SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003
(Main)ElectroMagnetic Compatibility and Radio Spectrum Matters (ERM); Float-free maritime satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) operating in the 406,0 MHz to 406,1 MHz frequency band; Technical characteristics and methods of measurement
- Abstract
To consider the new Cospas-Sarsat system requirements and a general update for the standard.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Nov-2003
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 01-Dec-2003
- Due Date
- 01-Dec-2003
- Completion Date
- 01-Dec-2003
SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003 is the Slovenian adoption of ETSI EN 300 066 V1.3.1. It specifies the technical characteristics and methods of measurement for float-free maritime satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) operating in the 406.0 MHz to 406.1 MHz band, including the low-power 121.5 MHz homing device.
The standard is written for maritime distress and safety equipment used with the Cospas-Sarsat system and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). In practice, it is the document manufacturers and test labs use to design, check, and type-test EPIRBs before they are placed on the market or into service.
What does SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003 specify?
SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003 sets minimum performance requirements, coding rules, environmental tests, and measurement methods for float-free satellite EPIRBs. It also covers EPIRBs with an integrated internal navigation device and applies to Class 1 and Class 2 equipment.
The document is organized into clauses for general requirements, test conditions, environmental tests, transmitter requirements, signal format, satellite EPIRB coding, other technical requirements, radiation measurements, and the release mechanism. Annex A covers requirements for non float-free satellite EPIRBs.
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Annex A | Requirements for non float-free satellite EPIRBs |
What are the key requirements of SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003?
SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003 requires the EPIRB to float free automatically when submerged and then start transmitting without depending on control settings, with a short delay before the distress signal begins. That matters because the beacon must survive launch, release itself, and still begin alerting search and rescue services in a predictable way.
Activation, mounting, and physical design
Clause 4 requires the EPIRB to be mounted in a release mechanism, carried by one person, and capable of manual release and manual activation. The unit must be a single integral device with a primary battery and permanently attached antenna, and the fixed part of the distress message must remain stored even if power sources are removed.
The EPIRB must have a firmly attached floating lanyard, a highly visible yellow/orange finish, retro-reflective material, low duty cycle light, clear controls, and operating instructions. These points matter because they support handling on a ship’s deck, visibility in the water, and correct use in an emergency.
Power, battery, and safety
Clause 4.13 requires a battery expiry life of at least 3 years and clear marking of the expiry date. The battery must not be connectable with reversed polarity and must not release toxic or corrosive products under the specified storage, discharge, and short-circuit conditions.
Test regime and environmental durability
Clause 5 defines the test conditions, including normal and extreme temperatures, the test site for radiation measurements, and the measurement uncertainty limits. Clause 6 then subjects the EPIRB to dry heat, damp heat, low temperature, vibration, ruggedness, corrosion, drop into water, thermal shock, immersion, hose stream, buoyancy, solar radiation, and oil resistance tests.
These tests matter because they check whether the beacon still works after heat, cold, vibration, water impact, salt, spray, and contamination - the conditions a survival beacon can realistically face at sea.
Transmitter and signal quality
Clause 7 sets limits for output power, characteristic frequency, short-term and medium-term frequency stability, temperature gradient behaviour, the RF spectrum mask, phase deviation, rise and fall times, and modulation symmetry. Clause 8 sets the signal format, repetition period, total transmission time, CW preamble, and bit rate.
In practice, these requirements ensure the 406 MHz signal stays inside the intended band, remains readable by the satellite system, and keeps a stable transmission pattern.
Beacon coding
Clause 9 defines the digital message structure, including short and long message formats, bit synchronization, frame synchronization, country code, protocol codes, user protocols, location protocols, and BCH error-correcting fields. This is the part that carries the beacon identity, optional position data, and protocol-specific information used by rescue systems.
What terms does SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003 define?
- satellite EPIRB - An earth station in the Mobile Satellite Service whose emissions are intended to support search and rescue operations.
- releasemechanism - The arrangement that lets the EPIRB float free automatically.
- homingdevice - A 121.5 MHz beacon mainly intended for aircraft homing.
- remote control unit - A unit that lets the EPIRB be activated from outside its installation point while it remains in the release mechanism.
- Class 1 - An EPIRB intended to operate from -40 °C to +55 °C.
- Class 2 - An EPIRB intended to operate from -20 °C to +55 °C.
- equipment - The EPIRB together with the 121.5 MHz homing device, release mechanism, and remote control unit when provided.
Who uses SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003?
SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003 is used by EPIRB manufacturers, test laboratories, certification bodies, maritime equipment suppliers, and procurement teams. It helps them design the beacon, choose the right release mechanism and battery, verify environmental resistance, run conformity tests, and check that the coded message and transmitter meet the required behavior.
It is also relevant to ship owners, operators, and quality managers who need to confirm that the beacon they buy or maintain matches the expected maritime distress alerting function.
Which standards are used with SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003?
The standard cites these references as part of its framework:
- ITU Radio Regulations - provide the radio regulatory basis for the 406 MHz beacon band.
- SOLAS - supports the maritime safety context for the equipment.
- IMO Resolution A.658(16) - provides the performance basis for retro-reflective material.
- IMO Resolution A.689(17) - covers testing of life-saving appliances.
- C/ST.001 - gives the COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz distress beacon specification, including the BCH coding referenced by this standard.
- C/ST.007 - gives the COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz distress beacon type approval standard used alongside the test sequence.
- EN 60945 - provides general requirements and test methods for maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment.
- ETSI ETR 028 - provides the uncertainty approach used for measurement results.
What does the SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003 document contain?
SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003 contains clause-by-clause requirements plus the measurement setups needed to verify them. It includes test conditions for frequency and power checks, outdoor radiation measurement arrangements, and antenna calibration steps.
It also includes detailed procedures for environmental tests, transmitter measurements, signal timing, and digital coding checks. The coding part covers user protocols such as maritime user, radio call sign user, aviation user, serial user, test user, orbitography, and national use, as well as location protocols for short and long message formats.
The document further provides figures and tables for message structure, protocol selection, emergency codes, and the coding of beacon identification and position data. That makes it a combined design, test, and approval reference rather than just a description of the beacon band.
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "ElectroMagnetic Compatibility and Radio Spectrum Matters (ERM); Float-free maritime satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) operating in the 406,0 MHz to 406,1 MHz frequency band; Technical characteristics and methods of measurement". This standard covers: To consider the new Cospas-Sarsat system requirements and a general update for the standard.
To consider the new Cospas-Sarsat system requirements and a general update for the standard.
SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.060.20 - Receiving and transmitting equipment; 33.100.01 - Electromagnetic compatibility in general; 47.020.70 - Navigation and control equipment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: TRRTP124. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.NDUDNWHULVWLNHElectroMagnetic Compatibility and Radio Spectrum Matters (ERM); Float-free maritime satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) operating in the 406,0 MHz to 406,1 MHz frequency band; Technical characteristics and methods of measurement47.020.70Navigacijska in krmilna opremaNavigation and control equipment33.100.01Elektromagnetna združljivost na splošnoElectromagnetic compatibility in general33.060.20Sprejemna in oddajna opremaReceiving and transmitting equipmentICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 300 066 Version 1.3.1SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003en01-december-2003SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
