Overview
IEC 62940:2016 - Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Integrated communication system (ICS) - defines the operational and performance requirements, test methods and required test results for shipborne Integrated Communication Systems (ICS). The standard covers ICS used for ship‑to‑shore and distress/safety communications under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and the onboard routing/management of those communications. IEC 62940:2016 takes account of IMO Resolution A.694(17) and is associated with IEC 60945; where requirements conflict, IEC 62940 takes precedence.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and functional requirements
- Minimum operational and performance requirements for shipborne ICS including GMDSS and non‑GMDSS functions.
- Testing and required test results
- Prescribed methods of testing and the results that must be demonstrated for compliance.
- COM‑HMI (Communication Human‑Machine Interface)
- Operational requirements, remote COM‑HMI, and presentation of integrity/status information.
- Alert management
- Classification, handling, acknowledgement and remote silencing of alerts related to communication and distress.
- Interfaces and interoperability
- Network integration, IEC 61162 serial/network interfaces, BNWAS, INS/EPFS and optional communication access interfaces.
- Technical performance
- Integrity monitoring, accuracy/performance, malfunctions and restoration procedures.
- Software/firmware maintenance
- Requirements and test methods for software updates and lifecycle management.
- Ship/shore data exchange and e‑navigation
- Annexes detail HTTP/file transport, directory structures, authentication and examples supporting e‑navigation and shore‑to‑ship transfers.
Practical applications and users
IEC 62940 is essential for stakeholders involved in maritime communications, including:
- Equipment manufacturers designing shipborne ICS and COM‑HMI
- System integrators implementing integrated shipboard networks and interfaces
- Shipbuilders and ship operators ensuring onboard systems meet GMDSS and operational requirements
- Classification societies, flag administrations and test laboratories performing type approval, certification and compliance testing
- Maritime software vendors supporting secure ship/shore data exchange and e‑navigation services
Practical uses include design validation, factory acceptance testing, installation commissioning, periodic maintenance checks, and interoperability verification for distress and safety communication capabilities.
Related standards
- IEC 60945 (maritime navigation and radiocommunication general requirements) - associated reference
- IEC 61162 series - interfaces for navigation and communication data
- IMO Resolution A.694(17) - GMDSS performance standards
Keywords: IEC 62940:2016, integrated communication system (ICS), maritime communication, GMDSS, COM‑HMI, shipborne testing methods, e‑navigation, communication access interface, IEC 60945.