Why Marine Certification Matters: A Guide to IEC 60945 and DNV Marine PCs

A Complete Guide to Marine Computer Solutions
IEC 60945 and DNV Certified

Why Marine-Certified Computing Matters

In the world of maritime operations, reliability isn’t optional — it’s essential. The salt-laden air, constant vibration, wide temperature variations, and exposure to moisture all put extreme demands on onboard equipment.

Standard industrial PCs may perform well in factories or control rooms, but at sea, marine-certified PCs, panel PCs, and displays are the gold standard for ensuring dependable performance and regulatory compliance.

This guide explains:

• What marine-certified computing equipment is
• The key certification standards and what they mean
• Where computers are used on vessels and their environmental requirements
• When full certification may not be necessary

Understanding Marine-Certified PCs, Panel PCs, and Displays

Marine-certified computing systems are purpose-built to meet the unique challenges of shipboard environments. These include:

• Marine PCs – Rugged industrial computers with enhanced protection against shock, vibration, humidity, and temperature.
• Marine Panel PCs – Integrated touchscreen computers designed for control consoles, bridge workstations, and monitoring.
• Marine Displays – High-brightness, sunlight-readable monitors with dimming functions, wide viewing angles, and anti-reflective coatings for changing light conditions at sea.

Each type is tested to ensure it can handle prolonged exposure to the environmental and operational stresses of maritime applications.

Key Marine Certification Standards

Where Computers Are Used on Ships – and What They Require

Computing equipment plays a role in almost every operational area of a vessel:

• Bridge & Navigation Systems – Require IEC 60945-compliant hardware with EMC shielding to avoid interference with radar, GPS, and communication systems, ensuring the integrity and reliability of maritime navigation.
• Engine Room Control & Monitoring – Need robust systems capable of handling high temperatures, oil mist, and vibration, allowing personnel to effectively monitor engine performance and respond swiftly to any operational issues.
• Cargo Handling & Control Rooms – Demand reliable data and process control hardware with responsive, glove-friendly touchscreens that facilitate rapid decision-making and operational efficiency in cargo management.
• Crew Administration & Accommodation Areas – Can use standard industrial-grade computers if environmental stress is minimal, providing necessary administrative support while ensuring comfort and usability for the crew.

When Certification Isn’t Always Necessary

Not every computer on a vessel needs IEC 60945 or DNV certification. Situations where a rugged industrial PC might be sufficient include:

• Crew welfare and office systems used for administration, entertainment, and internet access in protected spaces
• Non-critical monitoring systems located in environmentally controlled rooms
• Shore-based simulation or training setups linked to marine operations but not exposed to harsh conditions

The decision depends on location, operational importance, and environmental exposure.

Choosing the Right Solution

When selecting marine computing equipment, consider:

• The specific location onboard where it will be used
• The criticality of the function (navigation, safety, operations, or general use)
• Required certification standards (IEC 60945, DNV, or both)
• Environmental factors such as temperature, vibration, and moisture exposure

BVM works with shipbuilders, marine engineers, and operators to match the right computer solution to each application.

Frequently Asked Questions – Marine Computer Solutions

Q1: What’s the difference between IEC 60945 and DNV certification?
IEC 60945 is an international standard that applies specifically to maritime navigation and communication equipment, focusing on EMC, environmental durability, and safety. DNV certification is issued by Det Norske Veritas, a classification society, and ensures that equipment meets additional mechanical, electrical, and operational safety requirements in line with vessel classification rules.

Q2: Can I use a non-certified PC on my vessel?
Yes — in certain cases. If the PC is located in a protected, non-critical environment such as a crew office or recreation area, a rugged industrial PC may be suitable without full marine certification. However, critical systems like navigation or engine control require certified hardware.

Q3: Do marine-certified computers look different from standard industrial PCs?
Often, yes. Marine-certified systems may have special housings, sealed connectors, anti-corrosive coatings, and enhanced shock-mounting to protect against maritime conditions.

Q4: Are marine-certified displays always sunlight readable?
Not always, but many are. For bridge and outdoor use, high-brightness, dimmable, anti-glare displays are preferred to ensure visibility in varying light conditions.

Q5: How long does marine computer certification testing take?
Certification testing can take several weeks to months depending on the standard, as products undergo extensive EMC, vibration, and environmental testing before approval.

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Contact BVM for Marine and Industrial Computer Expertise

For IEC 60945 and DNV-certified Marine PCs, Panel PCs, and Displays, as well as rugged industrial computing solutions, contact BVM today.
Call 01489 780144 or email sales@bvmltd.co.uk.

With over 35 years’ experience designing, supplying, and manufacturing industrial and embedded computing systems, we can ensure you get the right solution for your maritime application.

We like to make life easier ….

BVM supply a wide and diverse range of Industrial and Embedded Systems.
From Industrial Motherboards, SBCs and Box PCs, to Rack Mount computers and Industrial Panel PCs. Our support teams have worked in a variety of industrial and embedded environments and consequently provide knowledge, know-how, experience and all round good advice around all BVM’s products & services when and where you need it.

You can 📞 Call us on +(0) 1489 780 144 and talk to one of the team or 📧 E-mail us at sales@bvmltd.co.uk