Overview
EN ISO 25197:2020 (ISO 25197:2020) specifies requirements for the design, construction and testing of electrical/electronic control systems for steering, shift and throttle - and for dynamic positioning systems (DPS) - on small craft up to 24 m hull length. Published by CEN and adopted as a European Standard, it supersedes EN ISO 25197:2018. The standard does not cover electric trolling motors or autopilot systems on sailing craft.
Key topics and technical requirements
EN ISO 25197:2020 addresses functional design, safety and verification across hardware, software and system integration aspects. Major topics include:
- General requirements for system architecture, interfaces and documentation
- Control head and command station transfer requirements (control ergonomics and signal handling)
- Portable helm station controls and remote input/output device definitions
- Control devices: separate/combined shift and throttle levers, joystick control modes
- Dynamic-positioning systems (DPS) and related control logic
- Failure modes and responses, including loss of operation and loss of computer command logic
- Comprehensive test requirements:
- Environmental testing (salt mist, damp heat cyclic/steady, high/low temperature storage and operation)
- Vibration, shock and drop testing
- UV resistance
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - emissions and immunity (radiated/conducted, ESD, surge, bursts, power variations)
- Compass safe distance and insulation resistance
- Labelling and owner’s manual information requirements (noting clauses that support EU Directive 2013/53/EU conformity)
Practical applications and who uses it
EN ISO 25197:2020 is intended for manufacturers, designers and integrators of small craft control systems as well as test laboratories, type-approval bodies and regulatory authorities. Typical use cases:
- Development and certification of electronic steering systems, throttle/shift control assemblies and joystick manoeuvring for RIBs, patrol boats, workboats and recreational craft up to 24 m
- Design and verification of DPS for station-keeping on small commercial or special-purpose craft
- Preparing compliant owner’s manuals, labels and documentation to support CE marking and EU Directive conformity
- Test houses executing environmental, mechanical and EMC test protocols required for product acceptance
Related standards
- ISO 25197:2012 (first edition - superseded)
- EN ISO 25197:2018 (previous European adoption - superseded)
- Referenced normative standards for EMC, environmental and electrical testing as listed in Clause 2 of EN ISO 25197:2020
Keywords: ISO 25197, EN ISO 25197:2020, small craft electrical control systems, electronic steering, shift and throttle control, dynamic positioning, EMC testing, environmental testing, owner’s manual.