IEC 61174:2015

Overview

IEC 61174:2015 specifies operational and performance requirements, methods of testing, and required test results for Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). The standard is based on IMO performance standards (MSC.232(82)) and references IMO A.694(17) and IEC 60945, and it aligns testing with IHO publications and test data sets. IEC 61174:2015 ensures ECDIS equipment provides reliable chart presentation, route planning/monitoring and integration with other shipboard systems while allowing adoption of new techniques provided they are not inferior to stated requirements.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Performance requirements & test methods: Procedures to verify that an ECDIS meets the declared operational performance and provides required test results.
• Chart data handling (SENC/ENC): Display of SENC information, verification, updates, information content, display scale and presentation library use consistent with IHO documents.
• Display & presentation: Categories of display, safety contour and safety depth handling, symbol/color requirements, redraw and resolution performance.
• Route planning, monitoring & voyage recording: Functional requirements for route creation, monitoring, position integration, LOP fixes and voyage log recording.
• Integration with other equipment (interfaces): New and updated interface requirements for radar, AIS, BNWAS, VDR, BAM, MSI, INS, and route transfer between systems. Includes AIS target display, CPA/TCPA alarms and lost-target warnings.
• Radar and AIS overlay: Requirements for safe and effective display of radar and AIS information on the ECDIS.
• Operational extensions: Tests and requirements for anchor watch and operation beyond the normal range between 85°S and 85°N.
• System reliability & maintenance: Back-up arrangements, power supply, software maintenance, malfunction alarms, and quality management requirements.
• Updated IHO test data: Adoption of IHO test data sets and presentation library references for consistent testing and evaluation.

Practical applications and users

• ECDIS and maritime navigation equipment manufacturers: design and validate products to meet IEC 61174 performance and testing requirements.
• Testing laboratories and certification bodies: perform conformity testing and type approval using the methods and required test results.
• Shipowners, ship operators and integrators: verify system capability, interface compatibility (AIS, radar, VDR, INS), and operational functions such as route planning, anchor watch and updates.
• Classification societies and flag administrations: assess compliance with IMO-based performance criteria.
• Maritime software developers: ensure ENC presentation library, chart update handling and user interface meet ergonomic and technical expectations.

Related standards

• IMO resolution MSC.232(82) (ECDIS performance standards)
• IMO resolution A.694(17)
• IEC 60945 (general maritime navigation equipment requirements)
• IHO publications and ENC test data sets

Keywords: IEC 61174, ECDIS standard, ECDIS testing, IMO MSC.232(82), ENC, SENC, IHO, AIS, radar, route planning, maritime navigation equipment.