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) receivers, for use in the GMDSS and for use for long-range identification and tracking (LRIT). 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. NOTE 1 - The 34ᵗʰ session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Radiocommunications decided that class 2 equipment would be adequate to provide sufficient availability for the reception of maritime safety information for the GMDSS. The document 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 and LRIT operation as defined by the IMO are identified.