SIST ETS 300 338 E1:2003
(Main)Radio Equipment and Systems (RES); 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
General Information
- Abstract
DE/RES-01-05
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Nov-2003
- Withdrawal Date
- 30-Sep-2003
- Technical Committee
- RES - Radio equipment and systems
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 01-Dec-2003
- Due Date
- 01-Dec-2003
- Completion Date
- 01-Dec-2003
Overview
SIST ETS 300 338 E1:2003 specifies the technical characteristics and methods of measurement for radio equipment used in the generation, transmission, and reception of Digital Selective Calling (DSC). This standard applies to maritime mobile services operating in the medium frequency (MF), medium/high frequency (MF/HF), and very high frequency (VHF) bands. Implemented by the Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo (SIST), this standard aligns with ETSI TC-RES specifications and is vital for ensuring reliable distress and safety communications in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and related maritime operations.
Key Topics
- Technical Requirements: Defines construction criteria, signal input/output characteristics (analogue and digital), calibration procedures, frequency allocations, emission classes, and marking requirements.
- Measurement Methods: Outlines testing procedures for frequency accuracy, RF power output, modulation, unwanted emissions, selectivity, intermodulation response, and environmental tests such as vibration, temperature, corrosion, and rain.
- DSC Signal Management: Covers composition of selective calls, entry and verification of information, implementation of single and multi-frequency distress calls, alarm circuits, and remote control functionalities.
- Safety and Performance:
- Receiver and transmitter protection measures
- Routine testing guidelines and operational reliability, especially under extreme environmental conditions
- Instructions on maintaining alarm circuits for different call categories (distress, urgency, routine)
- Interfaces and Integration: Specifies required interfaces for connecting DSC equipment to external circuits, printers, and alarms for seamless shipboard integration.
Applications
This standard is critical for manufacturers, ship operators, and maritime system integrators who must comply with IMO GMDSS requirements and ensure interoperability in maritime digital communications. Key applications include:
- Shipboard Radio Systems: Ensures consistent DSC capability across MF, MF/HF, and VHF bands, enabling automated and manual distress signaling, group calls, and routine maritime communication.
- SOLAS/GMDSS Compliance: Facilitates approval and commissioning of ship radio installations per international safety and operational standards.
- Maritime Equipment Certification: Provides a unified basis for the type approval and periodic testing of DSC transmitters and receivers, supporting regulatory conformity and interoperability with other GMDSS equipment.
- Operational Safety: Enhances the ability of ships to send and respond to emergencies, coordinate search-and-rescue operations, and communicate safely at sea.
Related Standards
Organizations involved in maritime communications may also reference the following standards for complementary requirements and broader context:
- ITU-R M.493: International standard for Digital Selective Calling systems in the maritime service.
- IEC 61097-3: GMDSS equipment - Digital Selective Calling systems for use on ships.
- IEC 60945: General requirements for marine navigation and radiocommunication equipment.
- EN 300 338 (ETSI): Harmonized European standard for DSC equipment, from which SIST ETS 300 338 E1:2003 is derived.
- SOLAS Chapter IV: International treaty requirements covering radiocommunications for the safety of life at sea.
