IEC 60872-2:1999

INTERNATIONAL
IEC
STANDARD
60872-2
First edition
1999-01
Maritime navigation and radiocommunication
equipment and systems –
Radar plotting aids –
Part 2:
Automatic tracking aids (ATA) –
Methods of testing and required test results

Reference number
Numbering
As from 1 January 1997 all IEC publications are issued with a designation in the
60000 series.
Consolidated publications
Consolidated versions of some IEC publications including amendments are

available. For example, edition numbers 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 refer, respectively, to the
base publication, the base publication incorporating amendment 1 and the base

publication incorporating amendments 1 and 2.

Validity of this publication
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC,
thus ensuring that the content reflects current technology.
Information relating to the date of the reconfirmation of the publication is available
in the IEC catalogue.
Information on the subjects under consideration and work in progress undertaken by
the technical committee which has prepared this publication, as well as the list of
publications issued, is to be found at the following IEC sources:
• IEC web site*
• Catalogue of IEC publications
Published yearly with regular updates
(On-line catalogue)*
• IEC Bulletin
Available both at the IEC web site* and as a printed periodical
Terminology, graphical and letter symbols
For general terminology, readers are referred to IEC 60050: International Electro-
technical Vocabulary (IEV).
For graphical symbols, and letter symbols and signs approved by the IEC for
general use, readers are referred to publications IEC 60027: Letter symbols to be
used in electrical technology, IEC 60417: Graphical symbols for use on equipment.
Index, survey and compilation of the single sheets and IEC 60617: Graphical symbols
for diagrams.
* See web site address on title page.

INTERNATIONAL
IEC
STANDARD
60872-2
First edition
1999-01
Maritime navigation and radiocommunication
equipment and systems –
Radar plotting aids –
Part 2:
Automatic tracking aids (ATA) –
Methods of testing and required test results

 IEC 1999  Copyright - all rights reserved
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mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from the publisher.
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International Electrotechnical Commission
For price, see current catalogue

– 2 – 60872-2 © IEC:1999(E)
CONTENTS
Page
FOREWORD . 3

Clause
1 Scope . 4

2 Normative references . 4

3 Performance requirements . 5

3.1 Introduction. 5

3.2 Definitions. 6
3.3 Performance standards . 6
4 Methods of testing and required test results. 11
4.1 General. 11
4.2 Detection, acquisition, tracking and general facilities . 11
4.3 Tracking reliability . 12
4.4 Tracking accuracy. 14
4.5 Closing target warning. 14
4.6 Collision risk (CPA/TCPA) warning . 15
4.7 Display. 15
4.8 Audible warnings. 15
4.9 Data requirements. 15
4.10 Interfaces. 16
4.11 Performance test and warnings . 16
4.12 Sea and ground stabilization . 16
4.13 Equipment connected to “auto tracking aid” . 16
4.14 System configuration and quality assurance . 16
Annexes
A (normative) Definitions of terms to be used in connection with “auto tracking aids”
and radar performance standards. 17
B (normative) Operational scenarios . 20
C (normative) Sensor errors . 21
D (normative) ATA testing using simulated targets . 23

E (normative) Electronic plotting video symbols (EPVS) . 24

60872-2 © IEC:1999(E) – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

––––––––––––
MARITIME NAVIGATION AND RADIOCOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT

AND SYSTEMS – RADAR PLOTTING AIDS –

Part 2: Automatic tracking aids (ATA) –

Methods of testing and required test results

FOREWORD
1) The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of the IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, the IEC publishes International Standards. Their preparation is
entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may
participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. The IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization
for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two
organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of the IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an
international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation
from all interested National Committees.
3) The documents produced have the form of recommendations for international use and are published in the form
of standards, technical reports or guides and they are accepted by the National Committees in that sense.
4) In order to promote international unification, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC International
Standards transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional standards. Any
divergence between the IEC Standard and the corresponding national or regional standard shall be clearly
indicated in the latter.
5) The IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with one of its standards.
6) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject
of patent rights. The IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60872-2 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 80:
Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems. The IEC 60872 series,
of which this is part 2, replaces IEC 60872 published in 1987 and amendment 1 (1991) and
reflects the new requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
80/195/FDIS 80/220/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
Annexes A, B, C, D and E form an integral part of this standard.
A bilingual version of this standard may be issued at a later date.

