IEC 62288:2021

Overview

IEC 62288:2021 defines the general requirements, methods of testing, and required test results for the presentation of navigation-related information on shipborne navigational displays. It supports IMO requirements (notably MSC.191(79) as amended by MSC.466(101) and, where applicable, MSC.302(87)) and complements IMO guidance on user interface design and symbol standardization. The standard covers presentation rules for radar, chart and INS-derived information, AIS data reports, and AIS Application Specific Messages intended for onboard display.

Key topics and technical requirements

• General display requirements: layout consistency, logical grouping, separation of operational display area, and compliance with marine environmental/ergonomic needs.
• Readability and legibility: text, icons and alphanumeric data must be readable under variable ambient light conditions; contrast and font presentation are addressed.
• Colour and symbol usage: rules for colour discrimination, intensity, and symbol sets for operational and charted information to avoid misinterpretation.
• Integrity and validity indication: marking of data source, validity and integrity status, and presentation failure indications.
• Alerts and notifications: standardized alert presentation, status indicators, CPA/TCPA alarms and multi-source alert integration (including speech output considerations).
• Target and AIS presentation: consistent graphical and textual presentation of radar and AIS targets, target trails, fusion/association of AIS and radar targets, handling of repeated/sleeping AIS reports, and capacity/processing requirements for AIS messages.
• AIS Application Specific Messages (ASM): handling and display of ASM content as defined for international use.
• Navigation tools and measurements: VRM, EBL, parallel index lines, cursors, range/bearing measurement modes on multifunction displays.
• Testing and compliance: specific methods of test and required test results to verify conformity of display systems and presentations.

Applications and who uses IEC 62288

• Marine equipment manufacturers - design and validate ECDIS, radar, multifunction and AIS display systems for SOLAS/IMO compliance.
• Shipyards and integrators - implement consistent bridge system interfaces and ergonomics.
• Classification societies and maritime authorities - assess conformance during surveys and type approvals.
• Ship operators and bridge teams - understand expected display behaviours, alerts and AIS presentation for safe navigation.
• Human factors and HMI designers - apply standardization rules to reduce operator error and improve situational awareness.

Related standards and guidance

• IMO resolutions: MSC.191(79) (as amended by MSC.466(101)), MSC.302(87)
• IMO Circulars: MSC.1/Circ.1609 (UI design), SN.1/Circ.243 (symbols/terms), SN.1/Circ.289 (AIS ASM)
• IEC marine standards (referenced): eg. IEC 60945 for environmental and general requirements

IEC 62288 is essential for ensuring consistent, safe and testable presentation of navigation information on ship bridges, improving interoperability and reducing navigational risk.