IEC PAS 61174-1:2021

Overview

IEC PAS 61174-1:2021 defines requirements, test methods and required test results for the Route Plan Exchange format (RTZ) used in maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment. Published as a Publicly Available Specification (PAS) by the IEC, this document updates and complements the RTZ definition originally published as Annex S of IEC 61174:2015. It introduces a revised RTZ XML schema (version 1.2) while retaining schema v1.0, with the objective of improving interoperability, robustness and testability of route exchange between shipboard and shore systems.

Key Topics

• RTZ schema versions: Clarifies support for both RTZ v1.0 and the updated RTZ v1.2, including a comparison of changes and migration guidance.
• RTZP data container: Defines the container format used to package route files for exchange.
• Route structure elements: Requirements and descriptions for core nodes such as RouteInfo, Waypoints, DefaultWaypoint, Route node, Legs and Schedules.
• Extensions and optional data: Rules for handling third‑party manufacturer extensions, optional elements and the use of a revision attribute to manage updates.
• Schema compliance and testing: Formal methods of testing (schema validation, RTZP checks, schedule handling, default data, leg element application) and the required test results to demonstrate conformance.
• Test files and examples: Normative annexes provide a v1.2 schema and test files (valid, minimum, error cases) to support implementation testing.
• Interoperability fixes: Text corrections and clarifications addressing typographical errors and ambiguities found in the original RTZ specification.

Applications

IEC PAS 61174-1:2021 is intended for organisations and engineers involved in:

• ECDIS manufacturers and integrators - exchange between main and backup ECDIS units.
• Bridge systems - data interchange between ECDIS, radar and route optimization systems.
• Ship-to-shore services - sharing planned routes with shore-based traffic management, optimization and monitoring services (e.g., STM initiatives).
• System testers and certification bodies - to validate RTZ implementation, run schema-based tests and confirm conformance.
• Maritime software developers - building import/export, synchronization and collaborative route-planning tools.

Related Standards

• IEC 61174:2015 (Annex S) - original RTZ specification that this PAS complements.
• Documents produced by IEC Technical Committee 80 (Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems).

This PAS provides practical test artifacts, clear schema guidance and interoperability rules to accelerate reliable route plan exchange, making RTZ adoption simpler for manufacturers, ship operators and maritime service providers.