IEC 61097-2:2021 PDF

Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) - Part 2: Cospas-Sarsat EPIRB - Emergency position indicating radio beacon operating on 406 MHz - Operational and performance requirements, methods of testing and required test results

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Title (English):

IEC 61097-2:2021

Document status:: Active
Format:: Electronic (PDF)
Number of pages:: 86
Publication date:: June 24, 2021
Edition:: IEC IS 61097 edition 4 version 1
ICS:: 47.020.70

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Description (English):

IEC 61097-2:2021(E) specifies the minimum performance requirements, technical characteristics and type-testing requirements of the emergency position-indicating radio beacon used in the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system (EPIRB), as required by the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) as amended, and which is associated with IEC 60945. When a requirement in this document is different from the requirements in IEC 60945 or other standards, the requirement in this document takes precedence. This document incorporates the performance standards of IMO Resolution MSC.471(101), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations as well as the technical characteristics for such transmitters contained in Recommendation ITU-R M.633, and takes account of the general requirements contained in IMO Resolution A.694(17). This document also includes minimum performance standards for a non-float-free EPIRB without float-free release mechanism (see Annex C). The contents of the corrigendum of December 2021 have been included in this copy.

Technical details

Technical committee: TC 80 - Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems
SKU: IEC 61097-2:2021

Abstract

Overview

IEC 61097-2:2021 specifies operational and performance requirements, type‑testing methods, and required test results for Cospas‑Sarsat Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) operating on 406 MHz. Intended to support SOLAS obligations and GMDSS implementation, the standard defines minimum technical characteristics for EPIRBs (including a non‑float‑free EPIRB option - Annex C) and takes precedence where it differs from IEC 60945. IEC 61097-2:2021 incorporates IMO Resolution MSC.471(101), ITU Radio Regulations and Recommendation ITU‑R M.633, and reflects general IMO requirements (A.694(17)).

Key Topics

Performance requirements: operational behavior, prevention of inadvertent activation, immersion and buoyancy, activation and self‑test, battery end‑of‑life indication, ergonomics, and labelling.
Transmitted signal & formats: requirements for 406 MHz distress signal, distress message memory and beacon identification code.
Auxiliary locating features: 121.5 MHz homing signal, AIS locating signal, GNSS receiver and position reporting, and Return Link Service (RLS).
Float‑free arrangements: design, automatic/manual release, tests and labelling; Annex C covers non‑float‑free EPIRBs.
Power and battery: minimum battery performance, expiry date marking, reverse polarity protection and testing requirements.
Antenna & RF characteristics: antenna performance and transmitter characteristics aligned with ITU recommendations.
Environmental & durability testing: temperature, icing, wind, shock, vibration, immersion, corrosion, solar radiation and ruggedness (many tests reference IEC 60945 procedures).
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC): interference immunity and emissions to ensure reliable operation in maritime environments.
Type‑approval & testing procedures: preparation, test sequences, performance checks, and required test results for certification bodies and test labs.
Documentation & labelling: required user manuals, installation guidance and clear equipment labelling.

Applications and Who Uses It

EPIRB manufacturers and designers - to design compliant 406 MHz beacons and float‑free mechanisms.
Test laboratories & certification bodies - for type‑approval testing and verification of performance and environmental resilience.
Shipyards, vessel operators and maritime equipment installers - to select, install and maintain compliant EPIRBs under SOLAS/GMDSS rules.
Maritime regulators and flag states - to establish compliance criteria and approval processes.
Search and rescue authorities - to understand device capabilities (GNSS reporting, AIS, homing, RLS) for rescue coordination.

Related Standards

IEC 60945 (maritime navigation and radio equipment environmental standards) - where differences occur, IEC 61097-2:2021 takes precedence.
IMO Resolution MSC.471(101), IMO A.694(17)
ITU Radio Regulations and ITU‑R M.633 (transmitter technical characteristics)

Keywords: IEC 61097-2:2021, GMDSS, EPIRB 406 MHz, Cospas‑Sarsat, SOLAS compliance, EPIRB type‑testing, GNSS, AIS, RLS, IEC 60945.

Related standards

Mentioned in the description and other IEC standards

Abstract

Overview

Key Topics

Performance requirements: operational behavior, prevention of inadvertent activation, immersion and buoyancy, activation and self‑test, battery end‑of‑life indication, ergonomics, and labelling.
Transmitted signal & formats: requirements for 406 MHz distress signal, distress message memory and beacon identification code.
Auxiliary locating features: 121.5 MHz homing signal, AIS locating signal, GNSS receiver and position reporting, and Return Link Service (RLS).
Float‑free arrangements: design, automatic/manual release, tests and labelling; Annex C covers non‑float‑free EPIRBs.
Power and battery: minimum battery performance, expiry date marking, reverse polarity protection and testing requirements.
Antenna & RF characteristics: antenna performance and transmitter characteristics aligned with ITU recommendations.
Environmental & durability testing: temperature, icing, wind, shock, vibration, immersion, corrosion, solar radiation and ruggedness (many tests reference IEC 60945 procedures).
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC): interference immunity and emissions to ensure reliable operation in maritime environments.
Type‑approval & testing procedures: preparation, test sequences, performance checks, and required test results for certification bodies and test labs.
Documentation & labelling: required user manuals, installation guidance and clear equipment labelling.

Applications and Who Uses It

EPIRB manufacturers and designers - to design compliant 406 MHz beacons and float‑free mechanisms.
Test laboratories & certification bodies - for type‑approval testing and verification of performance and environmental resilience.
Shipyards, vessel operators and maritime equipment installers - to select, install and maintain compliant EPIRBs under SOLAS/GMDSS rules.
Maritime regulators and flag states - to establish compliance criteria and approval processes.
Search and rescue authorities - to understand device capabilities (GNSS reporting, AIS, homing, RLS) for rescue coordination.

Related Standards

IEC 60945 (maritime navigation and radio equipment environmental standards) - where differences occur, IEC 61097-2:2021 takes precedence.
IMO Resolution MSC.471(101), IMO A.694(17)
ITU Radio Regulations and ITU‑R M.633 (transmitter technical characteristics)

Keywords: IEC 61097-2:2021, GMDSS, EPIRB 406 MHz, Cospas‑Sarsat, SOLAS compliance, EPIRB type‑testing, GNSS, AIS, RLS, IEC 60945.

IEC 61097-2:2021 PDF

Technical details

Abstract

Overview

Key Topics

Applications and Who Uses It

Related Standards

Related standards

Abstract

Overview

Key Topics

Applications and Who Uses It

Related Standards

Related standards

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