Overview
ISO 16329:2003 - Ships and marine technology - Heading control systems for high-speed craft - defines structure, performance, inspection and testing requirements for heading control (automatic steering) systems installed on high-speed craft. It applies to craft operating at speeds exceeding 30 kn and up to 70 kn, with a maximum rate of turn of 20°/s, and normal operation between 70°N and 70°S per chapter 13 of the HSC Code. The standard ensures heading control systems can maintain a preset heading with minimum steering gear operation, accounting for craft manoeuvrability and heading information sources.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope & applicability
- High-speed craft (30–70 kn); conventional arrangements assumed unless justified otherwise.
- Performance & functionality
- Ability to adapt to different steering characteristics across speed, weather and loading conditions.
- Connection to a gyro-compass where provided, otherwise electronically to a magnetic compass.
- Manufacturer must provide qualitative descriptions of heading-control errors under high speed, accelerations and sea state.
- Minimum constituents
- Heading-signal processor (with indicator), preset-heading control, adjustment controls, automatic-steering device, change-over device, alarms/signalling, steering-mode and heading-source indicators.
- Change-over and control
- Change-over between automatic and manual steering must be possible at any rudder position and activated by one manual control within 3 seconds.
- When switching to automatic, the system shall take over the actual heading as the preset heading.
- Manual override and suitable change-over location and indicators required.
- Operational controls
- Easy-to-identify and usable adjustment and operational controls; non-essential controls should not be readily accessible.
- Safety, EMC & environmental
- Equipment shall meet environmental requirements of IEC 60945 for weather-protected categories.
- Type testing includes magnetic-compass safe-distance, EMC/environmental tests, control characteristic tests (e.g., 200° turn, heading stability, overshoot).
- Documentation & fall-back
- Marking, information to users and fall-back arrangements are specified.
Applications and who uses it
- Shipbuilders and naval architects specifying steering systems for high-speed ferries, patrol boats and passenger craft.
- Marine automation and autopilot manufacturers designing heading control systems compliant with HSC Code requirements.
- System integrators connecting gyro-compasses or transmitting magnetic compasses to autopilots.
- Classification societies, flag-state regulators and ship operators verifying performance, testing and certification.
Related standards
- ISO 16328 - Gyro-compasses for high-speed craft
- ISO 694 - Positioning of magnetic compasses in ships
- IEC 60945 - Maritime navigation equipment - general requirements and tests
- IMO resolutions referenced: A.694(17), A.822(19), MSC.64(67) (A.342(IX) amendments)
Keywords: ISO 16329:2003, heading control systems, high-speed craft, automatic steering, gyro-compass, magnetic compass, HSC Code, IEC 60945, heading stability, rudder control.