NMEA releases Version 4.10 of 0183 standard

The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) has released an improved version of NMEA 0183, its standard for the interfacing of marine electronics. NMEA 0183 Version 4.10 will improve the efficacy of communication between the various on board electronic devices, including satellite receivers and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). It is the first replacement of the previous incarnation Version 4.00, which was created in 2008, and is compatible with all versions up to Version 2.00.

NMEA 0183 defines electrical requirements, data transmission protocol and timing, and specific sentence formats for a 4800-baud serial data bus. Version 4.10 impacts shipboard, non-shipboard and land-based equipment as well as networks for maritime and other industry use. The standard has been expanded to include the new Galileo Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Many of the existing GNSS sentences have been extended to accommodate Galileo and future GNSS improvements.

The update has come in response to continued advancements in AIS technology, with NMEA working closely alongside the International Electrotechnical Commission to develop the new standard.

The NMEA, in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard and RTCM (Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services), has established in Version 4.10 standardised wire coding labels for NMEA signal wiring to differentiate between the NMEA 0183 ‘talker’ and ‘listener’ connections. In addition, a new wiring diagram illustrates device connection options.




“For over 30 years, the NMEA has developed and maintained standards that are essential to the marine electronics industry all around the world,” said Bruce Angus, NMEA interim executive director. “Technology and usage of electronics change quickly, and the NMEA staff, in conjunction with a group of dependable industry professionals, ensure that the standards updates keep pace to meet the needs, performance, and safety requirements of millions of boaters and commercial mariners.”

Speaking to SuperyachtNews.com, Angus spoke of the standard’s ubiquity amongst the superyacht industry. “Everybody uses it,” he said. “The NMEA 0183 standard has been the standard for 30 years for all communication interchange between devices. It has some limitations, and that’s why we have NMEA 2000 and other versions, but 0183 is still used on very boat you’ll ever step foot on.”

Related Links

NMEA Website

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