IEC PAS 61174-1-2021 PDF

Full title and description

St IEC PAS 61174-1-2021 — Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Part 1: Route plan exchange format (RTZ) - General requirements, methods of testing and required test results. This Publicly Available Specification defines requirements and test methods to improve interoperability for the RTZ route-plan exchange format (providing a revised RTZ XML schema v1.2 while retaining compatibility with v1.0).

Abstract

This PAS specifies the structure, required elements, handling of optional/extended data and validation rules for RTZ route files, plus the associated test procedures and required test results that equipment and applications should meet to ensure reliable import/export of route plans (ECDIS and related maritime navigation software). It was developed to address issues found in the original RTZ specification (Annex S of IEC 61174:2015) and to provide an expanded, interoperable RTZ schema (version 1.2) while retaining support for the original 1.0 schema.

General information

• Status: Publicly Available Specification (PAS), active.
• Publication date: 3 March 2021.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 47.020.70; 47.060.
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (IEC PAS 61174-1:2021).
• Number of pages: 52 pages.

Scope

The PAS defines general requirements, a detailed description of the RTZ route file format (XML schema), the RTZP container, handling of extensions and optional data, unique waypoint identification and lifecycle (creation, modification, removal), scheduling information, validation rules (validation mandatory for schema v1.2), and test methods with required test results. It is intended to complement the RTZ material in IEC 61174:2015 and to enable interoperable route import/export between ECDIS and other navigation applications.

Key topics and requirements

• RTZ file structure and RTZP data container definitions (XML-based route files).
• Detailed node descriptions: Route, RouteInfo, Waypoints, DefaultWaypoint, Schedule and ScheduleElement nodes.
• Schema versions: revised schema v1.2 provided; original v1.0 retained for compatibility; validation requirements (v1.2 validation mandatory).
• Rules for waypoint unique identification, creation, modification and removal to avoid ambiguity between systems.
• Handling of third‑party extensions and optional data to preserve interoperability.
• Test methods and required test results that manufacturers and software vendors should apply to demonstrate compliance.
• Guidance for application beyond ECDIS (encourages non‑ECDIS applications importing/exporting RTZ to follow tests to achieve interoperability).

Typical use and users

Manufacturers of ECDIS and maritime navigation software, shipboard systems integrators, maritime software developers, ship operators and fleet IT teams, testing laboratories and certification bodies, and port/traffic service providers who exchange route plans between systems. The PAS is mainly used to implement and test import/export of route plans in XML RTZ format and to ensure cross-vendor interoperability.

Related standards

Closely related to IEC 61174 (ECDIS operational and performance requirements, Annex S which originally specified RTZ), and other IEC TC 80 deliverables concerning maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment. The PAS is intended to be used alongside IEC 61174:2015 and other relevant ECDIS/IMO performance standards when applicable.

Keywords

RTZ, route plan exchange, ECDIS, route file, XML schema, RTZP, waypoint identification, route validation, interoperability, maritime navigation, IEC PAS 61174-1:2021.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC PAS 61174-1:2021 is a Publicly Available Specification that defines the Route Plan Exchange Format (RTZ) — its XML schema, usage rules and associated test methods and required test results for maritime route files.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the RTZ file/container structure, node definitions (routes, waypoints, schedules), schema v1.2 (with continued support for v1.0), validation rules, extension handling and the test procedures and expected test results to demonstrate correct import/export and interoperability.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: ECDIS manufacturers, maritime navigation application developers, ship operators, system integrators, test labs and certification bodies — essentially anyone who produces, consumes or validates route plan files for maritime navigation systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It was published on 3 March 2021 as IEC PAS 61174-1:2021 and is active; the IEC webstore lists a stability date to 2026 for this PAS. Users should verify any newer IEC publications or revisions beyond that date for updates.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The document is titled “Part 1” (RTZ), indicating it is a part of the IEC 61174 family of work on ECDIS and route exchange; it complements the original RTZ material included in IEC 61174:2015 (Annex S). Implementation should be considered alongside IEC 61174 and other relevant maritime standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: RTZ, route plan, ECDIS, XML schema, RTZP, waypoint, route validation, interoperability, maritime navigation.