Implementing SIST ETS 300 338 E1:2003 supports harmonization of maritime digital communications, improves safety at sea, and ensures vessel compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks. For manufacturers and operators, adherence to this standard is essential for the design, testing, and operation of reliable DSC radio equipment used in global maritime operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST ETS 300 338 E1:2003 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Radio Equipment and Systems (RES); 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". This standard covers: DE/RES-01-05
DE/RES-01-05
SIST ETS 300 338 E1:2003 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.060.20 - Receiving and transmitting equipment; 47.020.70 - Navigation and control equipment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST ETS 300 338 E1:2003 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)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2003
5DGLMVNDRSUHPDLQVLVWHPL5(6±7HKQLþQHNDUDNWHULVWLNHLQPHULOQHPHWRGH]D
QDSUDYHNLJHQHULUDMRRGGDMDMRLQVSUHMHPDMRGLJLWDOQLVHOHNWLYQLNOLFYSRPRUVNL
VOXåELQDVUHGQMHYDORYQHPVUHGQMHNUDWNRYDORYQHPLQ8.9SRGURþMX
Radio Equipment and Systems (RES); 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
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ETS 300 338 Edition 1
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 ETS 300 338
TELECOMMUNICATION November 1995
STANDARD
Source: ETSI TC-RES Reference: DE/RES-01-05
ICS: 33.020
radiotelephony, maritime radio, GMDSS, DSC systems
Key words:
Radio Equipment and Systems (RES);
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
ETSI
European Telecommunications Standards Institute
ETSI Secretariat
F-06921 Sophia Antipolis CEDEX - FRANCE
Postal address:
650 Route des Lucioles - Sophia Antipolis - Valbonne - FRANCE
Office address:
c=fr, a=atlas, p=etsi, s=secretariat - secretariat@etsi.fr
X.400: Internet:
Tel.: +33 92 94 42 00 - Fax: +33 93 65 47 16
Copyright Notification: No part may be reproduced except as authorized by written permission. The copyright and the
foregoing restriction extend to reproduction in all media.
© European Telecommunications Standards Institute 1995. All rights reserved.
New presentation - see History box
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ETS 300 338: November 1995
Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation and publication of this document, errors in content,
typographical or otherwise, may occur. If you have comments concerning its accuracy, please write to
"ETSI Editing and Committee Support Dept." at the address shown on the title page.
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ETS 300 338: November 1995
Contents
Foreword .9
1 Scope .11
2 Normative references.11
3 General requirements .12
3.1 Construction.12
3.1.1 General.12
3.1.2 DSC signals input/output: analogue signals.12
3.1.3 DSC signals input/output: digital signals .13
3.1.4 Decoding .13
3.1.5 Accessibility.13
3.1.6 Calibration .13
3.1.7 Selection of signal characteristics .13
3.1.8 Reduction of power for VHF equipment .13
3.1.9 VHF channel 70 access .13
3.1.10 Automatic/semi-automatic service .13
3.2 Switching time.13
3.3 Frequencies .13
3.4 Classes of emission.14
3.5 Controls and indicators .14
3.5.1 General.14
3.5.2 Input panel.14
3.5.3 Light sources.14
3.5.4 Operation.14
3.5.5 Markings.15
3.5.6 Distress function.15
3.6 Facilities for equipment for coding and decoding of DSC.15
3.6.1 Composition of calls .15
3.6.2 Visual indication.15
3.6.3 Ship's identity.15
3.6.4 Entry of information .15
3.6.5 Insertion of sequence codes .16
3.6.6 Insertion of error check character .16
3.6.7 Distress call.16
