Overview
ISO 15849:2001/Amd 1:2003 provides essential guidelines for implementing a fleet management system network (FMSN) within the maritime and shipping industries. This amendment focuses on enhancing the software design of the Application Program Interface (API), specifically targeting the Ship Information Transfer Protocol (SITP) and Local Information Transfer Protocol (LITP). The document outlines a framework leveraging distributed object technology (CORBA) to ensure interoperability, system transparency, and efficient communication between the various components of a fleet management system.
The amendment defines software configurations, interface operations, and technical objectives critical for the effective deployment of interconnected maritime fleet systems. It is primarily addressed to system developers and maritime IT professionals aiming to optimize the implementation of fleet management solutions designed to improve operational and ship management data exchange.
Key Topics
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Application Program Interface (API) Design
ISO 15849:2001/Amd 1:2003 detail the architecture and operation of APIs that bridge user applications with SITP and LITP, focusing on platform- and language-agnostic implementation. The API design supports functions such as:
- Reading and writing ship and fleet data
- Acquiring data lists from databases
- Polling ship information from servers
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CORBA-Based Distributed Object Model
The amendment advocates the use of Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) as a standard for distributed object communication. This ensures:
- Transparent communication across different hardware and software platforms
- Integration of naming services to resolve network object references
- Utilization of Interface Definition Language (IDL) to define consistent operation contracts between clients and servers
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Software Configuration of Fleet Management Systems
The standard defines detailed software configurations for three key components:
- LITP-installed system: Client-side API managing requests and responses with server operations
- SITP-installed system: Both an API server accepting client requests and API client managing database communication
- Database server: Backend system managing data storage and retrieval, coordinating with the SITP-installed system
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Operational Transparency and Interoperability
The API ensures seamless data exchange and communication between localized and ship-installed systems, supporting essential fleet management functions such as operational data acquisition and ship management.
Applications
ISO 15849:2001/Amd 1:2003 applies to maritime organizations and technology providers developing or maintaining fleet management system networks. Key practical applications include:
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Fleet Operational Management
Consolidation and real-time monitoring of ship operations using standardized software interfaces that bridge on-ship and land-based systems.
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Ship Data Integration
Enabling consistent data access and control through APIs, supporting maintenance, logistics, safety, and compliance applications.
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Maritime IT System Development
Guiding software architects and developers in creating interoperable and scalable fleet management applications that are capable of integrating with multiple hardware and software platforms.
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Network Management
Deployment of robust naming services and distributed object communications to maintain systemic transparency and connectivity among vessels and control centers.
Related Standards
ISO 15849:2001/Amd 1:2003 complements other maritime and IT standards focusing on fleet management and data communication:
- ISO 15849:2001 – Base standard defining the overarching guidelines for fleet management system networks
- IEC Standards on Shipboard IT and Communication Systems – For integration with broader shipboard electrical and IT frameworks
- CORBA Specification by Object Management Group (OMG) – Foundation for distributed object communication utilized within the API design
- ISO/IEC 19501 (UML) – For modeling software architecture supporting fleet management applications
- ISO 9001 – Quality management principles relevant for system development and implementation processes
By following ISO 15849:2001/Amd 1:2003, maritime stakeholders can achieve a robust, interoperable fleet management network supporting operational efficiency and enhanced ship data management through standardized API design and distributed object communications. This fosters improved decision-making, safety, and fleet coordination across modern maritime operations.