IACS UR E22: Computer-Based Systems
IACS UR E22: Computer-Based Systems
E22
E22 Computer-based systems
(Dec 2006)
(cont)
(Corr.1
Oct 2007) 1 Introduction
(Rev.1
Sept 2010) 1.1 Scope
(Rev.2
June 2016)
These requirements apply to design, construction, commissioning and maintenance of
(Rev.3
computer-based systems where they depend on software for the proper achievement of their
June 2023)
functions.
These requirements apply to systems which provide control, alarm, monitoring, safety, or
internal vessel communication functions that are subject to classification requirements.
1.2 Exclusion
Computer-based systems that are covered by statutory regulations are excluded from the
requirements of this UR.
Guidance:
Examples of such systems are navigation systems and radio communication system required
by SOLAS chapter V and IV, and vessel loading instrument/stability computer.
Note:
1. This UR is to be applied only to such systems on new ships contracted for construction
on and after 1 January 2008 by IACS Societies.
2. Rev.1 of this UR is to be applied only to such systems on new ships contracted for
construction on and after 1 January 2012 by IACS Societies.
3. Rev.2 of this UR is to be applied only to such systems on new ships contracted for
construction on and after 1 July 2017 by IACS Societies.
4. Rev.3 of this UR is to be applied to such systems on new ships contracted for
construction on and after 1 July 2024 by IACS Societies and may be used for other
ships as non-mandatory guidance.
5. The “contracted for construction” date means the date on which the contract to build the
vessel is signed between the prospective owner and the shipbuilder. For further details
regarding the date of “contract for construction”, refer to IACS Procedural Requirement
(PR) No. 29.
1.3 References
E22
(cont) 1.3.1 Normative standards
For the purposes of this UR, the following standards are normative:
For the purposes of this UR, the following standards are listed for information and may be
used for the development of hardware/software of computer-based systems:
- ISO/IEC 12207:2017 Systems and software engineering – Software life cycle processes
- IEC 61511:2016 Functional safety - Safety instrumented systems for the process
industry sector
- ISO/IEC 15288:2015 Systems and software engineering - System life cycle process
- ISO 24060:2021 Ships and marine technology - Ship software logging system for
operational technology
1.4 Structure
The general certification requirements for computer-based systems and the relation to type
approval is described in paragraph 2. The requirements and extent of verification of a
computer-based system depends on its categorization into one of three categories. The
E22 categories are described in paragraph 3.
(cont)
The requirements of this UR cover the lifecycle of computer-based system from design
through operations. The requirements are split into groups representing the different phases
of the life cycle and the roles responsible for fulfilling the requirements.
The activities related to the development and delivery of a computer-based system is
described in paragraph 4, while the activities related to the maintenance in the operational
phase are described in paragraph 5.
Management of changes to software and systems is given special attention in this UR, and
the main aspects of a management of change process are described in paragraph 6.
Most requirements in this UR are related to the way of working, and thus focus on activities to
be performed, but it also contains some technical requirements. The technical requirements
on computer-based systems have been gathered in paragraph 7.
Each activity contains a requirement part which describes the minimum requirements on the
role in question, and a part which describes the Class Society’s verification of the activity in
question.
1.5.1 Abbreviations
Table 1 Abbreviations
Abbreviation: Expansion:
Cat I Category one systems as defined in paragraph 3.1
Cat II Category two systems as defined in paragraph 3.1
Cat III Category three systems as defined in paragraph 3.1
COTS Commercial off-the-shelf
FAT Factory acceptance test
FMEA Failure mode and effect analysis
IT Information technology
OT Operational technology
PMS Planned maintenance system
SAT System acceptance test
SOST System of systems test
SSLS Ship software logging system
UR Unified requirement
1.5.2 Terminology
E22
(cont)
Table 2 Terminology
Term: Definition:
Black-box description A description of a system’s functionality and behaviour and
performance as observed from outside the system in question
Black-box test methods Verification of the functionality, performance, and robustness
of a system, sub-system or component by only manipulating
the inputs and observing the outputs. This does not require
any knowledge of the system’s inner workings and focuses
only on the observable behaviour of the system/component
under test in order to achieve the desired level of verification.
