IEC 61097-12:1996

Overview

IEC 61097-12:1996 - Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Part 12 - defines the operational and performance requirements, testing methods and required test results for survival craft portable two‑way VHF radiotelephone apparatus. The standard implements SOLAS (1974, as amended 1988) GMDSS requirements and incorporates relevant IMO resolutions and ITU recommendations to ensure reliable on‑scene communications from lifeboats, life‑rafts and other survival craft.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose: Minimum performance requirements, technical characteristics and methods of testing for portable two‑way VHF survival craft radios.
• Portability & usability: Equipment must be portable, small/light, operable by unskilled personnel and usable while wearing immersion‑suit gloves. Single‑handed operation is required except for channel selection.
• Visibility & durability: Units shall be highly visible (yellow/orange or marked accordingly) and resistant to deterioration from prolonged sunlight exposure.
• Basic composition: Must include an integral transmitter/receiver with antenna and battery, a control unit with press‑to‑transmit switch, internal microphone and loudspeaker.
• Controls & indicators: On/off switch with positive visual indication, manual volume control, squelch (mute), clear channel selection and guaranteed indication of Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) in all ambient light conditions.
• Antenna & RF: Vertically polarized, broadly omnidirectional antenna optimized for the operating frequency; required operation on Channel 16 and at least one additional channel; emission class G3E (voice).
• Safety: Must tolerate antenna open‑ or short‑circuiting without damage and have no sharp projections that could damage survival craft.
• Testing & conformity: Detailed methods of testing cover transmitter and receiver performance, environmental endurance, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), battery and charger behaviour, and required test results. Test conditions and measurement procedures are specified to confirm compliance.

Applications and users

This standard is essential for:

• Manufacturers designing and certifying GMDSS survival craft VHF radios
• Maritime equipment test laboratories performing type approval and compliance testing
• Classification societies, flag administrations and procurement officers enforcing SOLAS/GMDSS equipment rules
• Shipyards and maritime safety officers selecting life‑saving communication equipment for vessels and survival craft

Compliance with IEC 61097-12 helps ensure reliable, easy‑to‑use VHF communications during search and rescue operations and on‑scene coordination.

Related standards and references

• IMO SOLAS Chapter III and Resolutions A.694(17), A.809(19)
• ITU‑R M.489‑2, ITU‑R M.542‑1 and ITU Radio Regulations
• IEC 945 (marine navigational equipment general requirements), IEC 529 (IP code)

Keywords: GMDSS, survival craft VHF, IEC 61097-12, survival craft radiotelephone, SOLAS compliance, maritime radio testing.