lid that is permanently attached, allowing operation without removing seals Activating the distress alert should require two independent actions: lifting the protective cover and pressing the button The equipment must provide clear status indications for distress alert transmission, including a visible flashing light and an audible signal upon activation After pressing the button for at least 3 seconds, the distress alert transmission should commence with a steady indication Additionally, it should be impossible to interrupt an ongoing distress alert transmission, although repetitive messages can be halted.
Hardware
The EUT will be evaluated to confirm adherence to the specified requirements outlined below, with all checks documented and results recorded in the test report.
Ensure that provisions are in place to either remove or block the controls of any optional facilities that are not installed It is essential to protect operational controls that could inadvertently turn off the equipment, degrade performance, or cause misleading indications The design of the equipment under test (EUT) must prevent misuse of normal operation controls, ensuring no damage to the equipment or injury to personnel occurs Additionally, if a digital input panel with digits "0" to "9" is included, it should follow the ITU-T Recommendation E.161 (4x3 array), or if an alpha-numeric keyboard layout is used, it must conform to ISO 3791.
Ensure the Equipment Under Test (EUT) is equipped with facilities to assess all operational indicators, including alarms, warnings, and routine displays Verify that audible alarms function as specified in section 11.1 Confirm that alarm indications are displayed in red or are otherwise highlighted Additionally, check that warning and alarm indications do not exhibit self-illumination, except for outlining the alarm area on CRT or LCD displays in a "safe" condition, and that any indirect illumination is minimal to prevent false indications.
Ensure that the illumination in the Equipment Under Test (EUT) is sufficient for operation under all ambient lighting conditions and can be adjusted for night use to protect the night vision of the officer on watch Additionally, verify that there are means to dim any light source that may interfere with navigation Lastly, confirm that any necessary external illumination is clearly specified in the equipment manual.
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Ensure that warning and alarm indicator lamps maintain a minimum reading intensity and are not dimmable below this level The illumination must be dazzle-free and adjustable to extinction, except for indicators that must remain visible during warning conditions or for equipment reactivation Controls that are not illuminated, like tracker balls, should be easily locatable by touch All information must be displayed with high contrast against a low-reflectance background that emits minimal light at night Additionally, transparent covers on instruments should not create reflections that hinder readability, and all lamps should offer adjustable dimming from full brightness for varying ambient light conditions.
Software
The EUT will be evaluated to confirm adherence to the specified requirements outlined below, with all checks documented and results recorded in the test report.
Check documentation for compliance with 4.2.3.1
(See 4.2.3.2) a) Check documentation for compliance with 4.2.3.2 b) Check that software defaults, where applicable, are inserted in all modes of operation and that the default value:
– facilitates the preferred or expected operation of the equipment in accordance with the applicable equipment standards
– does not lead to an unexpected or invalid operation, and
To enhance system efficiency, it is crucial to minimize the number of inputs or transmissions The software should effectively prevent invalid operations by warning the operator during incorrect inputs Additionally, operators must have the option to select values beyond the default settings Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that operations not necessary for standard functionality, or those that could negatively impact system performance, are not easily accessible.
Check documentation for compliance with 4.2.3.3 The manufacturer shall provide information on how to produce a non-recoverable error
Carry out the non-automatically recoverable error according to the above information Check that the alarm can be recognized as noted in the manufacturers documentation
The equipment watchdog test may be exempted if the manufacturer provides a written explanation detailing its operation, along with a formal declaration to the test house regarding the functionality and behavior of this feature.
Check documentation for compliance with 4.2.3.4.
Inter-unit connection
Verify with the EUT manufacturer, using equipment documentation if needed, that proper arrangements are in place to maintain the performance of both the EUT and any connected units Specifically, ensure that the software interfaces between the EUT and other equipment have been tested, and that any necessary special test software is available Additionally, confirm that measures for electrical separation and isolation between the EUT and connected equipment are implemented, as appropriate.
