scope:

These recommendations establish the minimally acceptable guidelines for the design, selction, and installation of systems and equipment aboard marine vessels applying electrical apparatus for power, propulsion, steering, automation, navigation, lighting, and communications. These recommendations decribe present-day acceptable electrical engineering methods and practices.

It is recognized that changes and improvements in shipboard requirements may develop that are not specifically covered herein; such changes, if incorporated in the design, should be equal to the safety and reliability levels defined herein and generally in accord with the intent of these standards.

In developing these recommendations, consideration was given to the electrical and engineering requirements promulgated by various regulatory agencies, classification societies, and by the International Maritime Organization's International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (IMO SOLAS), as amended.

This recommended practice was developed by a voluntary consensus body to provide assistance and guidance to regulatory agencies governing electrical engineering requirements.

Purpose

The main purpose of this recommended practice is to provide a consensus of recommended practices in the unique field of marine electrical engineering as applied specifically to ships, shipboard systems, and equipment.