SIST EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1:2022

EUROPEAN STANDARD
Technical characteristics and methods of measurement
for equipment for generation, transmission
and reception of Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
in the maritime MF, MF/HF and/or VHF mobile service;
Part 8: Enabling DSC radio equipment
with remote control capabilities

2 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)

Reference
DEN/ERM-TGMAR-087-8
Keywords
DSC, GMDSS, maritime, radio, SAR

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ETSI
3 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
Contents
Intellectual Property Rights . 5
Foreword . 5
Modal verbs terminology . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 References . 6
2.1 Normative references . 6
2.2 Informative references . 6
3 Definition of terms, symbols and abbreviations . 7
3.1 Terms . 7
3.2 Symbols . 8
3.3 Abbreviations . 8
4 General requirements . 9
4.1 General . 9
4.2 Interfaces . 10
4.2.1 General . 10
4.2.2 Physical connection . 10
4.2.3 Ethernet protocols . 10
4.2.4 Audio interfaces . 10
4.2.5 Sentences to support on the interface . 10
5 DSC remote control communication . 14
5.1 Introduction . 14
5.2 Use of AC0, AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4 and AC5 . 14
5.3 Use of AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4 and AO5 . 14
5.4 Use of AP0, AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4 and AP5 . 15
5.5 Use of AI1 to AI9 . 15
5.6 Use of AUQ . 15
5.7 Use of DCR Device Capability Report . 15
6 Remote control in standby, DSC and non-DSC automated procedures . 15
6.1 General . 15
Annex A (normative): Sentences to support DSC remote control . 16
A.1 Introduction . 16
A.1.1 AP0 - Automated Procedure Configuration Status . 16
A.1.2 AP1 - Sending Distress Automated Procedure Status VHF and MF/HF . 18
A.1.3 AP2 - Receiving Distress Automated Procedure Status VHF and MF/HF. 21
A.1.4 AP3 - Sending Non-Distress Automated Procedure Status . 24
A.1.5 AP4 - Receiving Non-Distress Automated Procedure Status . 28
A.1.6 AP5 - Communications Automated Procedure Status . 31
A.1.7 AO1 - Automated procedure Options - Sending Own Distress . 34
A.1.8 AO2 - Automated procedure Options - Receiving Distress . 36
A.1.9 AO3 - Automated procedure Options - Sending Non-Distress . 37
A.1.10 AO4 - Automated procedure Options - Receiving Non-Distress . 39
A.1.11 AO5 - Automated procedure Options - Communications . 40
A.1.12 AC0 - Command Radio Settings . 42
A.1.13 AC1 - Automated procedure Command - Sending Own Distress . 45
A.1.14 AC2 - Automated procedure Command - Receiving Distress . 47
A.1.15 AC3 - Automated procedure Command - Sending Non-Distress . 51
A.1.16 AC4 - Automated procedure Command - Receiving Non-Distress . 53
A.1.17 AC5 - Automated procedure Command - Communications . 55
A.1.18 AI1 - Automated procedure Initiate - Sending Own Distress . 57
A.1.19 AI2 - Initiate All ships urgency and safety (VHF) - Frequency . 60
A.1.20 AI3 - Automated procedure Initiate - Geographical area urgency and safety (MF/HF) - Frequency . 61
A.1.21 AI4 - Initiate Individual Urgency and safety (VHF/MF/HF) - Frequency . 64
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4 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
A.1.22 AI5 - Initiate Individual Urgency and safety - Position/Test . 67
A.1.23 AI6 - Initiate Routine Group - Frequency . 69
A.1.24 AI7 - Initiate Routine Individual- Frequency/Data . 71
A.1.25 AI8 - Automated procedure Initiate DROBOSE . 74
A.1.26 AI9 - Initiate Communications Call . 78
A.1.27 AUQ - Automatic Procedure Query . 79
A.1.28 AAS - Audible Alert Sound Status and Control . 82
A.1.29 DCR - Device Capability Report . 84
A.1.30 FSC - Frequency Status and Command . 88
Annex B (informative): Traffic simulation . 91
B.1 General guide . 91
B.2 Traffic load scenarios . 92
B.2.1 6 simultaneous procedures . 92
B.2.2 61162-1 4800 baud interfaces . 93
B.2.3 61162-450 traffic shaping . 93
History . 94

ETSI
5 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
Intellectual Property Rights
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Foreword
This European Standard (EN) has been produced by ETSI Technical Committee Electromagnetic compatibility and
Radio spectrum Matters (ERM).
The present document is part 8 of a multi-part deliverable. Full details of the entire series can be found in part 1 [i.1].

National transposition dates
Date of adoption of this EN: 14 February 2022
Date of latest announcement of this EN (doa): 31 May 2022
Date of latest publication of new National Standard
or endorsement of this EN (dop/e): 30 November 2022
Date of withdrawal of any conflicting National Standard (dow): 30 November 2023

