The NMEA has recently released version 3.000 of the NMEA Standard. When implemented by marine electronics manufacturers, this new and improved version will produce enhanced interoperability thanks to improved requirements in the NMEA 2000 Main Document language, as well as new PGNs and an upgraded Certification Tool.
Appendix B has seen 19 new NMEA 2000® PGNs added, including a new suite of Lighting PGNs; a Linear Actuator PGN for control of outboard engine jack plates and davits; Bow Thruster PGNs; Anchor Windlass PGNs; Elevator PGNs, and a Vessel Acceleration PGN to aid in crash detection. In addition to these new PGNs, all other amendments and corrigenda from the previous release of the N2K standard have been adopted and included in this latest version.
Andy Campbell, Chief Engineer at Actisense and Chairman of the NMEA 2000 Technical Steering Committee, commented: “Hopefully installers and end customers will be able to take confidence from this announcement that the NMEA 2000 Standard is evolving to meet the needs of an ever increasing marketplace. As an example, the new Lighting suite of messages holds the promise of better inter-manufacture control of lighting, from the very simple on/off of navigation lights, to the very comprehensive scene and mood LED lighting setups that can be found on superyachts and everything in between.”
Critically, manufacturers are required to certify new products to the updated standard within 18 months, although the NMEA is encouraging them to do so before the August 2023 deadline. NMEA is also urging manufacturers to update their current products’ firmware to support the new PGNs in this the latest edition.
To read the full press release from the NMEA, please see below.
NMEA RELEASES VERSION 3.000 OF NMEA 2000 STANDARD & CERTIFICATON TOOL
SEVERNA PARK, MD—The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) has released a new and improved version of the NMEA 2000 Standard, Version 3.000. This new version, when implemented by manufacturers, will yield better product interoperability through improved requirements in the NMEA 2000 Main Document language, new PGNs, and upgraded Certification Tool.
Nineteen new NMEA 2000 Network Messages (PGNs) have been added to Appendix B, including a full suite of Lighting PGNs, which manufacturers can use to implement standard lighting controls via NMEA 2000-certified lighting control boxes and MFDs. Other new PGNs include a Linear Actuator PGN for control of outboard engine jack plates and davits, Bow Thruster PGNs, Anchor Windlass PGNs, Elevator PGNs, and a Vessel Acceleration PGN to aid in crash detection. All amendments and corrigenda from the prior release of the NMEA 2000 standard have been rolled into this new version. Application notes on select new PGNs and their implementation have been added to Appendix D of the standard.
“The volunteer NMEA 2000 committee members spent countless hours ingesting, digesting and reviewing the technical minutiae that is needed to get it right,” said Mark Oslund, NMEA Director of Standards. “They and all of the partner manufacturers deserve a huge thank you for their involvement and investment in the NMEA 2000 Standard.”
A vastly improved NMEA 2000 certification hardware & software tool has also been released. This new release addresses the majority of the upgrade suggestions from manufacturers over the past several years and includes test automation support to make automatic regression testing a reality. Manufacturers can obtain the latest version of the certification tool software or purchase a new hardware & software tool package by emailing info@nmea.org or calling 410-975-9425.
Manufacturers are required to certify new products to the updated standard within 18 months, although the NMEA is encouraging them to do so before the August 2023 deadline. NMEA is also urging manufacturers to update their current products’ firmware to support the new PGNs in this the latest edition.
New NMEA 2000 customers now have an easy way to purchase specific parts of the standard based on their specific development plan. Purchase options include:
NMEA Network Message Database (Appendix A & B)
NMEA 2000 Core (Main Document, Appendix C, Appendix D, Appendix H).
NMEA 2000 Physical layer (Appendix I)
Version 3.000 of the NMEA 2000 Standard will be made available at no charge to manufacturers who have previously purchased the standard, providing that the manufacturer is a member of NMEA for the 2022 calendar year. Nonmember companies who have previously purchased the standard can either renew membership to obtain the update for free or can remain a non-member and pay 50% of the published price of the standard.
For more information, or to obtain your licensed copy of Version 3.000 of the NMEA 2000 Standard, email info@nmea.org or call 410 975 9425.
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About the NMEA
Founded in 1957, the NMEA has led the way in establishing technical standards for data exchange in marine electronics, with the widely accepted NMEA 0183 data protocol, NMEA 2000® and certification standards for marine electronics technicians. NMEA standards and programs focus on ensuring that the boating consumer is provided with reliable products and professional service. For more information, visit the NMEA website at www.NMEA.org or call (410) 975-9425.
Read the full press release on the NMEA website.