1) an exchange of any signals between units is carried out with minimum effect on the signal source;
2) there is no loading of circuits or mismatch of transmission lines, particularly on high- frequency or fast-rise time signals;
3) a capability exists of sustaining a 1 kV isolation between units of equipment
7 Power supply – Methods of testing and required test results
Extreme power supply
Tests and performance checks at extreme power supply conditions shall be performed under the environmental conditions indicated in table 2
Table 2 – Schedule of performance tests and checks
Environment Normal power supply Extreme power supply
Dry heat Performance test Performance check
Low temperature Performance test Performance check
Normal temperature Performance test Performance test
NOTE These tests may be carried out together with those of clause 8.
Excessive conditions
For the relevant requirements to be met, see 5.2.3
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Power supply short-term variation
For the relevant test, see 10.7.
Power supply failure
For the relevant test, see 10.8
8 Durability and resistance to environmental conditions –
Methods of testing and required test results
General
Prior to testing, the EUT shall be visually inspected, and shall then be preconditioned and mechanically and electrically checked as required by the equipment standard
All tests shall be carried out with the EUT in its normal operational configuration, including mounting and supports, and with all mechanical arrangements secure
The test chamber must closely replicate free air conditions, achieved either through its large size compared to the Equipment Under Test (EUT) or by implementing forced air circulation To prevent re-radiation of heat from the EUT, the chamber's interior should be appropriately treated The temperature within the chamber can be adjusted at a maximum rate of 1 °C per minute, and humidity levels must be regulated to prevent excessive condensation, unless specified otherwise.
The EUT shall be subjected to performance tests (PT) and performance checks (PC) under normal and extreme test conditions in the combinations indicated in table 2
A performance check shall be carried out under normal test conditions, following each durability test
The EUT shall operate correctly in accordance with its equipment standard during each test or check
Table 3 below summarizes the environmental conditions required for testing each unit of an EUT across the categories outlined in section 4.4, with examples of equipment for each category provided in annex D.
Table 3 – Durability and resistance to environmental conditions
Damp heat +40 °C 93 % relative humidity 1 cycle *
Drop onto hard surface 6 drops from 1 m *
Drop into water 3 drops from 20 m *
Vibration Sweep 2 Hz – 13,2 Hz at ± 1 mm, 13,2 Hz – 100 Hz at 7 m/s 2 and for 2 h on each resonance, otherwise 2 h at 30 Hz in all three axes
Rain and spray * 12,5 mm nozzle
10 kPa (0,1 bar) for two-way VHF
Oil resistance ISO Oil No 1
Corrosion Four periods of seven days at 40 °C with 90 % – 95 % relative humidity after 2 h salt spray
After each test conducted under extreme environmental conditions, the Equipment Under Test (EUT) must be placed in normal environmental conditions for a minimum of 3 hours or until moisture has fully dissipated, whichever duration is longer To facilitate moisture dispersal, the EUT may be agitated or exposed to a blast of air at normal temperature before proceeding to the next test.
Dry heat
8.2.1 Storage test (portable, exposed and submerged equipment)
To assess the impact of temperature stress on equipment in a non-operational state, it is crucial to consider that +70 °C represents the highest temperature likely to be experienced in enclosed areas on ships and in equipment subjected to direct solar radiation in port environments.
The EUT shall be placed in a chamber at normal room temperature and relative humidity
The temperature shall then be raised to and maintained at +70 °C ± 3 °C, for a period of 10 h to 16 h
At the end of the test, the EUT shall be returned to normal environmental conditions and then subjected to a performance check as specified in the relevant equipment standard (see 7.1)
Further information is given in IEC 60068-2-2 and IEC 60068-2-48
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The requirements of the performance check shall be met
8.2.2 Functional test (portable, protected and exposed equipment)
This test evaluates the performance of equipment under high ambient temperatures and varying temperature conditions The expected maximum air temperature over the sea is +32 °C, while the maximum solar gain is +23 °C, resulting in a potential maximum temperature of +55 °C that ships may face at sea.
The Equipment Under Test (EUT) must be positioned in a chamber at standard room temperature and humidity Once the EUT and any relevant climatic control devices are activated, the temperature should be increased and stabilized at +55 °C ± 3 °C.