Modal verbs terminology
In the present document "shall", "shall not", "should", "should not", "may", "need not", "will", "will not", "can" and
"cannot" are to be interpreted as described in clause 3.2 of the ETSI Drafting Rules (Verbal forms for the expression of
provisions).
"must" and "must not" are NOT allowed in ETSI deliverables except when used in direct citation.
ETSI
6 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
1 Scope
The present document states minimum requirements for GMDSS radiocommunication equipment using Digital Selective
Calling (DSC) Class A [2], with the capability to fully operate handling of the automated procedures defined in part 2 of this
multi-part deliverable, see ETSI EN 300 338-2 [2] from a remote position such as a central HMI.
In addition other proprietary control interfaces may apply to support full remote control of other DSC EQUIPMENT
functions.
Such proprietary control interfaces (whether based on proprietary IEC 61162-1 [3] sentences or other protocols) are not part
of the present document, and may co-exist with the requirements in the present document.
2 References
2.1 Normative references
References are either specific (identified by date of publication and/or edition number or version number) or
non-specific. For specific references, only the cited version applies. For non-specific references, the latest version of the
referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
Referenced documents which are not found to be publicly available in the expected location might be found at
https://docbox.etsi.org/Reference/.
NOTE: While any hyperlinks included in this clause were valid at the time of publication, ETSI cannot guarantee
their long term validity.
The following referenced documents are necessary for the application of the present document.
[1] Recommendation ITU-R M.493-15: "Digital selective-calling system for use in the maritime
mobile service".
[2] ETSI EN 300 338-2: "Technical characteristics and methods of measurement for equipment for
generation, transmission and reception of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) in the maritime MF,
MF/HF and/or VHF mobile service; Part 2: Class A DSC".
[3] IEC 61162-1 edition 5 (2016): "Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and
systems - Digital interfaces - Part 1: Single talker and multiple listeners".
[4] IEC 61162-2: "Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Digital
interfaces - Part 2: Single talker and multiple listeners, high-speed transmission".
[5] IEC 61162-450 edition 2 (2018): "Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and
systems - Digital interfaces - Part 450: Multiple talkers and multiple listeners - Ethernet
interconnection".
2.2 Informative references
References are either specific (identified by date of publication and/or edition number or version number) or
non-specific. For specific references, only the cited version applies. For non-specific references, the latest version of the
referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
NOTE: While any hyperlinks included in this clause were valid at the time of publication, ETSI cannot guarantee
their long term validity.
The following referenced documents are not necessary for the application of the present document but they assist the
user with regard to a particular subject area.
[i.1] ETSI EN 300 338-1: "Technical characteristics and methods of measurement for equipment for
generation, transmission and reception of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) in the maritime MF,
MF/HF and/or VHF mobile service; Part 1: Common requirements".
ETSI
7 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
[i.2] IEC 61097-3 edition 2 (2017): "Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) - Part 3:
Digital selective calling (DSC) equipment - Operational and performance requirements, methods
of testing and required results".
[i.3] IEC 61162-460 edition 2 (2018): "Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and
systems - Digital interfaces - Part 460: Multiple talkers and multiple listeners - Ethernet
interconnection - Safety and security".
[i.4] NMEA 0183: "Standard for Interfacing Marine Electronic Devices".
[i.5] ETSI EN 300 338-7: "Technical characteristics and methods of measurement for equipment for
generation, transmission and reception of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) in the maritime MF,
MF/HF and/or VHF mobile service; Part 7: Implementation of Bridge Alert Management (BAM)
in DSC radio equipment".
[i.6] ETSI EN 301 925: "Radiotelephone transmitters and receivers for the maritime mobile service
operating in VHF bands; Technical characteristics and methods of measurement".
[i.7] ETSI EN 300 373-1: "Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM);
Maritime mobile transmitters and receivers for use in the MF and HF bands; Part 1: Technical
characteristics and methods of measurement".
[i.8] ITU Radio Regulations (2020).
[i.9] Recommendation ITU-R-M.541-10 (10/2015): "Operational procedures for the use of digital
selective-calling equipment in the maritime mobile service".
[i.10] Recommendation ITU-R M.1084-5 (03/2012): "Interim solutions for improved efficiency in the
use of the band 156-174 MHz by stations in the maritime mobile service".
[i.11] IMO Resolution A.803(19): "Performance Standards for Shipborne VHF Radio Installations
Capable of Voice Communication and Digital Selective Calling".
[i.12] IMO Resolution A.804(19): "Performance Standards for Shipborne MF Radio Installations
Capable of Voice Communication and Digital Selective Calling".
[i.13] IMO Resolution A.806(19): "Performance Standards for Shipborne MF/HF Radio Installations
Capable of Voice Communication, Narrow-Band Direct Printing and Digital Selective Calling".
[i.14] MSC/Circular.862: "Clarifications of Certain Requirements in IMO Performance Standards for
GMDSS Equipment".
[i.15] IEC 62320-2:2016: "Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems -
Automatic identification system (AIS) - Part 2: AIS AtoN Stations - Operational and performance
requirements, methods of testing and required test results".
3 Definition of terms, symbols and abbreviations
3.1 Terms
For the purposes of the present document, the terms given in ETSI EN 300 338-1 [i.1] and the following apply:
acknowledged: automated procedure it indicates that the objective of the initial DSC message has been achieved
activation: initial triggering of the MoB device i.e. both parts of the two step procedure are performed
active mode: activated mode, transmitting in an emergency situation
distress alert: name given to the single distress DSC message with the format symbol 112
distress DSC message: DSC message or acknowledgement containing the distress information
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8 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
distress information: symbols within a DSC message describing a distress situation consisting of the MMSI of the
vessel in distress, the nature of distress, the position of the vessel in distress, the UTC time of that position and the mode
of subsequent communication
non distress DSC message: DSC messages or acknowledgements that do not have the format specifier or category of
"distress"
3.2 Symbols
Void.
3.3 Abbreviations
For the purposes of the present document, the following abbreviations apply:
AAS Audible Alert Sound
ACn AC0, AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4 or AC5 sentence
AIn AI1, AI2, AI3, AI4, AI5, AI6, AI7, AI8, AI9 sentence
AIS Automatic Identification System
ALC Cyclic Alert List
ALF BAM Alert Details
AOn AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4 or AO5 sentence
AP Automated procedure
APn AP0, AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4 or AP5 sentence
ARQ Automatic Request Query
ASCII American Standard Communications Indication
AtoN Aids to Navigation
AUQ Automated Query Procedure
BIT Binary Digit
CAM Central Alert Mechanism
CD NMEA indicator for DSC
CIRM Comité International Radio-Maritime
CSTDMA Carrier Sense Time Division Multiple Access
CUL Cyclic Procedure List
DCR Device Capability Report
DROBOSE Distress Relay On Behalf Of Someone Else
DSC Digital Selective Calling
DSE Expanded Digital Selective Calling
ECDIS Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems
ECI Enhanced Caller Information EN European Standard
EPFS Electronic Position Fixing System
EPIRB Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon
EPV Equipment Property Value
ERM European Radio Management
FATDMA Manually Managed AIS TDMA access for AtoN and Base Stations
FEC Forward Error Correction
FIFO First in, First Out
FSC Frequency Status and Command
FSI Frequency Set information
FSS Frequency Selection Set
GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System
GPS Global Positioning System
HBT Heartbeat
HF High Frequency
HMI Human Manual Intervention
IEC International Electronic Commission
IMO International Maritime Organisation
IN NMEA indicator for Integrated Navigation
ITU International Telecommunication Union
ETSI
9 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
ITU-R International Telecommunication Union - Radio
LSB Least Significant Bit
MF Medium Frequency
MF/HF Medium Frequencies/High Frequencies [Radio Frequencies]
MHZ MegaHertz (Frequency indication)
MMSI Maritime Mobile Service Identity
MOB Man Over Board
MSB Most Significant Bit
MSC Maritime Safety Committee (IMO)
NAK Negative acknowledgment
NBDP Narrow Band Direct Printing
NMEA National Marine Electronics Association
NW North West point of geographical area location
OK Accepted
RATDMA Random Access AIS TDMA for Class 'A' network entry
SFI Scanning Frequency information
SNGF Serial Network Gateway Function SNMP Server Network Management Protocol
TAG Advanced Communications for NMEA networks
TCP/IP Transmission Control Packet/Internet Protocol
TX/RX Transmitter/Receiver or Transceiver
UDP Unaddressed Data Packet
UTC Universal Time Co-ordinated
VDL VHF Data Link
VHF Very High Frequency
VoIP Voice over IP
4 General requirements
4.1 General
For safety reasons the remote control facility is a functional extension to, not a substitution of, any facilities as required
in ETSI EN 300 338-2 [2]. Full compliance with ETSI EN 300 338-2 [2] shall be required.
The remote protocol described in the current document shall support the concept of the automated procedures defined in
ITU Recommendation ITU-R M.493-15 [1]. This will enable the simultaneous overview of several active automated
procedures on a larger display, as well as supporting distribution of target states to navigation instruments.
The signalling interface defined is also suitable to exploit for testing purposes.
The evolution of new radio performance standards and carriage requirements may initially require only parts of the
interface functionality. It shall be possible for the manufacturer to state and document partial compliance to the present
document. E.g.:
• Sentences supported.
• Features supported:
 Information only. Document supported fields of status sentences to reflect radio state - selected
from Table 1.
 Radio control. Document supported fields of control and status sentences - selected from Table 1
and Table 2.
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10 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
4.2 Interfaces
4.2.1 General
Data interfaces for remote control purposes shall be compatible with at least one of IEC 61162-1 [3], IEC 61162-2 [4]
and IEC 61162-450 [5]. The manufacturer shall specify which alternative of IEC 61162 ([3], [4] or [5]) the physical
interface supports.
4.2.2 Physical connection
The general required interface may be:
• physically part of the individual equipment/function; or
• connected using a proprietary interface to an external unit supporting the required interfaces towards the
remote controller system (e.g. being part of a larger system).
In both configurations, compliance to the present document shall be demonstrated as a whole presented on the required
interfaces (clause 4.2.1).
4.2.3 Ethernet protocols
The IEC 61162-1 [3] sentences sent over the Ethernet (see IEC 61162-450 [5]) are using the UDP multicast datagrams.
Other protocols/logical connections may exist on the same physical connection (including TCP/IP or SNMP) if the
equipment supports these layers.
The traffic limitations and requirements shall be kept as specified in IEC 61162-450 [5] (see annex B).
4.2.4 Audio interfaces
Audio interfaces for the remote support of subsequent communications in a DSC automated procedure or
communication in a non-DSC communication automated procedure may be accomplished by the analog interfaces as
defined in the equipment standards ETSI EN 301 925 [i.6] and ETSI EN 300 373-1 [i.7], but alternative digital audio
interfaces shall be allowed (e.g. VoIP).
The manufacturer shall declare the audio interface to use for testing.
4.2.5 Sentences to support on the interface
For remote display and/or command purposes and test purposes the equipment shall be capable of transmitting and
receiving the sentences (see IEC 61162-1 [3] and annex A) as defined in Table 1 and Table 2.
Connection of, or failure within any connected equipment, shall not affect the required performance of the DSC
equipment.
Table 1: Remote control sentences transmitted by the DSC equipment
Mnemonic Interface Name Comment
AP0 Automated Procedure Configuration Config status Report status of
Status parameters available in
standby mode
a
AP1 Remote display status or allowed
Automated Report status of the ITU
command of Sending Distress Procedure procedure
automated procedure Status and Support for
available Recommendation ITU-R
control M.493-15 [1], annexes 3
and 4
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11 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
Mnemonic Interface Name Comment
a
AP2 Remote display status or allowed Automated Report status of the ITU
command of Receiving Distress Procedure procedure
automated procedure Status and Support for
available Recommendation ITU-R
control M.493-15 [1], annexes 3
and 4
a
AP3 Remote display status or allowed Automated Report status of the ITU
command of Sending non-distress Procedure procedure
automated procedure Status and Support for
available Recommendation ITU-R
control M.493-15 [1], annexes 3
and 4
a
AP4 Remote display status or allowed Automated Report status of the ITU
command of Receiving non-distress Procedure procedure
automated procedure Status and Support for
available Recommendation ITU-R
control M.493-15 [1], annexes 3
and 4
a
AP5 Remote display status or allowed Automated Report status of the ITU
command of communication Procedure procedure
automated procedure Status and Support for
available Recommendation ITU-R
control M.493-15 [1], annexes 3
and 4
AO1 Available options in sending own Reports
distress procedure options in the
current state
of the
procedure.
AO2 Available options in receiving Reports
distress procedure options in the
current state
of the
procedure.
AO3 Available options in sending non Reports
distress procedure options in the
current state
of the
procedure.
AO4 Available options in receiving non Reports
distress procedure options in the
current state
of the
procedure.
AO5 Available options in Reports

