• 06 Nov 2025, 06:30 AM

How IETM Level 4, JSG 0852 Indian standard is useful in ship building projects

That’s an excellent and very relevant topic especially for Indian shipbuilding and naval projects where IETM (Interactive Electronic Technical Manual) Level 4 as per JSG 0852:2019 has become a mandatory standard.

What is JSG 0852?

• JSG 0852 is an Indian Defence Standard issued by the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA).
• It defines the structure, format, and functionality of IETMs used for Defence projects, ensuring uniformity and interoperability across all defence systems including shipbuilding, aerospace, and land systems.

What is IETM Level 4?

• Level 1–3: Static or limited interactive PDFs/HTML manuals.
• Level 4: Fully database-driven, interactive, and dynamic IETM.
• It allows searchable, modular, and linked technical data with navigation, maintenance procedures, fault diagnosis, and illustrated parts catalogues (IPC) all integrated in a software environment.

Why IETM Level 4 (JSG 0852) is Useful for Shipbuilding Projects

1. Centralized Digital Maintenance System

• Ship systems are complex propulsion, power generation, electronics, HVAC, etc.
• IETM Level 4 consolidates all Operation, Maintenance, Installation, and Troubleshooting data into a single interactive digital system, reducing dependence on bulky printed manuals.

2. Standardization Across OEMs and Subsystems

• Multiple vendors supply subsystems (radar, sonar, communication, engines).
• JSG 0852 ensures all OEMs follow a common data format and structure, making it easier for the shipyard and Navy to integrate all IETMs into one central Ship Maintenance Management System

3. Faster Access to Critical Information

With advanced search, hyperlinking, and indexing, technicians can instantly find the exact procedure or part detail even in emergencies at sea without flipping through thousands of manual pages.

4. Supports Training and Knowledge Retention

Interactive features (like procedural animations, step-by-step guidance, fault isolation flowcharts) make training easier for naval crew and ship maintenance staff, ensuring faster familiarization with systems.

5. Ease of Updates and Version Control

As systems get upgraded or modified during refits, digital IETMs can be easily updated and redistributed maintaining configuration control throughout the vessel’s lifecycle.

6. Compliance and Acceptance by Indian Navy

• JSG 0852 compliance is now a mandatory deliverable for most Indian Navy and Coast Guard shipbuilding contracts.
• Without it, OEMs risk rejection during technical documentation acceptance.

Example in Real Projects:

• In Indian shipyards like GRSE, GSL, MDL, L&T, and HSL, all modern warships and patrol vessels now include IETM Level 4 documentation.
• Each subsystem OEM provides its IETM conforming to JSG 0852, which is then integrated into a Ship-level IETM Server accessible to all departments onboard.

Role of IETM for Shipbuilding OEMs:

• In modern naval and shipbuilding projects, the Indian Armed Forces demand complete digital documentation that aligns with JSG 0852:2019, the Indian Defence Standard for Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETM).
• For every subsystem or equipment supplied, OEMs are required to deliver JSG 0852 Level-4 IETMs as a part of their final documentation package.

1. Ensuring Compliance and Standardization

• IETMs have become a mandatory deliverable in all Indian Navy and Coast Guard projects.
• By following JSG 0852 guidelines, OEMs deliver documentation in a uniform structure and database format, ensuring interoperability across multiple systems and vendors onboard a ship.

2. Seamless Integration at Ship Level

• Each ship comprises systems from numerous OEMs engines, power generation, sensors, communication, and weapon systems.
• When developed in JSG 0852-compliant format, these IETMs can be easily integrated into the ship-level IETM server, enabling centralized access through a single onboard platform.

3. Efficient Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• IETMs provide interactive fault diagnosis, maintenance procedures, and Illustrated Parts Catalogues (IPC).
• This allows ship staff to quickly locate the right information, reducing downtime and ensuring faster fault resolution in critical operations.

4. Lifecycle Management and Easy Updates

• Ship systems undergo frequent upgrades during refits.
• IETMs simplify this by enabling digital updates, version tracking, and configuration control, ensuring that the Navy always has access to the latest, OEM-approved procedures without reprinting bulky manuals.

5. Enhanced Training and Knowledge Transfer

• By including step-by-step visuals, animations, and interactive diagrams, OEMs can make IETMs a powerful training and self-learning tool for ship crew and maintenance engineers, improving operational readiness.

6. Strengthening OEM Reputation and Readiness

• Delivering a professional, compliant IETM demonstrates the OEM’s technical maturity and process discipline.
• It builds trust with Defence clients and ensures smooth acceptance by DGQA and end users.

Summary: