IEC 61162-1:2024

Overview

IEC 61162-1:2024 - Edition 6.0 - specifies requirements for one-way serial data communication between maritime electronic instruments, navigation and radiocommunication equipment using a single talker and multiple listeners topology. The standard defines printable ASCII message formats (typical length about 11–79 characters) and timing (generally no faster than one message per second). It covers electrical interfaces, connector and wiring guidance, data format (characters, fields, sentences), checksum and basic error handling, and lists approved sentence types used for position, speed, depth, frequency allocation, and related navigation data.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Data format and protocol
  • Printable ASCII characters organized into fields and sentences.
  • Defined approved sentences (including many common sentence IDs such as GGA, RMC, GLL) and rules for parametric, proprietary and multi-sentence messages.
  • Checksum and limited error detection mechanisms; message timing and sequential identifiers.
• Electrical and hardware specifications
  • Requirements for interconnecting wire, connectors, shield grounding, talker drive and listener receive circuits, and electrical isolation.
  • Electrical definitions are explicitly not intended for high-bandwidth applications (e.g., radar/video).
• Performance and limitations
  • Intended for low-rate, printable-ASCII serial communication (not for intensive file/database transfer).
  • No guaranteed delivery and only limited error checking - use with caution in safety-critical applications.
• Compliance notes
  • For faster serial transmission rates, IEC 61162-2 applies.
  • For AIS shore-based equipment, refer to the IEC 62320 series.

Practical applications and users

IEC 61162-1:2024 is widely used for shipboard instrument interconnection where simple, low-rate serial data exchange is sufficient:

• Marine equipment manufacturers (GPS/GNSS, depth sounders, autopilots, wind sensors) implement the standard for interoperable outputs.
• Systems integrators and shipyards use it to wire and configure on-board networks of navigation and communication devices.
• Marine electronics technicians and fleet operators rely on the standard when troubleshooting data flows and checking compatibility.
• Classification societies and regulatory bodies reference the standard for equipment interoperability requirements.

Related standards

• IEC 61162-2 - higher-rate multi-talkers / higher-speed serial communications
• IEC 62320 series - AIS shore-based equipment
• Relevant IEC and national standards for electrical wiring, grounding and EMC

IEC 61162-1:2024 remains a core reference for low-bandwidth maritime digital interfaces, providing clear rules for serial ASCII messaging, hardware connections, and approved sentence formats to ensure predictable, interoperable exchange of navigational data.