ETSIEN300066V1.3.1(2001-01)EuropeanStandard(Telecommunicationsseries)ElectromagneticCompatibilityandRadioSpectrumMatters(ERM);Float-freemaritimesatelliteEmergencyPositionIndicatingRadioBeacons(EPIRBs)operatinginthe406,0MHzto406,1MHzfrequencyband;TechnicalcharacteristicsandmethodsofmeasurementSIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003
ETSIETSIEN300066V1.3.1(2001-01)2ReferenceREN/ERM-RP01-035KeywordsEPIRB,maritime,GMDSS,radioETSI650RoutedesLuciolesF-06921SophiaAntipolisCedex-FRANCETel.:+33492944200Fax:+33493654716SiretN°34862356200017-NAF742CAssociationàbutnonlucratifenregistréeàlaSous-PréfecturedeGrasse(06)N°7803/88ImportantnoticeIndividualcopiesofthepresentdocumentcanbedownloadedfrom:http://www.etsi.orgThepresentdocumentmaybemadeavailableinmorethanoneelectronicversionorinprint.Inanycaseofexistingorperceiveddifferenceincontentsbetweensuchversions,thereferenceversionisthePortableDocumentFormat(PDF).Incaseofdispute,thereferenceshallbetheprintingonETSIprintersofthePDFversionkeptonaspecificnetworkdrivewithinETSISecretariat.Usersofthepresentdocumentshouldbeawarethatthedocumentmaybesubjecttorevisionorchangeofstatus.InformationonthecurrentstatusofthisandotherETSIdocumentsisavailableathttp://www.etsi.org/tb/status/Ifyoufinderrorsinthepresentdocument,sendyourcommentto:editor@etsi.frCopyrightNotificationNopartmaybereproducedexceptasauthorizedbywrittenpermission.Thecopyrightandtheforegoingrestrictionextendtoreproductioninallmedia.©EuropeanTelecommunicationsStandardsInstitute2001.Allrightsreserved.SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003
ETSIETSIEN300066V1.3.1(2001-01)3ContentsIntellectualPropertyRights.8Foreword.81Scope.92References.93Definitionsandabbreviations.103.1Definitions.103.2Abbreviations.104Generalrequirements.114.1Introduction.114.2Operatingconditions.114.3Lanyard.114.4Colourandsurface.114.5Lowdutycyclelight.114.6Controls.114.7Indicators.124.8Self-testmode.124.9Labelling.124.10Operatinginstructions.134.11Homingdevice.134.12Accessories.134.13Powersource.134.13.1Batteryrequirements.134.13.2Safetyprecautions.135Testconditions.145.1General.145.2Performancecheck.145.3PreparationofsatelliteEPIRBfortesting.145.4Testsequence.155.5Testpowersource.155.6Testsite.155.7Testset-up.165.8Testreceiver.165.9Measuringantenna.175.10Normaltestconditions.195.11Extremetestconditions.195.12Procedurefortestsatextremetemperatures.195.13Measurementuncertainties.196Environmentaltests.206.1General.206.2Temperaturetests.206.2.1Definition.206.2.2Dryheattest.206.2.2.1Methodofmeasurement.206.2.2.2Requirement.206.2.3Dampheattest.206.2.3.1Methodofmeasurement.206.2.3.2Requirement.216.2.4Lowtemperaturetest.216.2.4.1Methodofmeasurement.216.2.4.2Requirement.216.3Vibrationtest.216.3.1Definition.216.3.2Methodofmeasurement.21SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003
ETSIETSIEN300066V1.3.1(2001-01)46.3.3Requirement.226.4Ruggednesstest.226.4.1Definition.226.4.2Methodofmeasurement.226.4.3Requirements.226.5Corrosiontest.226.5.1Definition.236.5.2Methodofmeasurement.236.5.3Requirements.236.6Droptestintowater.236.6.1Definition.236.6.2Methodofmeasurement.246.6.3Requirement.246.7Thermalshocktest.246.7.1Definition.246.7.2Methodofmeasurement.246.7.3Requirements.246.8Immersiontest.246.8.1Definition.246.8.2Methodofmeasurement.246.8.3Requirements.246.9Hosestreamtest.256.9.1Definition.256.9.2Methodofmeasurement.256.9.3Requirements.256.10Buoyancytest.256.10.1Definition.256.10.2Methodofmeasurement.256.10.3Requirements.256.11Solarradiationtest.256.11.1Definition.256.11.2Methodofmeasurement.266.11.3Requirements.266.12Oilresistancetest.266.12.1Definition.266.12.2Methodofmeasurement.266.12.3Requirements.277Transmitter.277.1Outputpower.277.1.1Definition.277.1.2Methodofmeasurement.277.1.3Limit.277.2Characteristicfrequency.277.2.1Definition.277.2.2Methodofmeasurement.277.2.3Limit.287.3Shorttermfrequencystability.287.3.1Definition.287.3.2Methodofmeasurement.287.3.3Limit.297.4Mediumtermfrequencystability.297.4.1Definition.297.4.2Methodofmeasurement.297.4.3Limits.307.5Temperaturegradient.307.5.1Definition.307.5.2Methodofmeasurement.307.5.3Limits.317.6RFspectrummask.317.6.1Definition.317.6.2Methodofmeasurement.31SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003