– 4 – 60872-2 © IEC:1999(E)
MARITIME NAVIGATION AND RADIOCOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT

AND SYSTEMS – RADAR PLOTTING AIDS –

Part 2: Automatic tracking aids (ATA) –

Methods of testing and required test results

1 Scope
This International Standard specifies the minimum performance requirements, technical
characteristics, methods of testing and test results for equipment that complies with
performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the International Maritime Organisation
(IMO) – resolution MSC.64(67) Annex 4.
This standard takes account of IMO resolution A.694 and is associated with IEC 60945.
When a requirement in this standard is different from IEC 60945, the requirement in this
standard shall take precedence.
Equipment intended for use on high speed craft (HSC) shall additionally satisfy the
requirements of the HSC scenarios as defined in IEC 60936-2, annex D.
All texts of this standard, the wording of which is identical to that in IMO Resolution
MSC.64(67) Annex 4, are printed in italics and the resolution and paragraph numbers are
indicated in brackets.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this part of IEC 60872. At the time of publication, the editions indicated
were valid. All normative documents are subject to revision, and parties to agreements based
on this part of IEC 60872 are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most
recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. Members of IEC and ISO maintain
registers of currently valid International Standards.
IEC 60872-1:1998, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems –
Radar plotting aids – Part 1: Automatic radar plotting aids (ARPA) – Methods of testing and

required test results
IEC 60872-3, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems – Radar
plotting aids – Part 3: Electronic plotting aid (EPA) – Methods of testing and required test
1)
results
IEC 60936-1, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems – Radar –
1)
Part 1: Shipborne radar – Methods of testing and required test results
IEC 60936-2:1998, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems –
Radar – Part 2: Shipborne radar for high speed craft (HSC) – Methods of testing and required
test results
––––––––––––
1)
To be published.
60872-2 © IEC:1999(E) – 5 –
IEC 60945:1996, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems –

General requirements – Methods of testing and required test results

IEC 61162, — Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems – Digital

interfaces
ISO 9000, — Quality management and quality assurance standards

IMO Resolution A.694:1991, General requirements for shipborne radio equipment forming part

of the global maritime distress and safety system and for electronic navigational aids

IMO Resolution A.820:1995, Performance standards for navigational radar equipment for high-
speed craft
IMO Resolution A.823:1995, Performance standards for automatic radar plotting aids (ARPAs)
IMO Resolution A.824:1995, Performance standards for devices to indicate speed and distance
IMO MSC.64(67):1996, Annex 4 – Performance standards for radar equipment
IHO S-52:1996, Specifications for chart content and display aspects of ECDIS
3 Performance requirements
NOTE – The following requirements are from IMO MSC.64(67) Appendix 1 of Annex 4.
3.1 (MSC.64(67)/1) Introduction
3.1.1  (MSC.64(67)/1.1) “Auto tracking aid” (ATA) shall, in order to improve the standard of
collision avoidance at sea:
.1 reduce the workload of observers by enabling them to obtain information about
automatically plotted targets so that they can perform as well with several separate targets
as they can by manually plotting a single target;
.2 provide continuous, accurate and rapid situation evaluation.
3.1.2  The radar facilities provided by an ATA display shall comply with those clauses of IMO
Resolution MSC.64(67) annex 4 or A.820 appropriate to its mode of use.
3.1.3  (MSC.64(67)/Annex 4/1) In addition to the general requirements contained in
resolution A.694(17), ATA shall comply with the following minimum requirements.

3.1.4  Where an ATA display is intended for use as the master display of a complete radar
system, the system shall comply with IEC 60936-1. For high speed craft (HSC) ATA, the
relevant clauses of IEC 60936-2 shall apply.
3.1.5  Where an ATA display is intended for use as a slave display of a complete radar
system it shall comply with the relevant clauses of IEC 60936-1, where applicable to such a
display. For HSC ATA the relevant clauses of IEC 60936-2 apply. In addition, the ATA display
shall be capable of presenting readily, without significant degradation, the signals shown on the
master display.
3.1.6  Additional ARPA facilities, not mandated in this ATA standard, shall comply with
IEC 60872-1.
– 6 – 60872-2 © IEC:1999(E)
3.1.7  Quality assurance
The ATA shall be designed, produced and documented by companies complying with
ISO 9000, as applicable.
3.2 (MSC.64(67)/2) Definitions

Definitions of terms used in these performance standards are given in annex A.