communications procedure options in the
current state
of the
procedure.
a
CUL Remote display or command Cyclic Control proper operation
Procedure of the ITU procedure
List Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1], annexes 3
and 4
b
DSC Remote display or command Digital Report a received DSC
DSE selective call detail information
a
ECI calling
information
EPV Remote display or command Equipment Report equipment
property property values
value
a
FSS Remote display or command Frequency Report setting of radio
selection set frequency
HBT Remote display or command Heartbeat Integrity test
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12 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
Mnemonic Interface Name Comment
NAK Remote display or command Negative Used to inform
acknowledge commander about refusal
ment to set equipment property
values
a
OCC Remote display or command Occupation Control possible multiple
Control command sources
Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1], annexes 3
and 4
SFI Remote display or command Scanning Report scanning
frequency frequency of DSC
information
DCR Device Capability Report Class of DSC Functionality available.
and mdes
frequencies
available
NOTE a: See annex A.
NOTE b: Test Requirement.
Table 2: Remote control sentences received by the DSC equipment
Mnemonic Interface Name Comment
AC0 Remote command of Automated Config Setting of parameters
Procedure Configuration command available in standby mode
a
AC1 Remote control commands for Automated Used to control the ITU
Sending Distress automated Procedure procedure
procedure Control Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
a
AC2 Remote control commands for Automated Used to control the ITU
Receiving Distress automated Procedure procedure
procedure Control Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
a
AC3 Remote control commands for Automated Used to control the ITU
Sending non-distress automated Procedure procedure
procedure Control Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
a
AC4 Remote control commands for
Automated Used to control the ITU
Receiving non-distress automated Procedure procedure
procedure Control Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
a
AC5 Remote control commands for Automated Used to control the ITU
communication automated Procedure procedure
procedure Control Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AI1 Automated procedure Initiate - Automated Used to initiate the ITU
Sending Own Distress. This is a Procedure procedure
command sentence Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
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13 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
Mnemonic Interface Name Comment
AI2 Initiate All ships urgency and safety Automated Used to initiate the ITU
(VHF) - Frequency Procedure procedure
Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AI3 Initiate Geographical area urgency Automated Used to initiate the ITU
and safety (MF/HF) Procedure procedure
Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AI4 Initiate Individual Urgency and Automated Used to initiate the ITU
safety (VHF/MF/HF) - Procedure procedure
Frequency/Position Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AI5 Initiate Individual Urgency and Automated Used to initiate the ITU
safety- Test Procedure procedure
Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AI6 Initiate Routine Group - Frequency Automated Used to initiate the ITU
Procedure procedure
Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AI7 Initiate Routine Individual- Automated Used to initiate the ITU
Frequency/Position/Data Procedure procedure
Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AI8 Automated procedure Initiate Automated Used to initiate the ITU
DROBOSE Procedure procedure
Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AI9 Initiate Communications Call Automated Used to initiate the ITU
Procedure procedure
Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AAS Audible Alert Sound Status and Config of
Control, This is a command Alert sounds.
sentence
a
AUQ DSC Automated procedure query Automated Used to query for details
information Procedure of an automated DSC
Query procedure
a
FSS Remote display or command Frequency Used to control radio
selection set frequency
HBT Remote display or command Heartbeat Integrity test
SFI Remote display or command Scanning Used to set scanning
frequency frequencies of DSC
information
NOTE a: See annex A.
ETSI
14 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
5 DSC remote control communication
5.1 Introduction
Clause 5 concerns the support of remote control of multiple automated procedures as defined in ETSI EN 300 338-2 [2]
and Recommendation ITU-R M.493-15 [1], annexes 3 and 4.
It allows for the integration between radio and navigation equipment in the way that multiple automated procedures
including subsequent communication can be handled on e.g. an ECDIS using compliant DSC radios. Sentences are
defined in annex A.
The automated procedure identifier value is used to facilitate communication within the remote control interface
sentences. The sentences support a cyclic range of 0 - 99. The value is increased and assigned as a unique identifier
each time a new automated procedure is allocated. The value remains assigned to the automated procedure through its
life-cycle.
The automated procedure identifier value is to be used in all sentences addressing specific automated procedures.
The automated procedure identifier value should be identical to the instance number used for alert communication
towards a CAM (ALC, ALF) (see ETSI EN 300 338-7 [i.5]).
Sentences DSC, DSE from IEC 61162-1 [3] only consider single received and transmitted DSC calls. The sentences
described in the present standard handle control of automated procedures throughout its entire life-cycle. DSE sentences
are used to provide additional information of single calls within the procedure.
For symbol error rate test purposes only, DSC and DSE sentences shall be sufficient. For test purposes the
transmitter/receiver(s) shall be controlled by FSS and SFI sentences and these simple call messages are signalled for
transmit and receive on the applicable IEC 61162 interface [3], [4] and [5].
The manufacturer may additionally add a number of documented proprietary sentences to support remote operation.
These sentences shall fulfil the requirements for proprietary sentences as described in IEC 61162-1 [3], paragraph 7.3.6.
5.2 Use of AC0, AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4 and AC5
If the equipment cannot process an ACn command request the equipment shall generate a NAK sentence response
providing an appropriate "reason code".
In case the reason for generating the NAK is a result of a procedural or operational warning that can be resolved by a
simple command (OK or CANCEL), the procedure may require the action to resolve this either by HMI entry or by
using another ACn sentence (with the necessary command).
The manufacturer shall specify how to identify those NAK sentences from other sentences, and the options shall be
described in the NAK sentence. Furthermore the corresponding APn sentence may be transmitted with available
allowed command options.
Any subsequent communication within a procedure, if allowed, shall be controlled by using the FSS command.
5.3 Use of AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4 and AO5
The purpose of these AOn sentences are solely the query for the available options in the automated procedures.
They shall in no way change the status of any automated procedure.
ETSI
15 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
5.4 Use of AP0, AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4 and AP5
The APn sentence shall be broadcast to all upon any creation, state change or update of an automated procedure in the
equipment, including a state changing command from a remote station.
The APn sentence is also used to report the allowed commands to be issued in the ACn command sentence. Thus giving
the remote unit the possibility to present only the allowed command options for a given procedure.
The APn sentence should be transmitted whenever the valid command set for an automated procedure has changed.
Furthermore, the APn sentence shall be transmitted in reply to a query.
Self-terminating procedures shall be reported with all available states, but shall not require any control actions.
5.5 Use of AI1 to AI9
These AIn sentences are for initiating specific types of DSC calls and will result in the related APn broadcast from the
DSC equipment.
5.6 Use of AUQ
This Query sentence is designed to support remote control of DSC radios. Query types include automated procedures
and related DSC radio messages, distress, received and transmit logs.
If the AUQ Sentence is NOT accepted by the DSC radio, the DSC Radio shall generate a NAK Sentence.
5.7 Use of DCR Device Capability Report
This sentence is a generic NMEA 0183 [i.4] sentence used to report the capabilities of a device. The identification of
the device's capabilities is specified in the appropriate equipment standard.
6 Remote control in standby, DSC and non-DSC
automated procedures
6.1 General
Testing of the automated procedure remote interface shall be carried out according to the applicable clauses in ETSI
EN 300 338-2 [2] where the automatic procedures are validated. Guidance to the tests:
a) when an automated procedure is created or changes state, it shall be verified that the correct status of the
procedure is reported via the APn sentence;
b) when operator options are available and tested, the selection of at least one of these options shall be performed
via the ACn sentence (see clause A.1), and validate that the selection is reflected on both display and via the
APn sentence in parallel (see clause A.1).
The tests outlined reflect chosen scenarios where values for MMSI numbers, frequencies, procedure instance numbers,
etc. are inserted. These values may differ because of the actual test scenarios chosen by the test personnel. Check sum
values are shown as "hh" and shall be validated in general.
The important things to validate, are the sequence of sentences and that the information and states coincides with the
information and states shown on the display of the DSC equipment.