ETSIETSIEN300066V1.3.1(2001-01)57.6.3Limit.327.7Phasedeviationanddataencoding.327.7.1Definition.327.7.2Methodofmeasurement.327.7.3Limits.327.8Riseandfalltimes.337.8.1Definition.337.8.2Methodofmeasurement.337.8.3Limits.347.9Modulationsymmetry.347.9.1Definition.347.9.2Methodofmeasurement.347.9.3Limit.348Signalformat.348.1General.348.2Repetitionperiod.358.2.1Definition.358.2.2Methodofmeasurement.358.2.3Limit.358.3Totaltransmissiontime.358.3.1Definition.358.3.2Methodofmeasurement.358.3.3Limits.368.4CarrierWave(CW)preamble.368.4.1Definition.368.4.2Methodofmeasurement.368.4.3Limit.368.5Bitrate.368.5.1Definition.368.5.2Methodofmeasurement.368.5.3Limit.369SatelliteEPIRBcoding.379.1General.379.1.1BitSynchronization.379.1.2FrameSynchronization.379.1.3Basicstructure.379.2Coding.389.2AMessageFormatFlag,ProtocolFlag,andCountryCode.399.2A.1
Format Flag . 399.2A.2
Protocol Flag . 399.2A.3
Country Code. 399.3ProtocolCodes.399.4UserProtocols.429.4.1StructureofUserProtocols.429.4.2MaritimeUserProtocol.449.4.3RadioCallSignUserProtocol.459.4.4AviationUserProtocol.459.4.5SerialUserProtocol.469.4.5.1SerialNumber.469.4.5.2Aircraft24-bitAddress.479.4.5.3AircraftOperatorDesignatorandSerialNumber.479.4.6TestUserProtocol.489.4.7OrbitographyProtocol.489.4.8NationalUserProtocol.489.4.9Non-ProtectedDataField.499.4.9.1MaritimeEmergencycode.499.4.9.2Non-MaritimeEmergencycode.499.4.9.3NationalUse.519.5LocationProtocols.529.5.1Summary.52SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003
ETSIETSIEN300066V1.3.1(2001-01)69.5.1.1User-LocationProtocols.529.5.1.2StandardLocationProtocols.529.5.1.3Standard-ShortLocationProtocols.529.5.1.4NationalLocationProtocol.529.5.1.5National-ShortLocationProtocol.529.5.2DefaultValuesinPositionData.529.5.3DefinitionofLocationProtocols.539.5.3.1PositionData.539.5.3.2SupplementaryData.549.5.3.3SourceofPositionData.549.5.3.4AuxiliaryRadioLocatingDevice(homingtransmitter)Code.549.5.3.5TestLocationProtocols.559.6User-LocationProtocols(SeeFigure19).569.7StandardLocationProtocols.589.7.1Structure.589.7.2Identificationdata.589.7.3PDF-1positiondata.589.7.4PDF-2positiondata.599.7.5Testprotocol.599.8Standard-ShortLocationProtocols.599.9NationalLocationProtocol(seeFigure21).619.9.1Structure.619.9.2PDF-1positiondata.619.9.3PDF-2positiondata.619.10National-ShortLocationProtocol.6210OtherTechnicalrequirements.6410.1Effectiveluminousintensityofthelowdutycyclelight.6410.1.1Definition.6410.1.2Methodofmeasurement.6410.1.3Limit.6410.2Batterycapacity.6410.2.1Definition.6410.2.2Methodofmeasurement.6410.2.3Limit.6510.3Homingdevice.6510.3.1General.6510.3.1.1Classofemission.6510.3.1.2Modulationfrequency.6510.3.1.3Transmitterdutycycle.6510.3.1.4Sweeprepetitionrate.6510.3.2Frequencyerror.6510.3.2.1Definition.6510.3.2.2Methodofmeasurement.6510.3.2.3Limit.6510.3.3Modulationdutycycle.6610.3.3.1Definition.6610.3.3.2Methodofmeasurement.6610.3.3.3Limit.6610.3.4Modulationfactor.6610.3.4.1Definition.6610.3.4.2Methodofmeasurement.6610.3.4.3Limit.6610.3.5Effectiveradiatedpeakenvelopepower.6710.3.5.1Definition.6710.3.5.2Methodofmeasurement.6710.3.5.3Limit.6710.3.6Spuriousemissions.6810.3.6.1Definition.6810.3.6.2Methodofmeasurement.6810.3.6.3Limit.68SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003
ETSIETSIEN300066V1.3.1(2001-01)711Radiationmeasurements.6811.1General.6811.2Radiatedpower.6811.2.1Definition.6811.2.2Methodofmeasurement.6811.2.3Limits.6911.3Antennacharacteristics.6911.3.1Definition.6911.3.2Methodofmeasurement.6911.3.3Limits.7012Releasemechanism.7012.1General.7012.1.1Operatingconditions.7012.1.2Labelling.7112.1.3Operatinginstructions.7112.2AutomaticreleaseofthesatelliteEPIRB.7112.2.1Definition.7112.2.2Methodofmeasurement.7112.2.3Requirement.71AnnexA(normative):RequirementsfornonfloatfreesatelliteEPIRBs.72Bibliography.73History.74SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003