Computer-based system A programmable electronic device, or interoperable set of
(CBS) programmable electronic devices, organized to achieve one or
more specified purposes such as collection, processing,
maintenance, use, sharing, dissemination, or disposition of
information. CBSs onboard include IT and OT systems. A CBS
may be a combination of subsystems connected via network.
Onboard CBSs may be connected directly or via public means
of communications (e.g. Internet) to ashore CBSs, other
vessels’ CBSs and/or other facilities.
Failure mode description A document describing the effects due to failures in the
system, not failures in the equipment supported by the system.
The following aspects shall be covered:
- list of failures which are subject to assessment, with
- description of the system response to each of the above
failures
- comments to the consequence of each of these failures
Owner The organization or person which orders the vessel in the
construction phase or the organization which owns or
manages the vessel in service.
In the context of this UR this is a defined role with specific
responsibilities.
Parameterization To configure and tune system and software functionality by
changing parameters. It does not usually require-computer
programming and is normally done by the system supplier or a
service provider, not the operator or end-user.
Programmable device Physical component where software is installed
Robustness The ability to respond to abnormal inputs and conditions
Service supplier A person or company, not employed by an IACS
Member, who at the request of an equipment manufacturer,
shipyard, vessel’s owner or other client acts in connection with
inspection work and provides services for a ship or a mobile
offshore unit such as measurements, tests or maintenance of
safety
systems and equipment, the results of which are used by
surveyors in making decisions affecting classification or
statutory certification and services
Simulation test Monitoring, control, or safety system testing where the
equipment under control is partly or fully replaced with
simulation tools, or where parts of the communication network
and lines are replaced with simulation tools.
E22 Term:
Society Certificate
Definition:
Compliance document issued by a Class Society stating:
(cont) - conformity with applicable rules and requirements.
- that the tests and inspections have been carried out on:
- the finished certified component itself; or
- on samples taken from earlier stages in the production of the
component, when applicable.
- that the inspection and tests were performed in the presence
of the Surveyor or in accordance with special agreements, i.e.
Alternative Certification Scheme (ACS)
Software component A standalone piece of code that provides specific and closely
coupled functionality.
Software master files The computer-files that constitutes the original source of the
software. For custom made software this may be readable
source- code files, and for COTS software it may be different
forms of binary files.
Software-structure Overview of how the different software components interact
and is commonly referred to as the Software Architecture, or
Software Hierarchy
Sub-system Identifiable part of a system, which may perform a specific
function or set of functions.
Supplier A generic term used for any organisation or person that is a
contracted or a subcontracted provider of services, system
components, or software.
System A combination of components, equipment and logic which has
a defined purpose, functionality, and performance.
In the context of this UR, a specific system is delivered by one
system supplier.
System of systems A system which is made up of several systems
E22
(cont)
Vessel
System
System
2) Survey and testing of the system to be delivered to the vessel (see paragraph 4.2.7)
The classification Society may accept Alternative Certification Scheme (ACS) provided that
the requirements are met, and that the system is provided with a vessel-specific certificate.
2.2 Type approval of computer-based systems
Computer-based systems that are routinely manufactured and include standardized software
functions may be type approved in accordance with specified rules of the classification
Society. Hardware shall be documented according to the requirement in paragraph 4.2.4.
The type approval consist of two main verification activities:
1) Assessment of type-specific documentation
Type approval will normally not yield exemption from vessel-specific system certification since
vessel-specific functions, parameter configurations and installation elements demand vessel-
specific verification.
3 System categories
The categorization of a system in the context of this UR is based on the potential severity of
the consequences if the system serving the function fails. Table 3 provides the definitions of
the categories.
Category I systems are normally not subject to verification by the Class society, as failure of
these systems shall not lead to dangerous situations. However, information pertinent to
category I systems shall be required upon request to determine the correct category or
ensure that they do not influence the operation of systems in category II and category III.
The category of a system shall always be evaluated in the context of the specific vessel in
question; thus, the categorization of a system may vary from one vessel to the next. This
means that the examples of categories below are given as guidance only. For determining
the categorization of systems for a specific vessel, see paragraph 4.3.3.
Requirement:
A global top-down approach shall be undertaken in the design and development of both
hardware and software and the integration in sub-systems, systems, and system of systems,
spanning the complete system lifecycle. This approach shall be based on the standards as
listed herein or other standards recognized by the Class Society.