ETSI
16 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
Annex A (normative):
Sentences to support DSC remote control
A.1 Introduction
A.1.1 AP0 - Automated Procedure Configuration Status
This sentence supports DSC Radio remote control and is applicable to all DSC maritime mobile radios, including VHF,
MF and HF. The AP0 sentence is only generated by the DSC controller and shall be used to provide configuration status
from the DSC controller, based on current. The AP0 and AC0 sentences facilitate remote control configuration of a
black box DSC radio. This sentence is broadcasted to all upon equipment startup and initialization, any configuration
item state change or query. The AC0 sentence will only be accepted by the DSC controller to alter settings when the
DSC controller is in standby mode, i.e. no active automated procedures, while the AP0 sentence may be queried at any
time for current settings.
Furthermore, the sentence shall be transmitted in reply to a standard Query Sentence (see NMEA 0183 [i.4], section
titled "Query Sentences" or IEC 61162-1 [3], section titled "Query Sentences"), with a response for each active
procedure.
$--AP0,x,x,x,x,x,x,x.x,x.x,x.x,x.x,x.x,x.x,x*hh
Automatic channel or frequency change
Timeout of communications automated procedures
Number of simultaneous automated procedures
Timeout of received distress DSC automated procedures
Timeout of non-distress DSC automated procedures
Timeout to exit any non-automated procedure activity
MF/HF self-terminate maximum distance
Auto acknowledge individually addressed, non-distress DSC messages
Auto acknowledge position request DSC messages
Auto acknowledge test DSC messages
Auto acknowledge polling DSC messages
Neutral crafts DSC messages
Medical transport DSC messages
ETSI
17 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
Use of fields:
1) The send "Medical transport DSC messages" option configuration is reported in this data field.
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2022
Tehnične karakteristike in merilne metode za naprave, ki generirajo, oddajajo in
sprejemajo digitalni selektivni klic (DSC) v pomorski mobilni storitvi, ki deluje v
območju MF, MF/HF oziroma VHF - 8. del: Omogočanje delovanja radijske opreme
DSC z možnostmi daljinskega upravljanja
Technical characteristics and methods of measurement for equipment for generation,
transmission and reception of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) in the maritime MF, MF/HF
and/or VHF mobile service - Part 8: Enabling DSC radio equipment with remote control
capabilities
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
ICS:
33.060.20 Sprejemna in oddajna Receiving and transmitting
oprema equipment
47.020.70 Navigacijska in krmilna Navigation and control
oprema equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
Technical characteristics and methods of measurement
for equipment for generation, transmission
and reception of Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
in the maritime MF, MF/HF and/or VHF mobile service;
Part 8: Enabling DSC radio equipment
with remote control capabilities