3.3 (MSC.64(67)/3) Performance standards

3.3.1  (MSC.64(67)/3.1) Detection
Where a separate facility is provided for detection of targets, other than by the radar observer,
it shall have a performance not inferior to that which could be obtained by the use of the radar
display.
3.3.2  (MSC.64(67)/3.2) Acquisition
3.3.2.1  (MSC.64(67)/3.2.1) There shall be a facility to provide for manual acquisition with
the relevant symbol (see symbol 1 of annex E) and cancellation for relative speeds up to
100 knots.
3.3.2.2  (MSC.64(67)/3.2.2) Manual acquisition shall have a performance not inferior to that
which could be obtained by the user of the radar display.
3.3.3  (MSC.64(67)/3.3) Tracking
3.3.3.1  (MSC.64(67)/3.3.1) The “auto tracking aid” shall be able to automatically track,
process, simultaneously display and continuously update the information on at least 10 targets.
A target being acquired and tracked during the initial stage shall be shown by a symbol (see
symbol 3 of annex E) within 3 s. Targets being tracked when tracking is in steady state shall be
shown by symbols 4A or 4B and 5 of annex E within 20 scans.
3.3.3.2  (MSC.64(67)/3.3.2) The “auto tracking aid” shall continue to track an acquired target
which is clearly distinguishable on the display for any 5 out of 10 consecutive scans, provided
the target is not subject to target swop.
3.3.3.3  (MSC.64(67)/3.3.3) The possibility of tracking errors, including target swop, shall be
minimised by “auto tracking aid” design. A qualitative description of the effects of error sources

on the automatic tracking and corresponding errors shall be provided to the user, including the
effects of low signal-to-noise and low signal-to-clutter ratios caused by sea returns, rain, snow,
low clouds and non-synchronous emissions. Such descriptions shall be in the operating
manual.
3.3.3.4  Automatically applied “target identities” shall not be re-used until, as a minimum, the
number assigned equals the maximum number of tracked targets.
3.3.3.5  The ATA shall continuously track a manoeuvring target.
3.3.4  (MSC.64(67)/3.4) Display

60872-2 © IEC:1999(E) – 7 –
3.3.4.1  (MSC.64(67)/3.4.1) The display may be a separate or integral part of the ship's
radar. However the “auto tracking aid” display shall include all the data required to be provided
by a radar display in accordance with the performance standards for navigational radar

equipment.
3.3.4.2  (MSC.64(67)/3.4.2) The design shall be such that any malfunction of “auto tracking

aid” parts producing data additional to information to be produced by the radar as required by

the performance standards for navigational equipment shall not affect the integrity of the basic

radar presentation.
The equipment shall be regarded as complying with the above if the design is such that, where

practicable, normal performance of the radar system in accordance with IEC 60936-1 or
IEC 60936-2 will not be affected by malfunction of any ATA subsystem that is not an essential
part of the radar.
3.3.4.3  (MSC.64(67)/3.4.3) The “auto tracking aid” facilities shall be available on at least 3,
6 and 12 nautical mile range scales, and there shall be a positive indication of the range scale
in use.
3.3.4.4  (MSC.64(67)/3.4.4) “Auto tracking aid” facilities may also be provided on other
range scales. The methods of operation which are provided shall be clearly described in the
manufacturer’s manual.
3.3.4.5  (MSC.64(67)/3.4.5) The “auto tracking aid” shall be capable of operating with a
relative motion display with "north-up" and "course-up" azimuth stabilization. In addition, the
“auto tracking aid” may also provide for a true motion display. If true motion is provided, the
operator shall be able to select for his display either true or relative motion. There shall be a
positive indication of the display mode and orientation in use.
3.3.4.6  (MSC.64(67)/3.4.6) The course and speed information generated by the “auto
tracking aid” for acquired targets shall be displayed in a vector or graphic form which clearly
indicates the target's predicted motion with the relevant symbols (see symbols 4A or 4B or 5 of
annex E). In this regard:
.1 “auto tracking aid” presenting predicted information in vector form only shall have the option
of both true and relative vectors. There shall be an indication of the vector mode selected
and if “true” is selected, there shall be a display of whether it is stabilized with reference to
sea or ground;
.2 an “auto tracking aid” which is capable of presenting target course and speed information in
graphic form shall also, on request, provide the target's true and/or relative vector;
.3 vectors displayed shall be time-adjustable;

