IEC PAS 62923-101:2022

Overview

IEC PAS 62923-101:2022 – Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems – Bridge alert management – Part 101: Guideline on implementation is a Publicly Available Specification (PAS) developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This document focuses on supporting the integration and implementation of Bridge Alert Management (BAM) requirements in maritime standards and equipment, following the approach and requirements laid out in IMO Resolution MSC.302(87). The guideline assists standard developers and equipment designers in aligning with the harmonized approach for alert management on ship bridges, ensuring operational safety, improved situational awareness, and coherent communication of alerts.

Key Topics

• Harmonization with BAM Standards: IEC PAS 62923-101 is intended to rationalize and guide the implementation of BAM requirements within other IEC and IMO maritime equipment standards, especially where existing specifications may conflict with the overarching BAM performance standard (MSC.302(87)).
• Guidance on Alert Properties: The document outlines principles for defining, categorizing, and prioritizing alerts, introducing the shift from symptomatic (pre-BAM) to functional (BAM-compliant) alerts that focus on operator-centered information.
• Central Alert Management (CAM) Compatibility: While a CAM system is not a mandatory SOLAS carriage requirement, the guideline details key considerations for equipment interoperability and the ability to connect with CAM systems where provided, particularly for Integrated Navigation Systems (INS).
• Implementation Process: Step-by-step guidance is provided for updating existing standards or creating new ones to ensure congruence with BAM requirements, including appropriate referencing, removal of conflicts, and alignment of terminology.
• Alert Handling and Presentation: Recommendations are made for harmonizing audible and visual alert signals, ensuring consistency in the operator’s experience and facilitating rapid, accurate response to operational issues.
• Liaison and Validation: The PAS underscores the importance of working with IEC Technical Committee 80 Working Group 16 (WG16) to assign alert identifiers and validate new or modified alert implementations.

Applications

IEC PAS 62923-101:2022 is a practical resource for a range of maritime stakeholders:

• Standards Development Organizations: Provides a roadmap for incorporating BAM alert requirements into existing and new IEC and IMO standards.
• Equipment Designers and Manufacturers: Offers detailed guidelines for alert system design so that products comply with BAM standards, including examples and best practices for alert generation and management.
• Maritime Vessel Operators and Integrators: Supports the selection and implementation of bridge systems and components that are fully BAM-compliant, enhancing operational safety and crew efficiency.
• Regulatory Authorities and Auditors: Serves as a reference for conformity assessment and regulatory oversight, ensuring alerts are managed consistently across equipment and systems.

The guideline specifically applies to all bridge equipment covered by BAM, aiming to facilitate a uniform and operator-focused alert environment on maritime vessel bridges.

Related Standards

For effective implementation, the following related standards and resolutions are referenced within IEC PAS 62923-101:2022:

• IEC 62923-1:2018 – Bridge alert management – Part 1: Operational and performance requirements, methods of testing, and required test results
• IEC 62923-2:2018 – Bridge alert management – Part 2: Alert and cluster identifiers and additional features
• IEC 61162-1 – Digital interfaces for maritime navigation and radiocommunication systems
• IMO MSC.302(87) – Performance standards for bridge alert management (the umbrella BAM standard referenced throughout)
• IMO A.1021(26) – Code on alerts and indicators

The precedence of MSC.302(87) is noted in cases of overlap or conflict with older standards, ensuring harmonized implementation through this IEC guideline.

Keywords: IEC PAS 62923-101, Bridge Alert Management, maritime navigation equipment, BAM implementation, IMO MSC.302(87), central alert management system, alert harmonization, IEC 62923-1, bridge alert standards, maritime safety, alert system integration.