2 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)

Reference
DEN/ERM-TGMAR-087-8
Keywords
DSC, GMDSS, maritime, radio, SAR

ETSI
650 Route des Lucioles
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ETSI
3 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
Contents
Intellectual Property Rights . 5
Foreword . 5
Modal verbs terminology . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 References . 6
2.1 Normative references . 6
2.2 Informative references . 6
3 Definition of terms, symbols and abbreviations . 7
3.1 Terms . 7
3.2 Symbols . 8
3.3 Abbreviations . 8
4 General requirements . 9
4.1 General . 9
4.2 Interfaces . 10
4.2.1 General . 10
4.2.2 Physical connection . 10
4.2.3 Ethernet protocols . 10
4.2.4 Audio interfaces . 10
4.2.5 Sentences to support on the interface . 10
5 DSC remote control communication . 14
5.1 Introduction . 14
5.2 Use of AC0, AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4 and AC5 . 14
5.3 Use of AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4 and AO5 . 14
5.4 Use of AP0, AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4 and AP5 . 15
5.5 Use of AI1 to AI9 . 15
5.6 Use of AUQ . 15
5.7 Use of DCR Device Capability Report . 15
6 Remote control in standby, DSC and non-DSC automated procedures . 15
6.1 General . 15
Annex A (normative): Sentences to support DSC remote control . 16
A.1 Introduction . 16
A.1.1 AP0 - Automated Procedure Configuration Status . 16
A.1.2 AP1 - Sending Distress Automated Procedure Status VHF and MF/HF . 18
A.1.3 AP2 - Receiving Distress Automated Procedure Status VHF and MF/HF. 21
A.1.4 AP3 - Sending Non-Distress Automated Procedure Status . 24
A.1.5 AP4 - Receiving Non-Distress Automated Procedure Status . 28
A.1.6 AP5 - Communications Automated Procedure Status . 31
A.1.7 AO1 - Automated procedure Options - Sending Own Distress . 34
A.1.8 AO2 - Automated procedure Options - Receiving Distress . 36
A.1.9 AO3 - Automated procedure Options - Sending Non-Distress . 37
A.1.10 AO4 - Automated procedure Options - Receiving Non-Distress . 39
A.1.11 AO5 - Automated procedure Options - Communications . 40
A.1.12 AC0 - Command Radio Settings . 42
A.1.13 AC1 - Automated procedure Command - Sending Own Distress . 45
A.1.14 AC2 - Automated procedure Command - Receiving Distress . 47
A.1.15 AC3 - Automated procedure Command - Sending Non-Distress . 51
A.1.16 AC4 - Automated procedure Command - Receiving Non-Distress . 53
A.1.17 AC5 - Automated procedure Command - Communications . 55
A.1.18 AI1 - Automated procedure Initiate - Sending Own Distress . 57
A.1.19 AI2 - Initiate All ships urgency and safety (VHF) - Frequency . 60
A.1.20 AI3 - Automated procedure Initiate - Geographical area urgency and safety (MF/HF) - Frequency . 61
A.1.21 AI4 - Initiate Individual Urgency and safety (VHF/MF/HF) - Frequency . 64
ETSI
4 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
A.1.22 AI5 - Initiate Individual Urgency and safety - Position/Test . 67
A.1.23 AI6 - Initiate Routine Group - Frequency . 69
A.1.24 AI7 - Initiate Routine Individual- Frequency/Data . 71
A.1.25 AI8 - Automated procedure Initiate DROBOSE . 74
A.1.26 AI9 - Initiate Communications Call . 78
A.1.27 AUQ - Automatic Procedure Query . 79
A.1.28 AAS - Audible Alert Sound Status and Control . 82
A.1.29 DCR - Device Capability Report . 84
A.1.30 FSC - Frequency Status and Command . 88
Annex B (informative): Traffic simulation . 91
B.1 General guide . 91
B.2 Traffic load scenarios . 92
B.2.1 6 simultaneous procedures . 92
B.2.2 61162-1 4800 baud interfaces . 93
B.2.3 61162-450 traffic shaping . 93
History . 94

ETSI
5 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
Intellectual Property Rights
Essential patents
IPRs essential or potentially essential to normative deliverables may have been declared to ETSI. The declarations
pertaining to these essential IPRs, if any, are publicly available for ETSI members and non-members, and can be
found in ETSI SR 000 314: "Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs); Essential, or potentially Essential, IPRs notified to
ETSI in respect of ETSI standards", which is available from the ETSI Secretariat. Latest updates are available on the
ETSI Web server (https://ipr.etsi.org/).
Pursuant to the ETSI Directives including the ETSI IPR Policy, no investigation regarding the essentiality of IPRs,
including IPR searches, has been carried out by ETSI. No guarantee can be given as to the existence of other IPRs not
referenced in ETSI SR 000 314 (or the updates on the ETSI Web server) which are, or may be, or may become,
essential to the present document.
Trademarks
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ETSI claims no ownership of these except for any which are indicated as being the property of ETSI, and conveys no
right to use or reproduce any trademark and/or tradename. Mention of those trademarks in the present document does
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DECT™, PLUGTESTS™, UMTS™ and the ETSI logo are trademarks of ETSI registered for the benefit of its

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Organizational Partners. oneM2M™ logo is a trademark of ETSI registered for the benefit of its Members and of the ®
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Foreword
This European Standard (EN) has been produced by ETSI Technical Committee Electromagnetic compatibility and
Radio spectrum Matters (ERM).
The present document is part 8 of a multi-part deliverable. Full details of the entire series can be found in part 1 [i.1].

