What is BS EN IEC 61993-2 - Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) about?
BS EN IEC 61993-2 is a standard covering automatic identification systems, ensuring the operability and performance in maritime applications.
BS EN IEC 61993-2 specifies the minimum operational and performance requirements, methods of testing, and required test results conforming to performance standards adopted by IMO in Resolution MSC.74(69):1998, Annex 3.
BS EN IEC 61993-2 incorporates the applicable technical characteristics of Class A shipborne equipment included in Recommendation ITU-R M.1371 and considers the ITU Radio Regulations, where applicable. In addition, it takes account of IMO Resolution A.694(17) to which IEC 60945 is associated. When a requirement in BS EN IEC 61993-2 is different from IEC 60945, the requirement of BS EN IEC 61993-2 takes precedence.
BS EN IEC 61993-2 also specifies the minimum requirements both for the means to input and display data and for the interfaces to other equipment suitable to be used as means of input and display data.
Who is BS EN IEC 61993-2 - Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) for?
BS EN IEC 61993-2 on automatic identification system (AIS) is applicable to:
- Maritime activity operators
- Maritime data security management organizations
- Maritime industries
- Pilot of a ship
- Maritime navigation and radiocommunication systems
Why should you use BS EN IEC 61993-2 - Automatic Identification Systems (AIS)?
The automatic identification system (AIS) is an automatic tracking system that uses transceivers on ships and is used by vessel traffic services. Automatic identification systems (AIS) transponders are meant to automatically transmit a ship's position, identification, and other data to other ships and coastal authorities.
BS EN IEC 61993-2 provides users guidelines on performance requirements including, composition, time and position, user interface, identification, information, event log, power supply, display, and more, ensuring the operability and performance in maritime applications.
BS EN IEC 61993-2 also provides users with guidance on the requirements both for the means to input and display data and for the interfaces to other equipment, ensuring the accuracy of the digitized data.
Adoption of BS EN IEC 61993-2 enables users to fulfil operational and performance requirements in the automatic identification systems, enabling identification and communication in maritime applications.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN IEC 61993-2:2018 supersedes EN 61993-2:2013. BS EN IEC 61993-2:2018 includes some technical changes with respect to EN 61993-2:2013. These include:
- It incorporates the technical characteristics included in recommendation ITU-R M.1371-5:2014
- It introduces the concept of locating device groups to include EPIRB AIS and MOB AIS in addition to AIS SART
- It adds security features for configuration input by introducing a new sentence SSA
- It adds requirements for bridge alert management (BAM)
- It adds an optional implementation of IEC 61162-450/460 interfaces
- It introduces extended dimension values used by towing vessels
- It adds a software update requirement