3.6.8 Remote control.16
3.6.9 Single frequency distress call.16
3.6.10 Multi-frequency distress call .16
3.6.11 Distress call acknowledgement.16
3.6.12 Incoming calls.16
3.6.13 Internal memory .16
3.6.14 Automatic acknowledgement .17
3.6.15 Routine testing .17
3.7 Alarm circuits .17
3.7.1 Distress and urgency.17
3.7.2 Other categories.17
3.8 Interfaces between DSC equipment and external circuits.17
3.8.1 Remote alarms.17
3.8.2 Operational interfaces .17
3.8.3 Printer output.17
3.8.4 Other interfaces.18
3.9 Safety precautions .18
3.9.1 Excessive current and voltage .18
3.9.2 Protection .18
3.9.3 Earthing .18
3.9.4 Access.18
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ETS 300 338: November 1995
3.9.5 Memory. 18
3.10 Compass safe distance. 18
3.11 Instructions. 18
3.12 Warming-up period . 19
3.12.1 Time. 19
3.12.2 Heaters . 19
3.12.3 Heating circuits . 19
4 Test conditions. 19
4.1 General. 19
4.2 Generation and examination of the digital selective call signal. 19
4.3 Standard test signals. 19
4.3.1 References to standard test signals . 19
4.3.2 Standard test signal no. 1 . 19
4.3.3 Standard test signal no. 2 . 20
4.3.4 Standard test signal no. 3 . 20
4.3.5 Standard test signal no. 4 . 20
4.4 Determination of the symbol error rate in the output of the receiving part . 20
4.5 Impedance of test signal sources. 20
4.5.1 Equipment ports. 20
4.5.2 Impedances . 21
4.5.2.1 Non-integrated equipment . 21
4.6 Connection of test signals . 21
4.7 Test power source. 21
4.8 Internally generated signals . 22
4.9 Normal test conditions. 22
4.9.1 Normal temperature and humidity . 22
4.9.2 Normal test power source. 22
4.9.2.1 Mains voltage and mains frequency. 22
4.9.2.2 Secondary battery power source . 22
4.9.2.3 Other power sources. 22
4.10 Extreme test conditions. 22
4.10.1 Temperatures when testing under extreme conditions. 22
4.10.2 Procedures of tests at extreme temperatures . 22
4.10.3 Extreme values of test power source . 23
4.10.3.1 Mains voltage and mains frequency. 23
4.10.3.2 Secondary battery power sources. 23
4.10.3.3 Other power sources. 23
4.11 Environmental tests. 23
4.11.1 Introduction . 23
4.11.2 Procedure . 23
4.11.3 Performance check. 23
4.11.4 Vibration test. 24
4.11.4.1 Method of measurement. 24
4.11.4.2 Requirement . 25
4.11.5 Temperature tests . 25
4.11.5.1 Dry heat for externally mounted equipment . 25
4.11.5.1.1 Method of measurement . 25
4.11.5.1.2 Requirement. 25
4.11.5.2 Damp heat cycle . 25
4.11.5.2.1 Method of measurement . 25
4.11.5.2.2 Requirement. 26
4.11.5.3 Low temperature cycle for externally mounted equipment . 26
4.11.5.3.1 Method of measurement . 26
4.11.5.3.2 Requirement. 26
4.11.6 Corrosion test . 26
4.11.6.1 General . 26
4.11.6.2 Method of measurement. 26
4.11.6.3 Requirements. 27
4.11.7 Rain test. 27
4.11.7.1 General . 27
4.11.7.2 Method of measurement. 27
4.11.7.3 Requirements. 28
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ETS 300 338: November 1995
4.12 Measurement uncertainty and interpretation of the measuring results.28
4.12.1 Measurement uncertainty.28
4.12.2 Interpretation of measurement results .29
5 MF/HF transmitter with integrated DSC encoder .29
5.1 Frequency error .29
5.1.1 Definition .29
5.1.2 Method of measurement .29
5.1.3 Limits.29
5.2 RF output power .29
5.2.1 Definition .29
5.2.2 Method of measurement .29
5.2.3 Limits.29
5.3 Modulation rate .30
5.3.1 Definition .30
5.3.2 Method of measurement .30
5.3.3 Limits.30
5.4 Residual modulation of the transmitter .30
5.4.1 Definition .30
5.4.2 Method of measurement .30
5.4.3 Limits.30
5.5 Unwanted emission.30
5.5.1 Definition .30
5.5.2 Method of measurement .31
5.5.3 Limits.31
5.6 Testing of generated call sequences.32
5.7 Tuning time .32