.4 a positive indication of the time-scale of the vector in use shall be given; and
.5 if stationary targets are being used for ground referencing then this shall be indicated with
the relevant symbols (see symbol 13 of annex E). In this mode, relative vectors including
those of the targets used for ground referencing shall be displayed when requested.
3.3.4.7  (MSC.64(67)/3.4.7) The “auto tracking aid” information shall not obscure the
visibility of radar targets. The display of “auto tracking aid” data (vector, graphic and associated
symbol) shall be under the control of the radar observer. It shall be possible to cancel the
display of unwanted “auto tracking aid” data within 3 s of command.
3.3.4.8  (MSC.64(67)/3.4.8) Means shall be provided to adjust independently the brilliance of
the “auto tracking aid” data and radar data, including complete extinction of the “auto tracking
aid” data.
– 8 – 60872-2 © IEC:1999(E)
3.3.4.9  (MSC.64(67)/3.4.9) The method of presentation shall ensure that the “auto tracking

aid” data is clearly visible in general to more than one observer in the conditions of light

normally experienced on the bridge of a ship by day and by night. Screening may be provided

to shade the display from sunlight but not to the extent that it will impair the observer's ability to

maintain a proper look-out. Facilities to adjust the brightness shall be provided.

3.3.4.10  (MSC.64(67)/3.4.10) Provisions shall be made to obtain quickly the range and

bearing of any object which appears on the “auto tracking aid” display. The accuracy for this

data shall be as stated in IMO MSC.64(67) annex 4.

3.3.4.11  (MSC.64(67)/3.4.11) The “auto tracking aid” shall present in a period of not more

than 1 min an indication of the target's motion trend and display within 3 min the targets
predicted motion in accordance with 3.3.4.6, 3.3.6, 3.3.7.2 and 3.3.7.3.
3.3.4.12  (MSC.64(67)/3.4.12) After changing range scales on which the “auto tracking aid”
facilities are available or on resetting the display, full plotting information shall be displayed
within a period of time not exceeding one scan of 360°.
3.3.5  (MSC.64(67)/3.5) Operational warnings
3.3.5.1  (MSC.64(67)/3.5.1) The “auto tracking aid” shall have the capability to warn the
observer with a visual and audible signal of any distinguishable target which closes to a range
or transits a zone chosen by the observer. The target causing the warning shall be clearly
indicated with the relevant symbols (see annex E) on the display.
A simple guard zone (3.3.5.2) is required.
3.3.5.2 Guard zone
A target entering the zone shall initiate an audible and visual alarm. The visual alarm being
symbol 7 of annex E. After acknowledgement the symbol may cease to flash and shall remain
until outside the zone.
3.3.5.3 The methods of operation which are provided shall be clearly described in the
manufacturer’s operation manual.
3.3.5.4  (MSC.64(67)/3.5.2) The “auto tracking aid” shall have the capability to warn the
observer with a visual and audible signal of any tracked target which is predicted to close
within a minimum range and time chosen by the observer. The target causing the warning shall
be clearly indicated with the relevant symbols (see symbol 8 of annex E) on the display.

3.3.5.5  (MSC.64(67)/3.5.3) The “auto tracking aid” shall clearly indicate if a tracked target is
lost, other than out of range, and the target's last tracked position shall be clearly indicated on
the display (see symbol 9 of annex E).
3.3.5.6  (MSC.64(67)/3.5.4) It shall be possible for the observer to activate or de-activate
the audible warning capability.
3.3.6  (MSC.64(67)/3.6) Alphanumeric data requirements
3.3.6.1  (MSC.64(67)/3.6.1) The observer shall be able to select any tracked target to obtain
data. Targets selected shall be marked with the relevant symbol (see symbol 12 of annex E) on
the radar display. If data is required for more than one target at the same time each symbol
shall be separately identified, for example with a number adjacent to the symbol.

60872-2 © IEC:1999(E) – 9 –
3.3.6.2  (MSC.64(67)/3.6.2) The following data for each selected target shall be clearly and

unambiguously identified and displayed immediately and simultaneously in alphanumeric form

outside the radar area:
.1 present range of the target;

.2 present bearing of the target;

.3 predicted target range at the closest point of approach (CPA);

.4 predicted time to CPA (TCPA);

If the CPA has passed, it shall be indicated by a TCPA with a negative ( – ) sign.

