Overview
IEC 60533:2015 - Electrical and electronic installations in ships - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Ships with a metallic hull - defines minimum requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of shipboard electrical and electronic equipment installed on vessels with metallic hulls. The standard helps shipbuilders, equipment manufacturers and operators meet SOLAS 74 (Chapter IV Reg. 6 and Chapter V Reg. 17) and is referenced in IMO Resolution A.813(19). Edition 3 (2015) narrows the scope to metallic-hull ships and adds practical updates such as expanded introduction material, clearer in‑situ testing guidance, updated CISPR references, amended cable‑routing guidance in Annex B, and a new Annex C EMC test report template.
Key topics and technical requirements
- EMC test plan and objectives (Clause 5): configuration of equipment under test (EUT), interconnecting cables, cabling and grounding, pre‑conditioning, operational/environmental conditions, and acceptance criteria - including enhanced guidance for in‑situ testing.
- Emission requirements (Clause 6): conditions for emission tests and defined emission limits by ship zone (deck/bridge, general power distribution, special power distribution). A test matrix identifies which equipment requires laboratory and/or in‑situ evaluation.
- Immunity requirements (Clause 7): minimum immunity levels and system‑level considerations to ensure equipment continues to perform under electromagnetic stress.
- System and installation measures (Annex A & B): EMC planning procedures (EMC management, EMI matrix, data collection and analysis) and practical mitigation techniques - screening, shielding, grounding, cable routing, filtering and overvoltage protection.
- Documentation and reporting (Annex C): standardized EMC test report to record results, test conditions and conformity evidence.
- Equipment grouping and special measures: guidance for different equipment groups with tailored mitigation actions and organizational measures for operation, maintenance and repair.
Practical applications
- Ensures reliable operation of navigation, communication, automation and safety systems by reducing electromagnetic interference risks.
- Guides shipyards and integrators during design, installation and commissioning to prevent EMC-related failures and to satisfy flag/state and class survey requirements.
- Assists manufacturers in defining product test requirements and in preparing equipment installation instructions consistent with shipboard EMC conditions.
- Supports surveyors, regulatory bodies and operators in assessing conformity with SOLAS and IMO EMC expectations.
Who should use IEC 60533:2015
- Ship designers, electrical architects and system integrators
- Shipyards and marine installation contractors
- Equipment manufacturers and test laboratories
- Classification societies, flag administrations and marine surveyors
- Fleet operators and maintenance teams responsible for onboard EMC management
Related standards and references
- SOLAS 74 (Chapter IV & V) and IMO Resolution A.813(19)
- CISPR and other EMC standards referenced within IEC 60533 for emission/immunity test methods
Keywords: IEC 60533:2015, ship EMC, electromagnetic compatibility ships, metallic hull, SOLAS, IMO, EMC testing, emission limits, immunity requirements, cable routing, in‑situ testing.