National transposition dates
Date of adoption of this EN: 14 February 2022
Date of latest announcement of this EN (doa): 31 May 2022
Date of latest publication of new National Standard
or endorsement of this EN (dop/e): 30 November 2022
Date of withdrawal of any conflicting National Standard (dow): 30 November 2023

Modal verbs terminology
In the present document "shall", "shall not", "should", "should not", "may", "need not", "will", "will not", "can" and
"cannot" are to be interpreted as described in clause 3.2 of the ETSI Drafting Rules (Verbal forms for the expression of
provisions).
"must" and "must not" are NOT allowed in ETSI deliverables except when used in direct citation.
ETSI
6 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
1 Scope
The present document states minimum requirements for GMDSS radiocommunication equipment using Digital Selective
Calling (DSC) Class A [2], with the capability to fully operate handling of the automated procedures defined in part 2 of this
multi-part deliverable, see ETSI EN 300 338-2 [2] from a remote position such as a central HMI.
In addition other proprietary control interfaces may apply to support full remote control of other DSC EQUIPMENT
functions.
Such proprietary control interfaces (whether based on proprietary IEC 61162-1 [3] sentences or other protocols) are not part
of the present document, and may co-exist with the requirements in the present document.
2 References
2.1 Normative references
References are either specific (identified by date of publication and/or edition number or version number) or
non-specific. For specific references, only the cited version applies. For non-specific references, the latest version of the
referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
Referenced documents which are not found to be publicly available in the expected location might be found at
https://docbox.etsi.org/Reference/.
NOTE: While any hyperlinks included in this clause were valid at the time of publication, ETSI cannot guarantee
their long term validity.
The following referenced documents are necessary for the application of the present document.
[1] Recommendation ITU-R M.493-15: "Digital selective-calling system for use in the maritime
mobile service".
[2] ETSI EN 300 338-2: "Technical characteristics and methods of measurement for equipment for
generation, transmission and reception of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) in the maritime MF,
MF/HF and/or VHF mobile service; Part 2: Class A DSC".
[3] IEC 61162-1 edition 5 (2016): "Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and
systems - Digital interfaces - Part 1: Single talker and multiple listeners".
[4] IEC 61162-2: "Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Digital
interfaces - Part 2: Single talker and multiple listeners, high-speed transmission".
[5] IEC 61162-450 edition 2 (2018): "Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and
systems - Digital interfaces - Part 450: Multiple talkers and multiple listeners - Ethernet
interconnection".
2.2 Informative references
References are either specific (identified by date of publication and/or edition number or version number) or
non-specific. For specific references, only the cited version applies. For non-specific references, the latest version of the
referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
NOTE: While any hyperlinks included in this clause were valid at the time of publication, ETSI cannot guarantee
their long term validity.
The following referenced documents are not necessary for the application of the present document but they assist the
user with regard to a particular subject area.
[i.1] ETSI EN 300 338-1: "Technical characteristics and methods of measurement for equipment for
generation, transmission and reception of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) in the maritime MF,
MF/HF and/or VHF mobile service; Part 1: Common requirements".
ETSI
7 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
[i.2] IEC 61097-3 edition 2 (2017): "Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) - Part 3:
Digital selective calling (DSC) equipment - Operational and performance requirements, methods
of testing and required results".
[i.3] IEC 61162-460 edition 2 (2018): "Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and
systems - Digital interfaces - Part 460: Multiple talkers and multiple listeners - Ethernet
interconnection - Safety and security".
[i.4] NMEA 0183: "Standard for Interfacing Marine Electronic Devices".
[i.5] ETSI EN 300 338-7: "Technical characteristics and methods of measurement for equipment for
generation, transmission and reception of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) in the maritime MF,
MF/HF and/or VHF mobile service; Part 7: Implementation of Bridge Alert Management (BAM)
in DSC radio equipment".
[i.6] ETSI EN 301 925: "Radiotelephone transmitters and receivers for the maritime mobile service
operating in VHF bands; Technical characteristics and methods of measurement".
[i.7] ETSI EN 300 373-1: "Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM);
Maritime mobile transmitters and receivers for use in the MF and HF bands; Part 1: Technical
characteristics and methods of measurement".
[i.8] ITU Radio Regulations (2020).
[i.9] Recommendation ITU-R-M.541-10 (10/2015): "Operational procedures for the use of digital
selective-calling equipment in the maritime mobile service".
[i.10] Recommendation ITU-R M.1084-5 (03/2012): "Interim solutions for improved efficiency in the
use of the band 156-174 MHz by stations in the maritime mobile service".
[i.11] IMO Resolution A.803(19): "Performance Standards for Shipborne VHF Radio Installations
Capable of Voice Communication and Digital Selective Calling".
[i.12] IMO Resolution A.804(19): "Performance Standards for Shipborne MF Radio Installations
Capable of Voice Communication and Digital Selective Calling".
[i.13] IMO Resolution A.806(19): "Performance Standards for Shipborne MF/HF Radio Installations
Capable of Voice Communication, Narrow-Band Direct Printing and Digital Selective Calling".
[i.14] MSC/Circular.862: "Clarifications of Certain Requirements in IMO Performance Standards for
GMDSS Equipment".
[i.15] IEC 62320-2:2016: "Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems -
Automatic identification system (AIS) - Part 2: AIS AtoN Stations - Operational and performance
requirements, methods of testing and required test results".
3 Definition of terms, symbols and abbreviations
3.1 Terms
For the purposes of the present document, the terms given in ETSI EN 300 338-1 [i.1] and the following apply:
acknowledged: automated procedure it indicates that the objective of the initial DSC message has been achieved
activation: initial triggering of the MoB device i.e. both parts of the two step procedure are performed
active mode: activated mode, transmitting in an emergency situation
distress alert: name given to the single distress DSC message with the format symbol 112
distress DSC message: DSC message or acknowledgement containing the distress information
ETSI
8 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
distress information: symbols within a DSC message describing a distress situation consisting of the MMSI of the
vessel in distress, the nature of distress, the position of the vessel in distress, the UTC time of that position and the mode
of subsequent communication
non distress DSC message: DSC messages or acknowledgements that do not have the format specifier or category of
"distress"
3.2 Symbols
Void.
3.3 Abbreviations
For the purposes of the present document, the following abbreviations apply:
AAS Audible Alert Sound
ACn AC0, AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4 or AC5 sentence