At the end of a soak period of 10 h to 16 h at +55 °C ± 3 °C, the EUT shall be subjected to a performance test and check as specified in the relevant equipment standard (see 7.1)
The temperature of the chamber shall be maintained at +55 °C ± 3 °C during the whole performance test period
At the end of the test, the EUT shall be returned to normal environmental conditions
Further information is given in IEC 60068-2-2
The requirements of the performance test and check shall be met.
Damp heat
8.3.1 Functional test (portable, protected and exposed equipment)
This test determines the ability of equipment to be operated under conditions of high humidity
A single cycle is used with an upper temperature limit of +40 °C which is the maximum that occurs in the earth's surface atmosphere with a relative humidity of 95 %
The EUT shall be placed in a chamber at normal room temperature and relative humidity The temperature shall then be raised to +40 °C ± 2 °C, and the relative humidity raised to
93 % ± 3 % over a period of 3 h ± 0,5 h These conditions shall be maintained for a period of
10 h to 16 h Any climatic control devices provided in the EUT may be switched on at the conclusion of this period
The Equipment Under Test (EUT) must be powered on 30 minutes later, or as agreed upon with the manufacturer, and should remain operational for a minimum of 2 hours During this time, the EUT will undergo a performance check in accordance with the applicable equipment standards.
The temperature and relative humidity of the chamber shall be maintained as specified during the whole test period
At the end of the test period and with the EUT still in the chamber, the chamber shall be brought to room temperature in not less than 1 h
At the end of the test the EUT shall be returned to normal environmental conditions
Further information is given in IEC 60068-2-30
The requirements of the performance check shall be met.
Low temperature
This test simulates the effects of temperature stress on equipment in the non-operating
(un-powered) mode It is applied to the portable equipment because of the importance that emergency equipment functions correctly after prolonged non-operation
The EUT shall be placed in a chamber at normal room temperature and relative humidity
The temperature shall then be lowered to and maintained at –30 °C ± 3 °C, for a period of
At the end of the test period, the EUT shall be returned to normal environmental conditions and then subjected to a performance check as specified in the relevant equipment standard
Further information is given in IEC 60068-2-48
The requirements of the performance check shall be met
These tests determine the ability of equipment to be operated at low temperatures and also to demonstrate the ability of equipment to start up at low ambient temperatures
8.4.2.2 Method of test (portable equipment)
The EUT shall be placed in a chamber at normal room temperature and relative humidity The temperature shall then be reduced to, and maintained at –20 °C ± 3 °C, for a period of 10 h to
16 h Any climatic control devices provided in the EUT may be switched on at the conclusion of this period
The Equipment Under Test (EUT) must be powered on 30 minutes prior to testing, or as agreed upon with the manufacturer, and should remain operational for a minimum of 2 hours During this time, the EUT will undergo performance checks as outlined in the applicable equipment standard.
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The temperature of the chamber shall be maintained at –20 °C ± 3 °C during the whole test period
At the end of the test the EUT shall be returned to normal environmental conditions
Further information is given in IEC 60068-2-1
The requirements of the performance test and check shall be met
8.4.2.4 Method of test (protected equipment)
The EUT shall be subject to the conditions specified for portable equipment except that the temperature of the chamber shall be reduced to, and maintained at –15 °C ± 3 °C
The requirements of the performance test and check shall be met
8.4.2.6 Method of test (exposed equipment)
The EUT shall be subject to the conditions specified for portable equipment except that the temperature of the chamber shall be reduced to, and maintained at –25 °C ± 3 °C
The requirements of the performance test and check shall be met.
Thermal shock (portable equipment)
To determines the ability of portable equipment to function correctly after sudden immersion in water from storage at high temperature
The Equipment Under Test (EUT) must be subjected to a temperature of +70 °C ± 3 °C for one hour Following this, it should be immersed in water at +25 °C ± 3 °C to a depth of 100 mm ± 5 mm, measured from the highest point of the EUT to the water's surface, for an additional hour.