5.8 Protection of transmitter.33
5.8.1 Definition .33
5.8.2 Method of measurement .33
5.8.3 Limits.33
6 VHF transmitter with integrated DSC encoder .33
6.1 Frequency error (carrier).33
6.1.1 Definition .33
6.1.2 Method of measurement .33
6.1.3 Limits.33
6.2 Frequency error (demodulated signal).33
6.2.1 Definition .33
6.2.2 Method of measurement .33
6.2.3 Limits.34
6.3 Carrier power .34
6.3.1 Definition .34
6.3.2 Method of measurement .34
6.3.3 Limits.34
6.3.3.1 Normal test conditions .34
6.3.3.2 Extreme test conditions .34
6.4 Modulation index.34
6.4.1 Definition .34
6.4.2 Method of measurement .34
6.4.3 Limits.34
6.5 Modulation rate .35
6.5.1 Definition .35
6.5.2 Method of measurement .35
6.5.3 Limits.35
6.6 Residual modulation of the transmitter .35
6.6.1 Definition .35
6.6.2 Method of measurement .35
6.6.3 Limits.35
6.7 Adjacent channel power.35
6.7.1 Definition .35
6.7.2 Measurement .35
6.7.2.1 Method of measurement.35
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ETS 300 338: November 1995
6.7.3 Limits . 36
6.8 Conducted spurious emissions conveyed to the antenna. 36
6.8.1 Definition. 36
6.8.2 Method of measurement. 36
6.8.3 Limit . 36
6.9 Testing of generated call sequences . 37
6.10 Transient frequency behaviour of the transmitter. 37
6.10.1 Definitions . 37
6.10.2 Method of measurement. 38
7 MF/HF DSC encoder . 41
7.1 Frequency error. 41
7.1.1 Definition. 41
7.1.2 Method of measurement. 41
7.1.3 Limits . 41
7.2 Output voltage. 41
7.2.1 Definition. 41
7.2.2 Method of measurement. 41
7.2.3 Limits . 41
7.2.3.1 Analogue voltage . 41
7.2.3.2 Binary voltage. 41
7.3 Bit stream speed . 41
7.3.1 Definition. 41
7.3.2 Method of measurement. 41
7.3.3 Limits . 42
7.4 Unwanted spectral components of the output signal . 42
7.4.1 Definition. 42
7.4.2 Method of measurement. 42
7.4.3 Limits . 42
7.5 Testing of generated call sequences . 43
7.6 Residual frequency modulation. 43
7.6.1 Definition. 43
7.6.2 Method of measurement. 43
7.6.3 Limits . 43
8 VHF DSC encoder. 43
8.1 Frequency error. 43
8.1.1 Definition. 43
8.1.2 Method of measurements. 43
8.1.3 Limits . 43
8.2 Output voltage. 44
8.2.1 Definition. 44
8.2.2 Method of measurement. 44
8.2.3 Limits . 44
8.2.3.1 Analogue voltage . 44
8.2.3.2 Binary voltage. 44
8.3 Bit stream speed . 44
8.3.1 Definition. 44
8.3.2 Method of measurement. 44
8.3.3 Limits . 44
8.4 Unwanted spectral components of the output signal . 44
8.4.1 Definition. 44
8.4.2 Method of measurement. 44
8.4.3 Limits . 45
8.5 Testing of generated call sequences . 45
8.6 Residual frequency modulation. 45
8.6.1 Definition. 45
8.6.2 Method of measurement. 45
8.6.3 Limits . 46
9 MF/HF receiver with integrated DSC decoder. 46
9.1 Scanning watch receiver efficiency . 46
9.1.1 Definition. 46
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ETS 300 338: November 1995
9.1.2 Method of measurement .46
9.1.3 Limits.46
9.2 Calling sensitivity.46
9.2.1 Definition .46
9.2.2 Method of measurement .46
9.2.3 Limits.47
9.3 Adjacent channel selectivity.47
9.3.1 Definition .47
9.3.2 Method of measurement .47
9.3.3 Limits.47
9.4 Co-channel rejection.47
9.4.1 Definition .47
9.4.2 Method of measurements .47
9.4.3 Limits.48
9.5 RF intermodulation response.48
9.5.1 Definition .48
9.5.2 Method of measurement .48
9.5.3 Limits.48
9.6 Interference rejection and blocking immunity .48
9.6.1 Definition .48
9.6.2 Method of measurement .48
9.6.3 Limits.48
9.7 Dynamic range.49
9.7.1 Definition .49
9.7.2 Method of measurement .49
9.7.3 Limits.49
9.8 Conducted spurious emissions.49
9.8.1 Definition .49
9.8.2 Method of measurement .49
9.8.3 Limits.49
9.9 Verification of correct decoding of various types of digital selective calls.49
9.10 Protection of receiver antenna input circuits.50
