IEC 62320-1:2015

Overview

IEC 62320-1:2015 - "Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Automatic identification system (AIS) - Part 1: AIS Base Stations" defines the minimum operational and performance requirements, test methods and required test results for AIS Base Stations. Aligned with IMO Resolution MSC.74(69) Annex 3 (Universal AIS), ITU‑R M.1371 and IALA Recommendation A‑124, this 2015 edition updates the 2007 version to incorporate recent technical characteristics for non‑shipborne, fixed AIS equipment and harmonise radio performance with ITU regulations. Note: the standard applies to AIS Base Stations only and does not specify shore display requirements.

Key Topics and Technical Requirements

• Scope and functional architecture: functional layout, VDL (VHF Data Link) sources, access schemes, and presentation interface definitions for AIS Base Stations.
• Radio interface and TDMA: required physical‑layer parameters and TDMA transmitter/receiver minimums (frequency error, carrier power, modulation spectrum, sensitivity, adjacent/co‑channel performance).
• Testing methods and required results: detailed procedures for physical radio tests, conducted spurious emissions, intermodulation attenuation, blocking/desensitisation and measurement uncertainty.
• Functional tests: pre‑setup, normal operation, addressed/broadcast messaging, interrogations, slot phase and frame synchronisation, position source and alarm message handling.
• Message and protocol updates: incorporation of ITU‑R M.1371‑5 message sets; transmission of Message 24A, 25 and 26 added; scheduled broadcast of Message 26 and Message 27 control introduced.
• Data encapsulation and metadata: replacement of BCE/BCF/CAB sentences with BCG/BCL/RST, comment blocks replaced with TAG blocks, and TAG block encapsulation tests (source/destination identification, grouping, UNIX time, line count).
• Channel/load tests: includes a 90% channel load test with VSI and TAG blocks enabled.
• Operational constraints: removal of 12.5 kHz channel operation and harmonised transmitter intermodulation attenuation with ITU limits.

Practical Applications and Who Uses This Standard

• Manufacturers of fixed AIS Base Station equipment use IEC 62320-1 to design and validate radio performance, TDMA behaviour and interface commands.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies apply the standard’s test methods to verify compliance and produce required test results.
• Maritime authorities and harbour/port operators reference the standard when procuring, installing or integrating shore‑based AIS infrastructure to ensure interoperability with shipborne AIS and compliance with IMO/ITU requirements.
• System integrators and solution providers use the functional and presentation interface definitions when connecting AIS Base Stations to VTS, traffic management or coastal monitoring systems.

Related Standards and References

• IMO Resolution MSC.74(69) Annex 3 (Universal AIS)
• ITU‑R M.1371 (latest edition incorporated)
• IALA Recommendation A‑124
• Relevant ITU Radio Regulations and associated IEC international and national standards

Keywords: IEC 62320-1, AIS Base Stations, Automatic Identification System, AIS testing, IMO, ITU‑R M.1371, IALA A‑124, TDMA, VHF Data Link, TAG blocks, AIS performance requirements.