ISO 16425-2024 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 16425-2024 — Ships and marine technology: Specifications for the installation of ship communication networks for shipboard equipment and systems. This standard defines installation, architecture, administration, security and operational requirements for IP-based shipboard communication networks used for information sharing between on-board equipment and systems that are separate from safety-critical navigation and engine-control networks.

Abstract

This document provides installation specifications for ship communication networks to improve communication between shipboard equipment and systems that are independent from navigational equipment networks and engine-control networks. It covers wired IP networks (Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet) and IP-based wireless networks operating in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and specifies requirements for network architecture, redundancy, administration (designed for non-expert operation), physical and logical security, and installation practices. Non-IP wireless technologies (for example IEEE 802.15.1, IEEE 802.15.4 or 920 MHz proprietary systems) are excluded.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 31 January 2024
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 47.020.70 (Ships and marine technology)
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2024-01)
• Number of pages: 84

Scope

Applies to the installation and administration of shipboard communication networks intended for information exchange (not directly related to the safety of navigation). The standard is applicable to shipboard wired IP networks using Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) and to shipboard wireless IP networks using the unlicensed 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands (IEEE 802.11). It addresses system architecture, redundancy where necessary, network administration suitable for non-expert staff, physical and logical security measures, and installation practices. It does not cover non-IP wireless technologies or networks whose primary function is navigation safety or machinery control.

Key topics and requirements

• Network-system architecture for shipboard information networks (segmentation, topology and zoning).
• Use of IP-based communication and support for Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet (IEEE 802.3).
• Support and guidance for shipboard wireless IP communication in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands (IEEE 802.11).
• Redundancy and resilience options where required to maintain information services.
• Network administration principles designed to be operable without specialist staff.
• Physical security and logical security controls for protecting networked devices and data.
• Installation practices and workmanship requirements for cabling, wireless access points and network equipment.
• Interoperability considerations and use of established protocol standards.
• Explicit exclusion of non-IP wireless technologies (e.g., IEEE 802.15.1/802.15.4, 920 MHz proprietary links).

Typical use and users

Used by shipbuilders, shipowners and operators, marine system integrators, naval architects, shipboard IT/OT engineers, equipment manufacturers, installers and classification societies to design, install and administrate on-board information networks that are separate from navigation and machinery-control systems.

Related standards

Relevant standards and documents to consult when implementing ISO 16425-2024 include IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet), IEEE 802.11 (Wi‑Fi), the previous edition ISO 16425:2013 (withdrawn), and applicable IEC/IMO standards and guidance for shipboard systems and segregation of safety-critical networks. Implementers should also consider applicable cyber-security and network-management standards when designing shipboard communications.

Keywords

ship communication networks, shipboard networks, IP networks, maritime OT, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.11, network installation, redundancy, network administration, physical security, logical security, maritime IT

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 16425-2024 is an international standard that specifies installation, architecture, administration and security requirements for shipboard communication networks used for information sharing (non-safety-of-navigation networks).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers IP-based wired (Fast/Gigabit Ethernet) and IP-based wireless (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) shipboard networks, addressing architecture, redundancy, administration for non-expert operation, physical and logical security, and installation practices. It excludes non-IP wireless technologies and networks whose primary function is navigation or engine control.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Shipbuilders, ship operators, system integrators, marine IT/OT engineers, equipment manufacturers, installation contractors and classification societies use this standard when specifying, installing and maintaining on-board information networks.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2024 edition (Edition 2) is the current published International Standard, replacing the earlier 2013 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a stand-alone ISO standard within the ship and marine technology family (ISO/TC 8 subcommittee work). Implementers commonly reference it alongside Ethernet/Wi‑Fi (IEEE 802.3/802.11) and applicable IEC/IMO guidance for shipboard systems.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Ship communication networks; shipboard IP networks; maritime OT; Ethernet; Wi‑Fi; redundancy; network security; network administration; installation.