Overview
IEC 62729:2012 specifies performance requirements and test methods for shipborne Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) equipment. LRIT is mandated under SOLAS regulation V/19‑1 and this IEC standard implements the IMO performance standards (MSC.263(84)) for automatic, periodic transmission of a ship’s LRIT information to LRIT Data Centres. IEC 62729 is associated with IEC 60945 and takes precedence where requirements differ.
Key Topics
- Automatic transmission - equipment must automatically transmit LRIT information at a default 6‑hour interval without human intervention.
- Remote configuration - equipment shall support remote programming, including pre‑scheduled reports with intervals down to a minimum of 15 minutes.
- Transmission controls - means to remotely select the destination LRIT Data Centre and protect against shipboard user modification of programming.
- Functionality and coverage - requirements for reliable operation, reporting, and geographic coverage as per IMO provisions.
- Interfacing and technical requirements - electrical, environmental, EMC, recovery after power outage and radiated spurious emissions tests.
- User controls and remote switching - rules to ensure LRIT operation is uninterrupted and secure even when additional shipboard facilities (e.g., GMDSS, SSAS) are present.
- Testing and conformance - methods of testing and required test results are specified; Annexes include an LRIT system introduction (A), installation-related requirements (B) and conformance test information (C).
Applications
IEC 62729 is used to ensure LRIT equipment meets SOLAS obligations and to support type approval and compliance verification. Typical users include:
- Equipment manufacturers - design and test shipborne LRIT transmitters and integrated systems.
- Shipyards and integrators - verify that installed LRIT equipment meets performance/test criteria.
- Flag State administrations and certification bodies - evaluate type approval and conformity with SOLAS V/19‑1.
- Test laboratories - perform environmental, EMC and functional testing against the standard.
- Maritime authorities and service providers - design LRIT Data Centre interfaces and operational procedures.
Related Standards
- IEC 60945 - General requirements and test methods for maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment (associated).
- IMO MSC.263(84) - Revised LRIT performance standards and functional requirements (incorporated).
- IMO Resolution A.694(17) - General requirements for shipborne radio equipment.
- SOLAS (V/19‑1) - LRIT regulatory requirement.
- ITU Radio Regulations - limits for spurious emissions.
Keywords: IEC 62729, LRIT, shipborne equipment, SOLAS V/19‑1, IMO MSC.263(84), IEC 60945, LRIT Data Centre, type approval, maritime equipment testing.