IEC 61097-15:2012(E) specifies the minimum operational and performance requirements, technical characteristics, methods of testing and required test results for Inmarsat FB500 ship earth stations (SES), capable of transmitting and receiving distress and safety communications, initiating and receiving distress priority calls and transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications, using radiotelephony (voice), as required within Regulation IV/10.1 and 14.1 of the 1988 amendments to the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), for use in the GMDSS. This standard incorporates the performance standards of IMO Resolution MSC.130(75) and also takes into account the priority access (voice pre-emption) requirements of IMO Resolution A.1001(25). This standard takes account of IMO Resolution A.694(17) associated with IEC 60945. This standard is part of the IEC 61097 series.