Overview
ISO 11674:2019 - Ships and marine technology - Heading control systems - specifies the minimum operational, functional and performance requirements for heading control systems (HCS) installed on board ships. The standard defines methods of testing and the corresponding required test results for compliance with IMO performance standards (IMO Resolution MSC.64(67), Annex 3). ISO 11674:2019 also incorporates relevant elements of IMO Resolution A.694(17) (linked to IEC 60945) and IMO Resolution MSC.302(87) on bridge alert management (BAM). Performance tests use ship motion simulator models based on conventional propeller-and-rudder ships (speed up to 30 knots); results are also applicable to vessels with multiple parallel rudders.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Operational requirements
- Change-over between automatic and manual steering
- Controls and adjustment interfaces
- Manual change-over from track control to heading control
- Functional requirements
- Rudder angle limitation and safety constraints
- Heading monitor and integrity checks
- System interfaces (digital data/communication)
- Alert management consistent with BAM (standard alert identifiers, escalation)
- Mandatory display information for bridge personnel
- Control performance
- Heading-keeping performance under wave disturbance
- Heading-changing performance (various manoeuvre tests)
- Testing and setup
- Specified test methods, ship motion simulator conditions and required results
- Use of IEC 62065 ship models and wave disturbance profiles for performance testing
- Documentation and annexes
- Normative annexes for alert definitions, IEC 61162 digital interfaces, and test procedures
Practical Applications and Who Uses It
ISO 11674:2019 is used to ensure safe, interoperable and certifiable heading control systems across commercial and offshore vessels. Typical users include:
- Autopilot and HCS manufacturers - for product design, development and factory acceptance testing
- Shipyards and system integrators - to validate installation and bridge integration
- Classification societies and flag administrations - for type approval and compliance verification
- Testing laboratories and simulator centres - to conduct the mandated performance tests
- Ship operators and shipowners - to confirm equipment meets IMO/ISO requirements for safe bridge operation
Implementing ISO 11674 helps reduce navigation risk, standardize alert handling (BAM), and ensure consistent interface behavior with ship navigation networks.
Related Standards
- IMO Resolution MSC.64(67) Annex 3 (HCS performance)
- IMO Resolution MSC.302(87) (Bridge Alert Management)
- IEC 61162 series (shipboard digital interfaces)
- IEC 62065 (Track control systems)
- IEC 62288 (presentation of navigation data)
- IEC 60945 (maritime equipment general requirements)
Keywords: ISO 11674:2019, heading control systems, bridge alert management, HCS testing, IMO MSC.64(67), maritime navigation standards, IEC 61162, IEC 62065.