Overview - IEC PAS 61162-103:2021 (Maritime digital interfaces)
IEC PAS 61162-103:2021 is a Publicly Available Specification (PAS) published by the IEC that extends IEC 61162-1 digital interface rules for maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment. It defines additional Talker IDs, provides new and amended sentence structures, and introduces functionality to improve data transfer in single‑talker / multiple‑listener networks. This pre‑standard (processed by IEC TC 80 WG6 in cooperation with NMEA) is intended for later inclusion in a revision of IEC 61162-1.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Expanded Talker IDs (mnemonics) - adds identifiers for automation and ship systems, for example:
- JA–JF (automation: alarm/monitoring, reefer, power management, propulsion, engine console, boilers)
- JH (electronic governor), NV (night vision), RB (electronic record book), RI (rudder angle indicator), SC (steering control), SM (system management), TC (track control)
- New and amended sentences - the PAS includes approved sentences such as:
- DDC (Display Dimming Control) - controls display dimming presets, brightness percentage (00–99), and colour palettes (D/K/N/O). Supports command vs status report modes (C = command, R = report), operational vs preset contexts (O/P), and may elicit NAK responses when commands are unsupported.
- EPM, NLS, SEL, SLM, VBC - additional sentences for equipment property reporting, navigation light status, selection reporting, steering location/mode, and docking log speed (water/ground referenced).
- Communication modes - supports unidirectional and bidirectional implementations; sentences may be used for commands, status reports, queries and acknowledgements (including NAK reason codes).
- Sentence format guidance - includes field definitions and example NMEA‑style sentence structures to promote interoperability between manufacturers.
Applications and who uses this standard
- Shipboard equipment manufacturers - for integrating displays, automation systems, propulsion and steering controls, and bridge systems.
- System integrators and shipyards - to ensure consistent wiring and data exchange between devices from multiple vendors.
- Maritime software developers - implementing parsers, command interfaces and display controllers that conform to expanded Talker IDs and sentence sets.
- Regulatory bodies and classification societies - for evaluating interoperability and conformity of bridge equipment.
- Operators and OEMs seeking predictable behavior for features like centralized display dimming, system monitoring, and automated control reporting.
Related standards
- IEC 61162-1 (digital interfaces - single talker multiple listeners) - PAS 61162-103 extends and will be incorporated into future revisions.
- NMEA sentence conventions (industry practice; collaboration referenced in the PAS)
Keywords: IEC PAS 61162-103:2021, maritime navigation, digital interfaces, talker IDs, DDC, single talker multiple listeners, sentence definitions, IEC 61162-1, maritime equipment interoperability.