scope:

This part of IEC 61097 specifies the performance requirements and methods of testing for INMARSAT-C ship earth stations (SES) capable of transmitting and receiving direct-printing communications, and for enhanced group call (EGC) equipment, for use in the GMDSS. The available variants are: Class 0: An EGC receiver, either stand-alone or an element of a GMDSS installation in accordance with the INMARSAT design and installation guidelines (DIGs) for GMDSS installations. Class 1: A basic SES providing shore-to-ship and ship-to-shore message transfer only. Class 2: As class 1 but with EGC as an alternative to shore-to-ship transfer using a shared receiver. Class 3: As class 1 but with EGC using an independent receiver. The standard complies with IMO performance requirements stated in the normative references, INMARSAT technical characteristics and test procedures, and IEC 60945 general requirements except where modifications are explicitly stated in this standard. Technical characteristics essential to GMDSS operation as defined by the IMO are identified. All text of this standard, whose wording is identical to that in IMO SOLAS Convention 1974 as amended in 1988 and Resolutions A.807(19), A.664(16), and A.694(17) is printed in italics and reference made to the Resolution/Recommendation and subclause number. This standard covers equipment construction and testing. Matters relating to installation may also be found in the normative references listed in clause 2. Those to be found in IMO Resolutions A.807(19) and A.664(16) are reproduced in annex A. Responsibility for type approval of INMARSAT-C and INMARSAT-EGC is vested in INMARSAT by IMO Resolutions A.807(19) and A.664(16). Therefore, this standard does not reproduce INMARSAT test procedures in full, but refers to where they are given in INMARSAT documentation cited in the normative references to this standard.