At the conclusion of the test, the Equipment Under Test (EUT) will undergo a performance check and be inspected for any damage or unwanted water ingress After this examination, the EUT will be resealed according to the manufacturer's guidelines If there are no visible signs of water ingress, an internal inspection may be performed, which involves disturbing the seals, once all environmental tests are finalized.
The performance check requirements must be fulfilled, ensuring that the Equipment Under Test (EUT) remains undamaged and free from water ingress All findings should be documented in the test report.
Drop (portable equipment)
This test evaluates the impact of a portable VHF radio falling freely onto a ship's deck due to mishandling, highlighting the vulnerability of such equipment to accidental drops.
A series of six drops shall be carried out; one on each face of the EUT
The test surface shall consist of a piece of solid hard wood with a thickness of at least 150 mm and a mass of 30 kg or more
The height of the lowest part of the EUT relative to the test surface at the moment of release shall be 1000 mm ± 10 mm
The EUT shall be subjected to this test configured for use as in operational circumstances
At the end of the test the EUT shall be subjected to a performance check, and shall then be examined for external indications of damage
The performance check requirements must be fulfilled, ensuring that there are no visible external signs of damage that could impact the functionality of the Equipment Under Test (EUT) All findings should be documented in the test report.
This test evaluates the impact of a 20-meter free fall of portable equipment into the sea from a ship's deck It is specifically designed for portable devices that must be deployed in this manner However, it does not apply to portable VHF radios, as these devices do not need to float.
Three drops will be conducted, each with a different initial position of the Equipment Under Test (EUT) compared to the previous drop The EUT will be released from a height of 20 m ± 1 m above the water surface.
At the conclusion of the test, the Equipment Under Test (EUT) will undergo a performance check and be inspected for any damage or unwanted water ingress After this examination, the EUT will be resealed according to the manufacturer's guidelines If there are no visible signs of water ingress, an internal examination that may disturb the seals can be performed after all environmental tests are finalized.
The requirements of the performance check shall be met There shall be no damage to the
EUT or ingress of water The findings shall be noted in the test report
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Vibration (all equipment categories)
This test evaluates the equipment's resilience to vibration, ensuring it does not suffer mechanical weakness or performance degradation It replicates the vibrations experienced by a ship's hull from its propeller and machinery, primarily at frequencies up to 13 Hz and in a vertical orientation Additionally, higher frequency tests mimic the horizontal impacts of slamming in rough seas However, the test does not account for the effects of regular sea conditions, which involve smaller translational and rotational accelerations that are typically insignificant for electronic equipment.
The Equipment Under Test (EUT) must be securely attached to the vibration table using its standard support methods and positioned correctly To accommodate any weight that the vibration table cannot support, the EUT may be resiliently suspended Additionally, measures should be implemented to mitigate any negative impact on EUT performance caused by electromagnetic fields generated by the vibration unit.
The EUT shall be subjected to sinusoidal vertical vibration at all frequencies between:
– 2 Hz to 5 Hz and up to 13,2 Hz with an excursion of ±1 mm ± 10 %
– above 13,2 Hz and up to 100 Hz with a constant maximum acceleration of 7 m/s 2
The frequency sweep rate shall be 0,5 octaves/min in order to allow the detection of resonances in any part of the EUT as mounted
A resonance search will be conducted during the test, where the Equipment Under Test (EUT) will be visually and audibly monitored for any signs of resonance that could compromise its integrity Observations will be documented in the test report If a resonance is detected by a sensor attached to the EUT, with a magnitude ratio of ≥5 relative to the mounting surface, the EUT will undergo a vibration endurance test at each resonant frequency for 2 hours In cases where resonant frequencies with magnitude ratios ≥5 are harmonically related, only the fundamental frequency will be tested If no significant resonance is found, the endurance test will be performed at a single observed frequency or at 30 Hz if no resonance occurs.
Performance check(s) shall be carried out at least once during each endurance test period, and once before the end of each endurance test period
The procedure shall be repeated with vibration in each of two mutually perpendicular directions in the horizontal plane
Further information is given in IEC 60068-2-6
The requirements of the performance check shall be met.