AIn AI1, AI2, AI3, AI4, AI5, AI6, AI7, AI8, AI9 sentence
AIS Automatic Identification System
ALC Cyclic Alert List
ALF BAM Alert Details
AOn AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4 or AO5 sentence
AP Automated procedure
APn AP0, AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4 or AP5 sentence
ARQ Automatic Request Query
ASCII American Standard Communications Indication
AtoN Aids to Navigation
AUQ Automated Query Procedure
BIT Binary Digit
CAM Central Alert Mechanism
CD NMEA indicator for DSC
CIRM Comité International Radio-Maritime
CSTDMA Carrier Sense Time Division Multiple Access
CUL Cyclic Procedure List
DCR Device Capability Report
DROBOSE Distress Relay On Behalf Of Someone Else
DSC Digital Selective Calling
DSE Expanded Digital Selective Calling
ECDIS Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems
ECI Enhanced Caller Information EN European Standard
EPFS Electronic Position Fixing System
EPIRB Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon
EPV Equipment Property Value
ERM European Radio Management
FATDMA Manually Managed AIS TDMA access for AtoN and Base Stations
FEC Forward Error Correction
FIFO First in, First Out
FSC Frequency Status and Command
FSI Frequency Set information
FSS Frequency Selection Set
GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System
GPS Global Positioning System
HBT Heartbeat
HF High Frequency
HMI Human Manual Intervention
IEC International Electronic Commission
IMO International Maritime Organisation
IN NMEA indicator for Integrated Navigation
ITU International Telecommunication Union
ETSI
9 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
ITU-R International Telecommunication Union - Radio
LSB Least Significant Bit
MF Medium Frequency
MF/HF Medium Frequencies/High Frequencies [Radio Frequencies]
MHZ MegaHertz (Frequency indication)
MMSI Maritime Mobile Service Identity
MOB Man Over Board
MSB Most Significant Bit
MSC Maritime Safety Committee (IMO)
NAK Negative acknowledgment
NBDP Narrow Band Direct Printing
NMEA National Marine Electronics Association
NW North West point of geographical area location
OK Accepted
RATDMA Random Access AIS TDMA for Class 'A' network entry
SFI Scanning Frequency information
SNGF Serial Network Gateway Function SNMP Server Network Management Protocol
TAG Advanced Communications for NMEA networks
TCP/IP Transmission Control Packet/Internet Protocol
TX/RX Transmitter/Receiver or Transceiver
UDP Unaddressed Data Packet
UTC Universal Time Co-ordinated
VDL VHF Data Link
VHF Very High Frequency
VoIP Voice over IP
4 General requirements
4.1 General
For safety reasons the remote control facility is a functional extension to, not a substitution of, any facilities as required
in ETSI EN 300 338-2 [2]. Full compliance with ETSI EN 300 338-2 [2] shall be required.
The remote protocol described in the current document shall support the concept of the automated procedures defined in
ITU Recommendation ITU-R M.493-15 [1]. This will enable the simultaneous overview of several active automated
procedures on a larger display, as well as supporting distribution of target states to navigation instruments.
The signalling interface defined is also suitable to exploit for testing purposes.
The evolution of new radio performance standards and carriage requirements may initially require only parts of the
interface functionality. It shall be possible for the manufacturer to state and document partial compliance to the present
document. E.g.:
• Sentences supported.
• Features supported:
 Information only. Document supported fields of status sentences to reflect radio state - selected
from Table 1.
 Radio control. Document supported fields of control and status sentences - selected from Table 1
and Table 2.
ETSI
10 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
4.2 Interfaces
4.2.1 General
Data interfaces for remote control purposes shall be compatible with at least one of IEC 61162-1 [3], IEC 61162-2 [4]
and IEC 61162-450 [5]. The manufacturer shall specify which alternative of IEC 61162 ([3], [4] or [5]) the physical
interface supports.
4.2.2 Physical connection
The general required interface may be:
• physically part of the individual equipment/function; or
• connected using a proprietary interface to an external unit supporting the required interfaces towards the
remote controller system (e.g. being part of a larger system).
In both configurations, compliance to the present document shall be demonstrated as a whole presented on the required
interfaces (clause 4.2.1).
4.2.3 Ethernet protocols
The IEC 61162-1 [3] sentences sent over the Ethernet (see IEC 61162-450 [5]) are using the UDP multicast datagrams.
Other protocols/logical connections may exist on the same physical connection (including TCP/IP or SNMP) if the
equipment supports these layers.
The traffic limitations and requirements shall be kept as specified in IEC 61162-450 [5] (see annex B).
4.2.4 Audio interfaces
Audio interfaces for the remote support of subsequent communications in a DSC automated procedure or
communication in a non-DSC communication automated procedure may be accomplished by the analog interfaces as
defined in the equipment standards ETSI EN 301 925 [i.6] and ETSI EN 300 373-1 [i.7], but alternative digital audio
interfaces shall be allowed (e.g. VoIP).
The manufacturer shall declare the audio interface to use for testing.
4.2.5 Sentences to support on the interface
For remote display and/or command purposes and test purposes the equipment shall be capable of transmitting and
receiving the sentences (see IEC 61162-1 [3] and annex A) as defined in Table 1 and Table 2.
Connection of, or failure within any connected equipment, shall not affect the required performance of the DSC
equipment.
Table 1: Remote control sentences transmitted by the DSC equipment
Mnemonic Interface Name Comment
AP0 Automated Procedure Configuration Config status Report status of
Status parameters available in
standby mode
a
AP1 Remote display status or allowed
Automated Report status of the ITU
command of Sending Distress Procedure procedure
automated procedure Status and Support for
available Recommendation ITU-R
control M.493-15 [1], annexes 3
and 4
ETSI
11 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
Mnemonic Interface Name Comment
a
AP2 Remote display status or allowed Automated Report status of the ITU
command of Receiving Distress Procedure procedure
automated procedure Status and Support for
available Recommendation ITU-R
control M.493-15 [1], annexes 3
and 4
a
AP3 Remote display status or allowed Automated Report status of the ITU
command of Sending non-distress Procedure procedure
automated procedure Status and Support for
available Recommendation ITU-R
control M.493-15 [1], annexes 3
and 4
a
AP4 Remote display status or allowed Automated Report status of the ITU
command of Receiving non-distress Procedure procedure
automated procedure Status and Support for
available Recommendation ITU-R
control M.493-15 [1], annexes 3
and 4
a
AP5 Remote display status or allowed Automated Report status of the ITU
command of communication Procedure procedure
automated procedure Status and Support for
available Recommendation ITU-R
control M.493-15 [1], annexes 3
and 4
AO1 Available options in sending own Reports
distress procedure options in the
current state
of the
procedure.
AO2 Available options in receiving Reports
distress procedure options in the
current state
of the
procedure.
AO3 Available options in sending non Reports
distress procedure options in the
current state
of the
procedure.
AO4 Available options in receiving non Reports
distress procedure options in the
current state
of the
procedure.
AO5 Available options in Reports