.5 calculated true course of the target;
.6 calculated true speed of the target.
3.3.6.3  (MSC.64(67)/3.6.3) The display of 3.3.6.2.5 and 3.3.6.2.6 shall include an
identification of whether the data uses sea or ground reference.
3.3.6.4  (MSC.64(67)/3.6.4) When data for several targets is displayed, not less than two
items shall be displayed simultaneously for each target selected. If the items of data are
displayed in pairs for each target the groupings shall be 3.3.6.2.1 with 3.3.6.2.2; 3.3.6.2.3 with
3.3.6.2.4; and, 3.3.6.2.5 with 3.3.6.2.6.
3.3.7  (MSC.64(67)/3.7) Accuracy
3.3.7.1  (MSC.64(67)/3.7.1) The “auto tracking aid” shall provide accuracies not less than
those given in 3.3.7.2 and 3.3.7.3 for the four scenarios defined in annex 2 (see annex B). With
the sensor errors specified in annex 3 (see annex C), the values given relate to the best
possible manual plotting performance under environmental conditions of ± 10 degrees of roll.
3.3.7.2  (MSC.64(67)/3.7.2) An “auto tracking aid” shall present within 1 min of steady state
tracking the relative motion trend of a target with the following accuracy values (95 %
probability values).
Data Relative course Relative speed CPA
Scenario (degrees) (knots) (nautical miles)
111 2,8 1,6
2 7 0,6 ---
314 2,2 1,8
415 1,5 2,0
Note 1 – In steady state tracking both own and target ship follow straight line course at constant speed.
Note 2 – Probability values are the same as confidence levels.

NOTE – In the above table, the values are plus (+) and minus (–).
3.3.7.3  (MSC.64(67)/3.7.3) An “auto tracking aid” shall present within 3 min of steady state
tracking the motion of a target with the following accuracy values (95 % probability values).
Data Relative Relative CPA TCPA True True
course speed course speed
(nautical (min)
(degrees) (knots) miles) (degrees) (knots)
Scenario
1 3,0 0,8 0,5 1,0 7,4 1,2
2 2,3 0,3  ---  --- 2,8 0,8
3 4,4 0,9 0,7 1,0 3,3 1,0
4 4,6 0,8 0,7 1,0 2,6 1,2
NOTE – In the above table, the values are plus (+) and minus (–).

– 10 – 60872-2 © IEC:1999(E)
3.3.7.4  (MSC.64(67)/3.7.4) When a tracked target, or own ship, has completed a

manoeuvre, the system shall present in a period of not more than 1 min an indication of the

target's motion trend and display within 3 min the target's predicted motion, in accordance with

3.3.4.6, 3.3.6, 3.3.7.2 and 3.3.7.3. In this context, a "manoeuvre of own ship” shall be deemed

to consist of an alteration of course of ± 45° in 1 min.

3.3.7.5  (MSC.64(67)/3.7.5) The “auto tracking aid” shall be designed in such a manner that

under the most favourable conditions of own ship motion the error contribution from the “auto

tracking aid” shall remain insignificant compared to the errors associated with the input

sensors, for the scenarios of annex 2 (see annex B).

3.3.8  (MSC.64(67)/3.8) Connections with other equipment
3.3.8.1  (MSC.64(67)/3.8.1) The “auto tracking aid” shall not degrade the performance of
any equipment providing sensor inputs. The connection of the “auto tracking aid” to any other
equipment shall not degrade the performance of that equipment. This requirement shall be met
whether the “auto tracking aid” is operating or not. Additionally the “auto tracking aid” shall be
designed to comply with this requirement under fault conditions as far as is practicable.
3.3.8.2 The ATA shall provide an indication when any input from an external sensor is absent.
The ATA shall also repeat any alarm or status messages concerning the quality or source of
the input data from its external sensors which may influence its operation.
3.3.8.3 Information exchange between the ATA and other equipment, shall be in accordance
with IEC 61162. As far as possible, such an interface shall not degrade the ATA performance
by normal or abnormal behaviour of the interface nor of the signals on it.
3.3.8.4 If no suitable IEC 61162 interface is available, another appropriate interface may be
used.
3.3.9  (MSC.64(67)/3.9) Performance tests and warnings
3.3.9.1  (MSC.64(67)/3.9.1) The “auto tracking aid” shall provide suitable warnings of “auto
tracking aid” malfunction to enable the observer to monitor the proper operation of the system.
Additionally, test programmes shall be available so that the overall performance of “auto
tracking aid” can be assessed periodically against a known solution. When a test programme is
being executed the relevant test symbols (see symbol 11A or B of annex E) shall be displayed.
3.3.9.2  The test scenario may be shown on a synthetic or live picture. For a synthetic picture
symbol 11A of annex E shall be used, and for a live picture symbol 11B of annex E shall be
used.
3.3.10  (MSC.64(67)/3.10) Sea and ground stabilization
3.3.10.1  (MSC.64(67)/3.10.1) Log and speed indicators providing inputs to “auto tracking
aid” equipment shall be capable of providing the ship's speed through the water in the fore and
aft direction.
3.3.10.2  (MSC.64(67)/3.10.2) If a ground stabilized input is also available from the log (dual
axis), or from an electronic position-fixing system (if the speed measurement accuracy is in
accordance with the requirements of IMO resolution A.824) or from tracked stationary targets,
then the type of input in use shall be displayed.
3.3.11  (MSC.64(67)/3.11) Equipment connected to “auto tracking aid”