Area Role
System Systems
# Topic
supplier integrator
1 Responsibilities and competency of the staff. x x
The complete lifecycle of delivered software and of
2 x x
associated hardware
Specific procedure for unique identification of a
3 computer-based system, it’s components and x
versions.
Creation and update of the vessel’s system
4 x
architecture
Organization set in place for acquisition of software
5 x x
and related hardware from suppliers
Organization set in place for software code writing
6 x
and verification
Organization set in place for system validation
7 x
before integration in the vessel
Specific procedure for conducting and approving of
8 x x
systems at FAT and SAT
9 Creation and update of system documentation x
Specific procedure for software modification and
10 installation on board the vessel, including x x
interactions with shipyard and owner
11 Specific procedures for verification of software code x
Procedures for integrating systems with other
12 systems and testing of the system of systems for the x x
vessel
Procedures for managing changes to software and
13 x
configurations before FAT
Procedures for managing and documenting changes
14 x x
to software and configurations after FAT
Checkpoints for the organization’s own follow-up of
15 x x
adherence to the quality management system
1) The Class Society confirming that the quality management system is certified as
E22 compliant to a recognized standard by an organisation with accreditation under a
(cont) national accreditation scheme.
2) The Class Society confirming compliance to a standard through a specific assessment
of the quality management system. The documentation requirements will be defined per
case.
Requirement:
The system supplier shall document that the quality management system is applied for the
design, construction, delivery, and maintenance of the specific system to be delivered.
All applicable items described in paragraph 4.1.2 (for the system supplier role) shall be
demonstrated to exist and being followed, as relevant.
Requirement:
A method for unique identification of a system, its different software components and different
revisions of the same software component shall be applied.
The method shall be applied throughout the lifecycle of the system and the software.
See also paragraph 7.1 for related technical requirements on the system in question.
The documentation of the method is typically a part of the quality management system, see
paragraph 4.1.2
Requirement:
The system’s specification and design shall be determined and documented in a system
description. In addition to serve as a specification for the detailed design and implementation,
the purpose of the system description is to document that the entire system-delivery is
according to the specifications and in compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
(cont) • Compliance with the technical requirements and Class Society rules
• User interfaces/mimics
Guidance:
The information listed above is in this UR collectively referred to as the system description. It
may however be divided into a number of different documents and models.
Requirement:
Evidence of environmental type testing according to IACS UR E10 regarding hardware
elements included in the system and sub-systems shall be submitted to the Class Society.
Requirement:
The software created, changed, or configured for the delivery project shall be developed and
have the quality assurance activities assessed according to the selected standard(s) as
described in the quality plan.
The quality assurance activities may be performed on several levels of the software-structure
E22 and shall include both custom-made software and configured components (e.g. software
(cont) libraries) as appropriate.
The verification of the software shall as a minimum verify the following aspects based on
black-box methods:
• Intended functionality
• Intended robustness
For components in systems of Category II and III, the scope, purpose, and results of all
performed reviews, analyses, tests, and other verification activities shall be documented in
test reports.
Guidance:
Some of the methods utilized in this activity are sometimes referred to as “software unit test”
or “developer test” and may also include verification methods like code-reviews and static- or
dynamic code analysis.
Requirement:
The system shall as far as practicable be tested before the FAT. The main purpose of the
system test is for the system supplier to verify that the entire system delivery is according to
the specifications, approved documentation and in compliance with applicable rules and
regulations; and further, that the system is completed and ready for the FAT.
The testing shall at least verify the following aspects of the system:
• Functionality
• Performance
• Human-machine interfaces
Requirement:
A factory acceptance test (FAT) shall be arranged for the system in question. The main
purpose of the FAT is to demonstrate to the Class Society that the system is completed and
compliant with applicable classification rules, thus enabling issuance of a Society Certificate
for the system.
The FAT test program shall cover a representative selection of the test items from the internal
system test (described in paragraph 4.2.6), including normal system functionality and
response to failures.
For category II and III systems, network testing to verify the network resilience requirements
in paragraph 7.2.1 shall be performed. If agreed by all parties, the network testing may be
performed as a part of the system test onboard the vessel.
The FAT shall as a rule be performed with the project specific software operating on the
actual hardware components to be installed on board, with necessary means for simulation of
functions and failure responses, however other solutions such as replica hardware or
simulated hardware (emulators) may be agreed with the Class Society.
