4 DEFINITIONS
"Night vision equipment" means any technical means enabling the position and aspect of objects above the water surface relative to one's own craft to be detected at night.
"High-speed craft" means any craft to which the definition in chapter 1 of the HSC Code applies.
"Standard test target" means a target that simulates the real hazard of a surface object that can be found at sea such as, small unlit boats, floating logs, oil drums, containers, bouys, ice, hazardous waves and whales.
5 FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
5.1 REQUIRED FUNCTIONS AND THEIR AVAILABILITY
At night, night vision equipment should be capable of detecting objects above the water surface within a certain distance from one's own craft and of displaying the information pictorially in real time, to assist in collision avoidance and safe navigation.
5.2 RELIABILITY, ACCURACY, AND DISCRIMINATION
5.2.1 Continuous operation
Night vision equipment on board HSC, while navigating at sea, should be capable of continuous operation from after sunset until before sunrise. After the equipment has been switched on it should be operational in less than 15 minutes.
5.2.2 Standard test target
The standard test target should be an enclosed dark metal box, with one side at right angles to the desired direction of detection, which has been immersed in the sea for at least 24 hours.
The size of the box is such that when at least 80% is immersed, 1.5 m long × 1.5 m wide × 0.5 m high remains above the water.
Administrations may use other smaller targets to reflect local conditions.
5.2.3 Minimum detection range
With the required field of view, the equipment should detect the standard test target at a minimum of 600 m with a minimum probability of 90%, under mean starlight conditions without clouds and without moon.
5.2.4 Field of view
The required horizontal field of view should be at least 20°, 10°on either side of the bow. The vertical field of view should be at least 12° and should be sufficient to enable the equipment to fulfil the performance requirements of this standard as well as being able to see the horizon.