10 VHF receiver with integrated DSC decoder .50
10.1 Maximum usable sensitivity .50
10.1.1 Definition .50
10.1.2 Method of measurement .50
10.1.3 Limits.50
10.2 Co-channel rejection.50
10.2.1 Definition .50
10.2.2 Method of measurement .50
10.2.3 Limits.51
10.3 Adjacent channel selectivity.51
10.3.1 Definition .51
10.3.2 Method of measurement .51
10.3.3 Limits.51
10.4 Spurious response and blocking immunity .51
10.4.1 Definition .51
10.4.2 Method of measurement .51
10.4.3 Limits.52
10.5 Intermodulation response .52
10.5.1 Definition .52
10.5.2 Method of measurement .52
10.5.3 Limits.52
10.6 Dynamic range.52
10.6.1 Definition .52
10.6.2 Method of measurement .52
10.6.3 Limit.52
10.7 Conducted spurious emissions.53
10.7.1 Definition .53
10.7.2 Method of measurement .53
10.7.3 Limit.53
10.8 Verification of correct decoding of various types of digital selective calls.53
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ETS 300 338: November 1995
11 MF/HF DSC decoder . 53
11.1 Interface for scanning. 53
11.2 Scanning efficiency . 54
11.2.1 Definition. 54
11.2.2 Method of measurement. 54
11.2.3 Limits . 54
11.3 Dynamic range . 54
11.3.1 Definition. 54
11.3.2 Method of measurement. 54
11.3.2.1 Analogue voltage . 54
11.3.2.2 Binary voltage. 54
11.3.3 Limits . 55
11.4 Verification of correct decoding of various types of digital selective calls . 55
12 VHF DSC decoder. 55
12.1 Dynamic range . 55
12.1.1 Definition. 55
12.1.2 Method of measurement. 55
12.1.2.1 Analogue voltage . 55
12.1.2.2 Binary voltage. 55
12.1.3 Limits . 56
12.2 Verification of correct decoding of various types of digital selective calls . 56
Annex A (normative): Test calls. 57
A.1 Types of calls to be tested. 57
A.2 Telecommands applicable to DSC shipborne equipment . 58
A.2.1 Class A, MF/HF equipment . 58
A.2.2 Class A, VHF equipment. 58
A.2.3 Class B, MF equipment. 58
A.2.4 Class B, VHF equipment. 58
A.2.5 Class D. 58
A.2.6 Class E. 58
A.2.7 Class F . 58
A.2.8 Class G. 58
Annex B (normative): Specifications for adjacent channel power measurement arrangements. 59
B.1 Power measuring receiver specification . 59
B.1.1 IF filter . 59
B.1.2 Attenuation indicator. 60
B.1.3 Rms value indicator. 60
B.1.4 Oscillator and amplifier. 60
History. 61
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ETS 300 338: November 1995
Foreword
This European Telecommunications Standard (ETS) has been produced by the Radio Equipment and
Systems (RES) Technical Committee of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).
Transposition dates
Date of adoption of this ETS: 29 September 1995
Date of latest announcement of this ETS (doa): 28 February 1996
Date of latest publication of new National Standard
or endorsement of this ETS (dop/e): 31 August 1996
Date of withdrawal of any conflicting National Standard (dow): 31 August 1996
Every ETS prepared by ETSI is a voluntary standard. This ETS may contain text concerning conformance
testing of the equipment to which it relates. This text should be considered as guidance only and does not
make this ETS mandatory.
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ETS 300 338: November 1995
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ETS 300 338: November 1995
1 Scope
This European Telecommunication Standard (ETS) states the minimum requirements for equipment to be
used for generation, transmission and reception of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for use on board ships.
DSC may be used in the Medium Frequency (MF), High Frequency (HF) and Very High Frequency (VHF)
Maritime Mobile Service (MMS), both in connection with distress and safety communication and in
connection with p
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