IEC 62320-3:2015

Overview

IEC 62320-3:2015 specifies the minimum operational and performance requirements, test methods and required test results for shore-based Automatic Identification System (AIS) repeater stations. The standard ensures repeater stations are compatible with IMO performance standards (IMO Res. MSC.74 (69), annex 3 - Universal AIS) and incorporates technical characteristics from Recommendation ITU‑R M.1371 and IALA Recommendation A‑124. It applies specifically to non‑shipborne, fixed AIS repeater equipment and does not cover how AIS data is displayed on shore.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard covers comprehensive functional, performance and test requirements for AIS repeater stations, including:

• Functional requirements

  • Types of repeater stations and repeating operation
  • Synchronization and access to the VDL (VHF Data Link)
  • Configuration structures and message formatting

• Repeating rules and message handling

  • Duplicate message filtering, content and channel filtering
  • Reporting-interval and position‑based filtering
  • Overload protection, RSSI‑based slot selection and message scheduling
  • Repeater station identification message structure

• Physical and link layer performance

  • Transmitter and receiver requirements (TDMA transmitter/receiver tests)
  • Frequency error, carrier power, modulation spectrum and intermodulation
  • Receiver sensitivity, co‑channel/adjacent channel rejection, blocking/desensitisation
  • Power consumption and environmental conditions

• Test methods and required results

  • Configuration and basic functional tests (including FATDMA/RATDMA/ITDMA access)
  • VDL access and repetition‑rate tests, filtering behaviour verification
  • Physical radio tests, spurious emissions and transceiver protection
  • Normative configuration annex and informative test-area arrangements

Practical applications - who uses this standard

IEC 62320-3:2015 is used by maritime stakeholders involved in shore‑based AIS infrastructure and certification:

• Manufacturers of AIS repeater stations and shore-based maritime communications equipment (for design and factory testing)
• Testing and certification laboratories performing conformity, type‑approval and performance testing
• Maritime administrations, harbour/port authorities and coastal surveillance operators deploying or auditing AIS repeater installations
• System integrators and consultants implementing coastal VDL networks and traffic‑management systems
• Regulatory bodies verifying compliance with IMO, ITU and IALA requirements

Related standards

• IMO Res. MSC.74 (69), annex 3 (Universal AIS)
• ITU‑R M.1371 (AIS technical characteristics)
• IALA Recommendation A‑124
• Other IEC standards referenced for environmental and electrical testing

Keywords: IEC 62320-3:2015, AIS repeater stations, Automatic Identification System, maritime navigation, AIS repeater testing, VDL access, TDMA transmitter/receiver, IMO universal AIS.