60872-2 © IEC:1999(E) – 11 –
3.3.11.1  (MSC.64(67)/3.11.1) Speed and course measuring equipment shall be connected

to the “auto tracking aid”
3.3.11.2  (MSC.64(67)/3.11.2) The speed input shall provide speed through the water and

may, in addition, provide speed over ground.

3.3.11.3  (MSC.64(67)/3.11.3) The type of measuring equipment in use shall be indicated on

the display.
4 Methods of testing and required test results

4.1 General
Tests shall be conducted normally by operating the ATA under test covering the adjacent sea
area and using simulated target echoes from a synthetic target generator (see annex D) whose
characteristics are similar to target echoes produced by the radar. Means shall be provided for
setting the effective amplitude of one or more simulated targets to 10 dB above peak noise
level, such a target being referred to in the test data as a "test reference" target.
Unless otherwise stated, simulated targets shall follow constant courses at constant speeds
and tests shall be carried out on each range scale on which ATA facilities are provided, up to a
maximum of 48 nautical miles.
Annex D shall be consulted for more details on using simulated targets.
Before these tests, the equipment under test (EUT) shall be subjected to, and shall satisfy, the
relevant parts of IEC 60945.
4.2 (3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.3.3) Detection, acquisition, tracking and general facilities
4.2.1 Confidence
Before implementing these tests, the test operator shall carry out a confidence check, by non-
quantitative means, to ensure that the basic functions of 3.3.1, 3.3.2 and 3.3.3 are available.
4.2.2  (3.3.1) Detection
There is no additional test for this function which is covered by other tests.
4.2.3  (3.3.2.1) Manual acquisition

4.2.3.1 Method of measurement
Ten simulated radar targets superimposed on radar receiver generated noise, or equivalent,
shall be fed into the ATA. One or more of these targets shall be a reference target. The targets
shall be positioned with an approximately uniform distribution at ranges between 1 nautical mile
and the maximum of the range scale in use or the maximum acquisition range provided, and
over an arc of not less than 120°.
Two or more of the simulated targets shall have a speed relative to the test radar of not less
than 5 knots and one of these shall start at a range of approximately 5 nautical miles with a
relative speed of 100 knots. The operation of the manual acquisition and tracking cancellation
controls shall be tested on all range scales on which acquisition facilities are provided, and the
target symbols of those acquired, shall be observed on the display.

– 12 – 60872-2 © IEC:1999(E)
Acquisition shall be tested in the following cases:

a) each of a pair of targets on the same bearing, at a mean range of approximately 10 nautical

miles, and separated by 0,5 nautical miles;

b) as a) but at a mean range of approximately 2,5 nautical miles;

c) each of a pair of targets at a common range of approximately 10 nautical miles and on

bearings such that the adjacent edges of their targets are separated by 4°;

d) as c) but at a common range of approximately 2,5 nautical miles.

4.2.4  (3.3.3) Tracking
4.2.4.1 Method of measurement
Following the acquisition phases of 4.2.3 the system shall be required to continue to track the
acquired targets for a period of not less than 12 min or until they exceed the maximum tracking
range or fall below the reference target level.
At the end of the 12 min period the range scale shall be changed and the presentation of full
plotting information shall be checked for those acquired targets which shall be displayed on the
new range scale.
4.2.5  Results required (4.2.3/4.2.4)
.1 It shall be possible in all cases specified in 4.2.3 to acquire each target within not more
than five scans after the initiation of acquisition, i.e. from the time of the completion of the
manual acquisition procedure.
Proportionately longer time up to a maximum of 1 min shall be allowed where the target to
be acquired is within 6° of other targets which are being, or have been, acquired.
.2 In all cases, it shall be possible to acquire not less than 10 targets by manual means.
.3 In all cases, a clearly identifiable relevant symbol (see annex E) shall appear on the
display at each acquired target.
.4 It shall be possible, by suitable means provided, including manual means, to cancel any
chosen acquired target.
.5 Within 20 scans of the initiation of acquisition of each target the appropriate symbol in
annex E shall indicate the general trend of the target motion.
.6 Within 60 scans of the initiation of acquisition, data as required by 3.3.4.6 and 3.3.6.2 shall
be available on all tracked targets.
.7 All symbols shall correlate with the relevant targets unambiguously.
.8 The provision of suitable means of complying with 3.3.4.7 and 3.3.4.8 shall be verified.