communications procedure options in the
current state
of the
procedure.
a
CUL Remote display or command Cyclic Control proper operation
Procedure of the ITU procedure
List Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1], annexes 3
and 4
b
DSC Remote display or command Digital Report a received DSC
DSE selective call detail information
a
ECI calling
information
EPV Remote display or command Equipment Report equipment
property property values
value
a
FSS Remote display or command Frequency Report setting of radio
selection set frequency
HBT Remote display or command Heartbeat Integrity test
ETSI
12 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
Mnemonic Interface Name Comment
NAK Remote display or command Negative Used to inform
acknowledge commander about refusal
ment to set equipment property
values
a
OCC Remote display or command Occupation Control possible multiple
Control command sources
Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1], annexes 3
and 4
SFI Remote display or command Scanning Report scanning
frequency frequency of DSC
information
DCR Device Capability Report Class of DSC Functionality available.
and mdes
frequencies
available
NOTE a: See annex A.
NOTE b: Test Requirement.
Table 2: Remote control sentences received by the DSC equipment
Mnemonic Interface Name Comment
AC0 Remote command of Automated Config Setting of parameters
Procedure Configuration command available in standby mode
a
AC1 Remote control commands for Automated Used to control the ITU
Sending Distress automated Procedure procedure
procedure Control Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
a
AC2 Remote control commands for Automated Used to control the ITU
Receiving Distress automated Procedure procedure
procedure Control Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
a
AC3 Remote control commands for Automated Used to control the ITU
Sending non-distress automated Procedure procedure
procedure Control Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
a
AC4 Remote control commands for
Automated Used to control the ITU
Receiving non-distress automated Procedure procedure
procedure Control Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
a
AC5 Remote control commands for Automated Used to control the ITU
communication automated Procedure procedure
procedure Control Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AI1 Automated procedure Initiate - Automated Used to initiate the ITU
Sending Own Distress. This is a Procedure procedure
command sentence Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
ETSI
13 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
Mnemonic Interface Name Comment
AI2 Initiate All ships urgency and safety Automated Used to initiate the ITU
(VHF) - Frequency Procedure procedure
Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AI3 Initiate Geographical area urgency Automated Used to initiate the ITU
and safety (MF/HF) Procedure procedure
Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AI4 Initiate Individual Urgency and Automated Used to initiate the ITU
safety (VHF/MF/HF) - Procedure procedure
Frequency/Position Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AI5 Initiate Individual Urgency and Automated Used to initiate the ITU
safety- Test Procedure procedure
Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AI6 Initiate Routine Group - Frequency Automated Used to initiate the ITU
Procedure procedure
Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AI7 Initiate Routine Individual- Automated Used to initiate the ITU
Frequency/Position/Data Procedure procedure
Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AI8 Automated procedure Initiate Automated Used to initiate the ITU
DROBOSE Procedure procedure
Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AI9 Initiate Communications Call Automated Used to initiate the ITU
Procedure procedure
Start Support for
Recommendation ITU-R
M.493-15 [1] annexes 3
and 4
AAS Audible Alert Sound Status and Config of
Control, This is a command Alert sounds.
sentence
a
AUQ DSC Automated procedure query Automated Used to query for details
information Procedure of an automated DSC
Query procedure
a
FSS Remote display or command Frequency Used to control radio
selection set frequency
HBT Remote display or command Heartbeat Integrity test
SFI Remote display or command Scanning Used to set scanning
frequency frequencies of DSC
information
NOTE a: See annex A.
ETSI
14 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
5 DSC remote control communication
5.1 Introduction
Clause 5 concerns the support of remote control of multiple automated procedures as defined in ETSI EN 300 338-2 [2]
and Recommendation ITU-R M.493-15 [1], annexes 3 and 4.
It allows for the integration between radio and navigation equipment in the way that multiple automated procedures
including subsequent communication can be handled on e.g. an ECDIS using compliant DSC radios. Sentences are
defined in annex A.
The automated procedure identifier value is used to facilitate communication within the remote control interface
sentences. The sentences support a cyclic range of 0 - 99. The value is increased and assigned as a unique identifier
each time a new automated procedure is allocated. The value remains assigned to the automated procedure through its
life-cycle.
The automated procedure identifier value is to be used in all sentences addressing specific automated procedures.
The automated procedure identifier value should be identical to the instance number used for alert communication
towards a CAM (ALC, ALF) (see ETSI EN 300 338-7 [i.5]).
Sentences DSC, DSE from IEC 61162-1 [3] only consider single received and transmitted DSC calls. The sentences
described in the present standard handle control of automated procedures throughout its entire life-cycle. DSE sentences
are used to provide additional information of single calls within the procedure.
For symbol error rate test purposes only, DSC and DSE sentences shall be sufficient. For test purposes the
transmitter/receiver(s) shall be controlled by FSS and SFI sentences and these simple call messages are signalled for
transmit and receive on the applicable IEC 61162 interface [3], [4] and [5].
The manufacturer may additionally add a number of documented proprietary sentences to support remote operation.
These sentences shall fulfil the requirements for proprietary sentences as described in IEC 61162-1 [3], paragraph 7.3.6.
5.2 Use of AC0, AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4 and AC5
If the equipment cannot process an ACn command request the equipment shall generate a NAK sentence response
providing an appropriate "reason code".
In case the reason for generating the NAK is a result of a procedural or operational warning that can be resolved by a
simple command (OK or CANCEL), the procedure may require the action to resolve this either by HMI entry or by
using another ACn sentence (with the necessary command).
The manufacturer shall specify how to identify those NAK sentences from other sentences, and the options shall be
described in the NAK sentence. Furthermore the corresponding APn sentence may be transmitted with available
allowed command options.
Any subsequent communication within a procedure, if allowed, shall be controlled by using the FSS command.
5.3 Use of AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4 and AO5
The purpose of these AOn sentences are solely the query for the available options in the automated procedures.
They shall in no way change the status of any automated procedure.
ETSI
15 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
5.4 Use of AP0, AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4 and AP5
The APn sentence shall be broadcast to all upon any creation, state change or update of an automated procedure in the
equipment, including a state changing command from a remote station.
The APn sentence is also used to report the allowed commands to be issued in the ACn command sentence. Thus giving
the remote unit the possibility to present only the allowed command options for a given procedure.
The APn sentence should be transmitted whenever the valid command set for an automated procedure has changed.
Furthermore, the APn sentence shall be transmitted in reply to a query.
Self-terminating procedures shall be reported with all available states, but shall not require any control actions.
5.5 Use of AI1 to AI9
These AIn sentences are for initiating specific types of DSC calls and will result in the related APn broadcast from the
DSC equipment.
5.6 Use of AUQ
This Query sentence is designed to support remote control of DSC radios. Query types include automated procedures
and related DSC radio messages, distress, received and transmit logs.
If the AUQ Sentence is NOT accepted by the DSC radio, the DSC Radio shall generate a NAK Sentence.
5.7 Use of DCR Device Capability Report
This sentence is a generic NMEA 0183 [i.4] sentence used to report the capabilities of a device. The identification of
the device's capabilities is specified in the appropriate equipment standard.
6 Remote control in standby, DSC and non-DSC
automated procedures
6.1 General
Testing of the automated procedure remote interface shall be carried out according to the applicable clauses in ETSI
EN 300 338-2 [2] where the automatic procedures are validated. Guidance to the tests:
a) when an automated procedure is created or changes state, it shall be verified that the correct status of the
procedure is reported via the APn sentence;
b) when operator options are available and tested, the selection of at least one of these options shall be performed
via the ACn sentence (see clause A.1), and validate that the selection is reflected on both display and via the
APn sentence in parallel (see clause A.1).
The tests outlined reflect chosen scenarios where values for MMSI numbers, frequencies, procedure instance numbers,
etc. are inserted. These values may differ because of the actual test scenarios chosen by the test personnel. Check sum
values are shown as "hh" and shall be validated in general.
The important things to validate, are the sequence of sentences and that the information and states coincides with the
information and states shown on the display of the DSC equipment.

ETSI
16 ETSI EN 300 338-8 V1.1.1 (2022-02)
Annex A (normative):
Sentences to support DSC remote control
A.1 Introduction
A.1.1 AP0 - Automated Procedure Configuration Status
This sentence supports DSC Radio remote control and is applicable to all DSC maritime mobile radios, including VHF,
MF and HF. The AP0 sentence is only generated by the DSC controller and shall be used to provide configuration status
from the DSC controller, based on current. The AP0 and AC0 sentences facilitate remote control configuration
...