Overview
EN ISO 25197:2020/A12:2026 is a European standard published by CEN that specifies the requirements for the design, construction, and testing of electrical and electronic steering, shift, and throttle control systems on small craft up to 24 meters in hull length. The amendment A12:2026 brings this essential marine industry standard up to date with current regulatory expectations and technical advancements. This document also covers dynamic positioning control systems or combinations of these systems. Notably, it excludes electric trolling motors and autopilot systems used on sailing craft.
Small craft manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and marine engineers benefit from this standard by ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance with the relevant parts of the EU Directive 2013/53/EU on recreational craft.
Key Topics
- Scope and Applicability: Applies to small craft with electrical/electronic control systems for crucial vessel functions like steering, shifting gears, and throttle control.
- Design and Construction: Outlines principles for designing and building safe, robust, and reliable electrical and electronic control systems for marine use.
- Testing Requirements: Specifies rigorous testing for performance, environmental tolerance, and safety, covering aspects such as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), mechanical and climatic loads, and more.
- Compliance and Conformity: Provides a presumption of conformity with essential requirements under Directive 2013/53/EU when applied as published.
- Documentation: Requires clear, relevant information in owner’s manuals to ensure end-user safety and correct system operation.
- Dynamic Positioning Systems: Includes requirements for systems that automatically maintain a vessel’s position.
Applications
EN ISO 25197:2020/A12:2026 is integral to the following areas within the marine sector:
- Small Craft Manufacturing: Ensures newly built small craft (up to 24m) have compliant electrical steering, shift, and throttle systems, boosting safety and market acceptance.
- Marine Equipment Integration: Guides equipment suppliers and integrators in developing and fitting electronic control equipment that meets up-to-date European standards.
- Safety Compliance: Facilitates conformity assessment for notified bodies and helps manufacturers meet mandatory requirements under EU law.
- Product Development: Assists marine electronics designers and systems engineers in adopting best practices for system design, functional safety, EMC, and environmental resistance.
- Owner and Operator Guidance: Mandates documentation to instruct operators on proper use, maintenance, and troubleshooting of onboard electronic control systems.
Related Standards
EN ISO 25197:2020/A12:2026 references or is closely aligned with several other important European and international standards, including:
- EN ISO 8846: Protection against ignition of flammable gases for electrical devices
- EN ISO 8848: Remote steering systems for small craft
- EN ISO 13297: Electrical systems for extra-low voltage and alternating current installations on small craft
- EN ISO 10592: Hydraulic steering systems
- IEC 60945: Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment testing requirements
- IEC 61000 series: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing standards
- ISO 4892: Methods for testing plastics under laboratory light sources
By adhering to EN ISO 25197:2020/A12:2026, marine industry stakeholders demonstrate a commitment to safety, quality, and compliance in the development and use of electrical and electronic control systems for small craft. This ensures safer boating experiences, improved system reliability, and alignment with critical international and regional regulations.