For each test-case it shall be noted if the test passed or failed, and the test-results shall be
documented in a test report. The test report shall also contain a list of the software (including
software versions) that were installed in the system when the test was executed.
Guidance:
For complex systems there may be a large difference in scope between the “Internal system
testing before FAT” activity and the FAT, while for some systems the scope may be identical.
Additional FAT documentation including e.g., user manuals and internal system test report
shall be made available during FAT or submitted upon request for information (FI).
Requirement:
The initial installation and subsequent updates of the software components of the system
E22 shall be done according to a management of change procedure which has been agreed
(cont) between the system supplier and the systems integrator.
The management of change procedure shall comply with the requirements in paragraph 6.
Cyber security measures shall be observed as described in relevant IACS URs.
4.3.1 Responsibilities
For the purposes of this UR, the Shipyard is considered as the systems integrator in the
development and delivery phase unless another organization or person is explicitly appointed
by the Shipyard.
Requirement:
The systems integrator shall document that the quality management system is applied for the
installation, integration, completion, and maintenance of the systems to be installed on board.
All applicable items described in paragraph 4.1.2 (for the systems integrator role) shall be
demonstrated to exist and being followed, as relevant.
Requirement:
For each system delivery to a particular vessel, it shall be decided which category the system
falls under based on the failure effects of the system (as defined in paragraph 3). The
category for a specific system must be conveyed to the relevant system supplier. The Class
Society may decide that a risk-assessment is needed to verify the proper system category.
Requirement:
If requested by the Class Society, a risk assessment of a specific system in context of the
specific vessel in question shall be performed and documented in order to determine the
applicable category for the system.
Guidance:
Requirement:
The system of systems (SoS) shall be specified and documented. This architecture
specification provides the basis for category determination and development of the different
integrated systems by allocating functionality to individual systems and by identifying the
main interfaces between the systems. It shall also serve as a basis for the testing of the
integrated systems on the vessel level (see paragraph 4.3.7).
Guidance:
See also UR E26 for diagram of security zones and conduits
Requirement:
A system acceptance test shall be arranged onboard the vessel. The main purpose of the
system acceptance test (SAT) is to verify the system functionality, after installation and
integration with the applicable machinery/electrical/process systems on board including
possible interfaces with other control and monitoring systems.
For each test-case it shall be noted if the test passed or failed, and the test-results shall be
documented in a test report. The test report shall also contain a list of the software (including
software versions) that were installed in the system when the test was executed.
The testing shall at least verify the following aspects of the system of systems:
• Performance
• Human-machine interfaces
Guidance:
For complex systems there may be a large difference in scope between the “System
acceptance test (SAT) onboard the vessel” activity and the SOST, while for some systems
the scope may be overlapping or identical. It is possible to combine the two activities into one
when the test scope is similar.
The systems integrator shall follow procedures for management of change to the system as
described in paragraph 6 .
5.1.1 Responsibilities
For the purposes of this UR, the vessel owner is considered to be the systems integrator in
the operations phase unless another organization or person is explicitly appointed by the
owner.
Accordingly, the Class Society shall in a timely manner be informed by the owner about the
E22 appointed systems integrator which is responsible for implementing any changes to the
(cont) systems in conjunction with system supplier(s).
Requirement:
The systems integrator shall ensure that necessary procedures for software and hardware
change management exist on board, and that any software modification/upgrade are
performed according to the procedure(s). For details about change management please see
paragraph 6 .
Requirement:
The system supplier shall follow procedures for maintenance of the system including
procedures for management of change as described in paragraph 6.
Requirement:
The system supplier shall make sure that the planned changes to a system have passed
relevant in-house tests before the change is made to systems on board.
6 Management of change
6.1 General
Paragraph 6 provides requirements for the management of change throughout the lifecycle of
a computer-based system. Different procedures for the management of change may be
defined for specific phases in a system’s lifecycle as the different phases typically involve
different stakeholders. The Class Society’s verification is described in paragraph 6.12.
The procedure(s) shall at least describe the activities listed in paragraphs 6.3 through 6.11.
The outcome of the impact analysis in 6.8 will determine to what extent the activities in 6.3 to
6.12 shall be performed. Change records (described in paragraph 6.11) shall always be
produced.