ETSIETSIEN300066V1.3.1(2001-01)8IntellectualPropertyRightsIPRsessentialorpotentiallyessentialtothepresentdocumentmayhavebeendeclaredtoETSI.TheinformationpertainingtotheseessentialIPRs,ifany,ispubliclyavailableforETSImembersandnon-members,andcanbefoundinETSISR000314:"IntellectualPropertyRights(IPRs);Essential,orpotentiallyEssential,IPRsnotifiedtoETSIinrespectofETSIstandards",whichisavailablefromtheETSISecretariat.LatestupdatesareavailableontheETSIWebserver(http://www.etsi.org/ipr).PursuanttotheETSIIPRPolicy,noinvestigation,includingIPRsearches,hasbeencarriedoutbyETSI.NoguaranteecanbegivenastotheexistenceofotherIPRsnotreferencedinETSISR000314(ortheupdatesontheETSIWebserver)whichare,ormaybe,ormaybecome,essentialtothepresentdocument.ForewordThisEuropeanStandard(Telecommunicationsseries)hasbeenproducedbyETSITechnicalCommitteeElectromagneticcompatibilityandRadiospectrumMatters(ERM).EveryENpreparedbyETSIisavoluntarystandard.Thepresentdocumentcontainstextconcerningconformancetestingoftheequipmenttowhichitrelates.Thistextshouldbeconsideredonlyasguidanceanddoesnotmakethepresentdocumentmandatory.NationaltranspositiondatesDateofadoptionofthisEN:12January2001DateoflatestannouncementofthisEN(doa):30April2001DateoflatestpublicationofnewNationalStandardorendorsementofthisEN(dop/e):31October2001DateofwithdrawalofanyconflictingNationalStandard(dow):31October2001SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003
ETSIETSIEN300066V1.3.1(2001-01)91ScopeThepresentdocumentsetsouttheminimumperformancerequirementsandtechnicalcharacteristicsforfloat-freesatelliteEmergencyPosition-IndicatingRadioBeacons(EPIRB),operatingintheCOSPAS-SARSATsatellitesystem,concerningradiocommunicationsfortheGlobalMaritimeDistressandSafetySystem(GMDSS).Theequipmentcoveredbythepresentdocumentoperatesinthe406,0MHz–406,1MHzfrequencyband,whichisprovidedwithalowpower121,5MHzhomingdevice.ThepresentdocumentcoversalsoEPIRBswithintegratedinternalnavigationdevice.ThepresentdocumentincorporatesallrelevantprovisionsoftheITURadioRegulations[1],ofIMOassemblyresolutions,aswellasallrelevantrequirementsinEN60945[7].ThepresentdocumentisapplicableforsatelliteEPIRBsoperatingoverthetemperaturerangesof:• -40°Cto+55°C(Class1);or• -20°Cto+55°C(Class2);withafloatfreereleasemechanism.NOTE1:TheequipmentmeetstheIMOrequirementsofchapterIV,regulations7.1.6and14.1ofthe1988amendmentstothe1974InternationalConventionforSafetyofLifeatSea(SOLAS)[2].NOTE2:TherequirementsfornonfloatfreesatelliteEPIRBscanbefoundinAnnexA.2ReferencesThefollowingdocumentscontainprovisionswhich,throughreferenceinthistext,constituteprovisionsofthepresentdocument.• Referencesareeitherspecific(identifiedbydateofpublication,editionnumber,versionnumber,etc.)ornon-specific.• Foraspecificreference,subsequentrevisionsdonotapply.• Foranon-specificreference,thelatestversionapplies.• Anon-specificreferencetoanETSshallalsobetakentorefertolaterversionspublishedasanENwiththesamenumber.[1]InternationalTelecommunicationUnion:"RadioRegulations".[2]InternationalConventionforSafetyofLifeatSea(SOLAS)(1974),asamended.[3]IMOResolutionA.658(16):"Useandfittingofretro-reflectivematerialsonlife-savingappliances".[4]IMOResolutionA.689(17):"Testingoflife-savingappliances".[5]C/ST.001:"SpecificationforCOSPAS-SARSAT406MHzdistressbeacons",rev.3.[6]C/ST.007:"COSPAS-SARSAT406MHzdistressbeacontypeapprovalstandard",rev.6.[7]EN60945:"Maritimenavigationandradiocommunicationequipmentandsystems-Generalrequirements-Methodsoftestingandrequiredtestresults".[8]ETSIETR028:"RadioEquipmentandSystems(RES);Uncertaintiesinthemeasurementofmobileradioequipmentcharacteristics".SIST EN 300 066 V1.3.1:2003
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