.9 Compliance with 3.3.4.12 shall be verified.
4.3 (3.3.3) Tracking reliability
4.3.1  (3.3.3.3) Fading target
4.3.1.1  Method of measurement
The echo due to a test reference target with a relative speed of 20 knots and on a constant
course shall be fed into the ATA and shall be acquired. To avoid the possibility of target swop,
no other target shall come within 1 nautical mile of the test target.

60872-2 © IEC:1999(E) – 13 –
Starting not less than 60 scans after the initiation of acquisition, the echo shall be caused to
miss 50 % of any 10 consecutive paints in various patterns which shall include missing

alternate paints and missing five consecutive paints. The test shall be repeated with test target

relative speeds of 5 knots and 100 knots.

4.3.2  (3.3.5.5) Lost target warning

4.3.2.1  Method of measurement

At the conclusion of each test of 4.3.1 the test target echo shall be suppressed at its source.

4.3.3  (3.3.3.5) Target manoeuvre
4.3.3.1 Method of measurement
The echo due to a test reference target with a relative speed of 20 knots and on a collision
course with own ship shall be fed into the ATA and be acquired at a range of not less than
5 nautical miles. When the target reaches a range of 3 nautical miles, it shall be caused to turn
to starboard at a rate 5°/s through an angle of 90° and shall then follow a constant course at
constant speed for not less than 3 min.
4.3.4  (3.3.3.4) Target swop
4.3.4.1 Method of measurement
The echo due to a test reference target with a relative speed of 20 knots and on a collision
course with own ship shall be fed into the ATA and shall be acquired at a range of not less than
10 nautical miles.
When the target reaches a range of 5 nautical miles it shall be caused to pass an unacquired,
stationary, reference target displaced in bearing such that the adjacent edges of their echoes
are separated by 4° and shall continue on the same course for not less than 1 min.
4.3.5 Results required (4.3.1/4.3.2/4.3.3/4.3.4)
.1 The ATA shall continue to track the test target throughout the test of 4.3.1 and shall not
initiate the lost target warning.
.2 The lost target warning shall be initiated automatically not more than 20 scans after the
start of test of 4.3.2. Observe that the indication appears initially at the track position at
which the alarm was initiated.

.3 The ATA shall continue to track the target throughout the test of 4.3.3.
.4 The ATA shall continue to track the acquired target throughout the test of 4.3.4.

– 14 – 60872-2 © IEC:1999(E)
4.4 (3.3.7) Tracking accuracy

4.4.1 Method of measurement
.1 The ATA shall be set to the 12 nautical mile range scale and shall be fed with compass and

log inputs corresponding to scenario 1 of annex B. A test reference target, whose course,

speed and initial position are such that 3 min after acquisition they shall correspond to

those given in scenario 1 of annex B shall be fed into the ATA. The target echo signal and

own ship inputs shall be generated by means which take account of the sensor errors listed
in annex C including those due to own ship roll of ±10°.

The target shall be acquired and the time of acquisition, t , as defined in 4.2.5.1 shall be
noted.
At t + 1 min the motion trend of the target as indicated on the ATA display in vector or
graphic form shall be observed.
At t + 3 min the true course and speed and the CPA and TCPA of the tracked test target
shall be obtained from the ATA alphanumeric readout facility and recorded, and the motion
of the target as indicated on the ATA display in vector or graphic form shall be observed.
The target echo generator shall be reset and the test repeated until a total of 20 tests have
been recorded. If the target echo generator utilizes pseudo-random number generators
then it shall be arranged that a different sequence is used for each test.
.2 The observed indications in vector or graphic form shall be compared with the requirements
of 3.3.7.2 or 3.3.7.3 as appropriate.
.3 The error in each recorded value shall be determined by subtracting from it the correct
value for that parameter as derived from this scenario.
.4 The above test procedure shall be repeated successively for scenarios 2, 3 and 4 of annex B.
.5 The operating manual shall be checked for the inclusion of information relating to the
requirements of 3.3.3.3.
4.4.2  Results required
If the results of all 20 tests are within the limits given in the tables of 3.3.7.2 or 3.3.7.3 as
appropriate, the equipment shall be considered as complying with the requirements for the
particular scenario under test.
If the result of any test is outside the limits, a statistical analysis shall be applied to all the
results and, if necessary, additional tests shall be carried out.
4.5 (3.3.5.1-3) Closing target warning
4.5.1 Method of measurement
.1 The echo due to a test reference target with a relative speed of 20 knots and on a collision
course with own ship shall be fed into the ATA. The guard zones shall be previously
adjusted to be at a range of 10 nautical miles encompassing the bearing of the target and
shall not include a clutter area. The target shall be initially at a range of not less than 11
nautical miles. The target shall follow a constant course until it reaches a range of 8
nautical miles. The test shall be repeated with the zone adjusted to a range of 2,5 nautical
miles with initial and final ranges of the target of approximately 3 nautical miles and 1,5
nautical miles respectively.
.2 The operation of the zone shall be observed for an extended period.
.3 The operating manual shall be checked for the inclusion of information relating to the
requirements of 3.3.5.
60872-2 © IEC:1999(E) – 15 –
4.5.2  Results required
.1 The guard zone shall be clearly indicated on the display with the relevant symbol. In each

