IEC 61097-3

Abstract

This part of IEC 61097 specifies the performance requirements, technical characteristics, operational requirements and methods of testing of shipborne DSC equipment for use with MF, MF/HF and VHF installations in the GMDSS, including those required by Chapter IV of the 1974 International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) as amended, and is associated with IEC 60945 (Shipborne radio equipment forming part of the global maritime distress and safety system and marine navigational equipment). This document incorporates applicable parts of the performance standards of IMO Resolutions A.803(19), A.804(19) and A.806(19) (DSC facilities for VHF, MF and MF/HF radio installations), IMO MSC/Circ.862 (describing the operation of the distress button), the provisions of the ITU Radio Regulations, the technical characteristics of DSC equipment and the operational procedures for its use contained in Recommendations ITU-R M.493, M.541, M.689, M.821 and M.1082, and takes into account the general requirements contained in IMO Resolution A.694(17). Recommendation ITU-R M.493-14 describes classes A, B, D, E, H and M of DSC equipment. This document specifies test procedures for DSC equipment of Class A and B which are applicable to the SOLAS requirements: <p style="margin-left: 40px;">Class A, which includes all of the facilities defined in Annex 1, 3 and 4 of Recommendation ITU-R M.493-14 and which will comply with the IMO GMDSS carriage requirements for MF/HF installations and/or VHF installations; <p style="margin-left: 40px;">Class B, which provides minimum facilities for equipment on ships not required to use Class A equipment and which will comply with the minimum IMO GMDSS carriage requirements for MF and/or VHF installations. This document also includes requirements and methods of testing for the RF part of the MF, MF/HF and VHF installations, specified in the annexes of this document for reference. NOTE All text whose meaning is identical to that in IMO Resolution A.803(19), A.804(19), A.806(19), MSC.68(68), and to that in IMO Circular MSC/Circ.862, and to that in Recommendations ITU-R M.493, M.541, M 689, M.821, and M.1082 is printed in italics and the references indicated in brackets. Text referencing IMO Resolution A.803(19) includes references to A.804(19) and A.806(19) unless otherwise stated.