Requirement:
The management of change process shall be coordinated and agreed between the relevant
stakeholders along the different stages of the lifecycle of the computer-based system.
Guidance:
Typically, the management of change address at least three different stages:
1) Development and internal verification before FAT; involving the system supplier and
sub-suppliers.
2) From FAT to handover of the vessel to the owner; involving the system supplier, the
systems integrator, the Class Society, and the owner.
3) In operation; involving the system supplier, service suppliers, the owner, and the
Class Society
Requirement:
If changes are required to a system after it has been approved by applicable stakeholders
(typically the systems integrator and the Class Society at FAT) the modifications shall follow
defined change management procedures.
Requirement:
The system supplier shall make sure that each system and software version is uniquely
identifiable, see paragraph 4.2.2.
Requirement:
There shall be defined mechanisms for handling of the files that constitutes the master-files
for a software component. Personnel authorities shall be clearly defined along with the tools
and mechanisms used to ensure the integrity of the master files.
Requirement:
It shall be clearly defined how to perform backup and restoration of the software components
E22 of a computer-based system onboard the vessel.
(cont)
6.8 Impact analysis before change is made
Requirement:
Before a change to the system is made, an impact analysis shall be performed in order to:
• Determine the need to obtain approval from other stakeholders (e.g. Class Society
and or Owner) before the change is made.
Requirement:
When maintenance includes installation of new versions of the software in the system, it shall
be possible to perform a rollback of the software to the previous installed version with the
purpose of returning the system to a known, stable state.
Roll-backs shall be documented and analysed to find and eliminate the root cause.
Requirement:
To the largest degree practically possible, modifications shall be verified before being
installed onboard.
• Verification that the new functionalities and/or improvements have had the intended
effect.
• Regression test to verify that the modification has not had any negative effects on
functionality or capabilities that was not expected to be affected.
Changes to systems and software shall be documented in change records to allow for
visibility and traceability of the changes. The change records shall contain at least the
following items:
E22 • The main conclusions from the impact analysis (see paragraph 6.8)
(cont) • The identity and version of any new system or software version(s)
(see paragraph 6.5)
The verification by the Class Society regarding the management of change in operation is
generally performed during the annual survey of the vessel. Procedures for management of
change and relevant change records (see paragraph 6.11) shall be made available at the
time of survey.
In the cases where the change requires approval from the Class Society up front, the relevant
procedures and documentation for the change in question may be verified at that time.
The verification of management of change in the newbuilding phase is divided into two;
Procedures are verified as a part of the verification of the quality management system
(paragraph 4.1.2), while project specific implementation of the procedures are verified during
FAT (4.2.7) and after FAT (6.12.1)
The system shall provide means to identify its name, version, identifier, and manufacturer. It
is recommended that the system can automatically report the status of its software to a ship
software logging system (SSLS) as specified in the international standard ISO 24060.
Loss of a data link shall be specifically addressed in risk assessment analysis/FMEA. See
paragraph 4.2.3.
1) A single failure in data link shall not cause loss of vessel- functions of category III.
Any effect of such failures shall meet the principle of fail-to-safe for the vessel-
function(s) being served.
E22 2) For vessel-functions of category II and III, any loss of functionality in the remote
(cont) control system shall be compensated for by local/manual means.
3) The data link shall have means to prevent or cope with excessive communication
rates.
4) Data links shall be self-checking, detecting failures or performance issues on the link
itself and data communication failures on nodes connected to the link
1) Category III systems shall not use wireless data links unless specifically considered
by the Class Society on the basis of an engineering analysis carried out in
accordance with an International or National Standard acceptable to the Society.
Other categories of systems may use wireless data links with the following
requirements:
3) The internal wireless system within the vessel shall comply with the radio frequency
and power level requirements of International Telecommunication Union and flag
state requirements.
4) Consideration should be given to system operation in the event of port state and
local regulations that pertain to the use of radio-frequency transmission prohibiting
the operation of a wireless data communication link due to frequency and power
level restrictions.
5) For wireless data communication equipment, tests during harbour and sea trials are
to be conducted to demonstrate that radio-frequency transmission does not cause
failure of any equipment and does not self-fail as a result of electromagnetic
interference during expected operating conditions.
Legend: AP = Approval, FI = For Information, “-“ = No requirement, on req. = Upon request from the Class Society
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