Simrad AP50, Installation Manual

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General Information
20222410 / A
1
1 GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Introduction
The AP50 Plus system is produced and tested in accordance with
the European Marine Equipment Directive 96/98. This means
that the AP50 complies with the highest level of tests for non-
military marine electronic navigation equipment existing today.
The Marine Equipment Directive 96/98/EC (MED), as amended
by 98/95/EC for ships flying EU or EFTA flags, applies to all
new ships, to existing ships not previously carrying such
equipment, and to ships having their equipment replaced.
This means that all system components covered by annex A1
must be type-approved accordingly and must carry the
Wheelmark, which is a symbol of conformity with the Marine
Equipment Directive.
While the AP50 may be installed on vessels not needing to
comply with the Marine Equipment Directive, those requiring
compliance must have one AP50 Control Unit set-up as a
“master unit” in order for the installation to be approved. Simrad
has no responsibility for the incorrect installation or use of the
AP50 autopilot, so it is essential for the person in charge of the
installation to be familiar with the relevant requirements as well
as with the contents of this manual, which covers correct
installation and use.
The purpose of the Marine Equipment Directive is to enhance
safety at sea and to prevent marine pollution through the
uniform application of the relevant international instruments
relating to equipment listed in Annex A1.
As there are many interfacing requirements in the
standards/codes, integrated systems and integrated certification
lead to more efficient and effective management of safety,
environmental, issues and quality.
The Marine Equipment Directive also constitutes a part of the
International Safety Management (ISM) Code. The ISM Code
was included as a new chapter (IX) of SOLAS in 1994, and is
mandatory for: passenger ships not later than 1
st
of July, 1998;
oil tankers; chemical tankers; gas carriers; bulk carriers and
cargo high speed craft of 500 gross tonnage and upwards not
later than 1
st
of July, 1998; and other cargo ships and mobile
offshore drilling units of 500 gross tonnage and upwards not
later than 1
st
of July, 2002.