This International Standard specifies the minimum operational and performance requirements and methods of testing for ECS. ECSs are designed or adapted for use as navigation information systems on vessels not required to comply with Chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Different types of vessels, for example, a non-SOLAS passenger vessel, a small fishing vessel or a recreational vessel, which operate in different environments, need to be equipped with navigational systems providing functionality to meet their needs. If the full functionality of ECDIS according to IEC 61174 is considered to be unnecessary, ECS may be suitable for a navigation information system for these vessels. Governments may consider requiring the carriage of ECS for these vessels under local arrangements. In order to provide a standard that can be used to apply different levels of navigational functionality, three classes of ECS are defined. Class "A" ECS are designed or adapted for use as a primary navigation information system. Class "B" ECS are designed or adapted for use as a navigation information system where less navigational functionality is required than Class "A".
Class "C" ECS are designed or adapted for use as a navigation information system with minimal functionality intended to plot and monitor a vessel's position.