test of 4.5.1, the closing target warning shall be initiated automatically not more than 1 min

after the target crosses the outer boundary of the guard zone as indicated on the display,

and the position of the target shall be clearly indicated on the display with the relevant

symbol.
.2 The false alarm rate shall not be excessive.

.3 The operating manual shall be satisfactory.

4.6 (3.3.5.4) Collision risk (CPA/TCPA) warning

4.6.1  Method of measurement
.1 Using the 12 nautical mile range scale, the CPA warning limit shall be set to a range of
approximately 1,5 nautical miles and the TCPA warning limit shall be set to a convenient
time between 10 min and 20 min, inclusive. The echoes due to two reference targets, each
with a relative speed of 20 knots and on a collision course with own ship shall be fed into
the ATA at ranges such that their TCPAs differ by 3 min. Each target shall be acquired at a
range such that its TCPA is at least 4 min greater than the limit set for the TCPA warning.
The alphanumeric readout of TCPA for the nearer target shall be monitored and its value
when the warning is initiated shall be recorded. The minimum value observed before the
warning is initiated shall be recorded.
Any audible warning initiated by this target shall be cancelled within 30 s of its initiation.
The farther target shall then be similarly monitored and recorded.
.2 The test shall be repeated using the same warning limit settings, but with a single test
target on a succession of courses giving CPA ranges just less than and just greater than
the limit set for the CPA warning, the target being tracked until it reaches its CPA.
The alphanumeric readouts of CPA and TCPA shall be monitored and shall be recorded
when the warning is initiated. Additionally, prior to the initiation of the warning, the indicated
CPA and TCPA shall be recorded if at any time both of them are less than 0,9 times their
respective set limit values.
4.6.2  Results required
.1 For each target in the test of 4.6.1.1, the recorded TCPA at which the warning is initiated
shall be not greater than 1,1 times the limit set for the TCPA warning and the minimum
TCPA recorded before the warning is initiated shall be not less than 0,9 times the limit set
for the TCPA warning.
.2 For each test of 4.6.1.2, the recorded CPA and TCPA at which the warning was initialized
shall be not greater than 1,1 times their respective set limit values.

There shall be no recorded instance of the CPA and TCPA indications both being less than
0,9 times their set limit values before the warning is initiated.
4.7 (3.3.4) Display
Check by inspection of the equipment that the requirements of 3.3.4 are complied with, except
that in 3.3.4.11, 1 min and 3 min shall be replaced by 20 scans and 60 scans respectively.
4.8 (3.3.5.6) Audible warnings
Check by inspection of the EUT.
4.9 (3.3.6) Data requirements
Check by inspection of the EUT.

– 16 – 60872-2 © IEC:1999(E)
4.10 (3.3.8) Interfaces
By practical demonstration and inspection of the documentation.

4.11 (3.3.9) Performance test and warnings

By practical demonstration and inspection of the documentation.

4.12 (3.3.10) Sea and ground stabilization

Methods provided shall be tested by practical demonstration and inspection of the
documentation.
4.13 (3.3.11) Equipment connected to “auto tracking aid”
By practical demonstration and inspection of the documentation.
4.14 (3.1.4-7) System configuration and quality assurance
By practical demonstration and inspection of the relevant documentation.

60872-2 © IEC:1999(E) – 17 –
Annex A
(normative)
Definitions of terms to be used in connection with “auto tracking aids”

and radar performance standards

(Annex 1 to appendix 1 of IMO Resolution MSC.64(67) Annex 4)

Acquisition: The process of selecting a
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