IEC 62320-2:2016

Overview

IEC 62320-2:2016 - "Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Automatic identification system (AIS) - Part 2: AIS AtoN Stations" defines operational and performance requirements, required methods of testing, and required test results for Automatic Identification System Aids to Navigation (AIS AtoN) stations. The standard aligns AIS AtoN equipment with IMO Resolution MSC.74(69) (Universal AIS) and incorporates technical characteristics from ITU‑R M.1371 and IALA Recommendation A‑126, taking into account applicable ITU Radio Regulations and other IEC and national standards.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard covers both equipment characteristics and verification procedures, including:

• Types of AIS AtoN stations (Type 1, Type 2, Type 3) and their capabilities and alternatives
• Physical layer requirements: transmitter/receiver behavior, power consumption, environmental specifications
• Link layer requirements: AIS message handling, synchronization, VDL access schemes, autonomous mode, and EPFS (electronic position fix system) integration
• Configuration methods: direct and chained configuration via VDL, Standard PI sentences, TAG block structures, and requirement to provide at least one standard configuration method
• Security and protocol updates: additional cyber security measures, updated VDL access requirements, new PI sentences and VDL message structures
• Test methods and required test results: RF tests (frequency error, carrier power, modulation spectrum), receiver tests (sensitivity, adjacent/co‑channel rejection, inter‑modulation, blocking), spurious emissions, functional tests (Message 6/8/12/14/21 scheduling and responses), synchronization accuracy, EPFS and off‑position monitoring, BIIT (Built‑In Integrity Test), and transmitter shutdown procedures
• Annexes with updated test procedures and examples

Practical applications and users

IEC 62320-2 is intended for organizations involved in the lifecycle of maritime AtoN AIS equipment:

• Manufacturers - design and verify AIS AtoN products to meet international performance and interoperability requirements
• Certification bodies and test laboratories - perform RF and functional conformity testing and produce compliance reports
• Port and coastal authorities, hydrographic offices, IALA/IMO stakeholders - specify procurement, installation, and operational requirements for AIS AtoN deployments
• System integrators and installers - implement VDL configuration, chaining, and ensure EPFS integration and cybersecurity provisions
• Classification societies and regulators - assess equipment conformity with IMO/ITU/IALA requirements

Related standards and references

• IMO Resolution MSC.74(69) Annex 3 (Universal AIS)
• ITU‑R M.1371 (AIS technical characteristics)
• IALA Recommendation A‑126
• ITU Radio Regulations and other applicable IEC International Standards

Keywords: IEC 62320-2, AIS AtoN, Automatic Identification System, maritime navigation, VDL configuration, AIS testing, IMO Universal AIS, ITU‑R M.1371, IALA A‑126, maritime radiocommunication.