This part of IEC 62600 provides the essential design requirements to ensure the engineering integrity of wave, tidal and other water current energy converters, referred to as marine energy converters (MECs), for a specified design life. Its purpose is to provide an appropriate level of protection against damage from all hazards that may lead to failure of the primary structure, defined as the collective system comprising the structural elements, foundation, mooring and anchors, piles, and device buoyancy designed to resist global loads.

This document includes requirements for subsystems of MECs such as control and protection mechanisms, internal electrical systems, mechanical systems and mooring systems as they pertain to the structural viability of the device under site-specific external environmental conditions. This document applies to wave, tidal and other water current converters and to structures that are either floating or fixed to the seafloor or shore. This document applies to structures that are unmanned during operational periods.

This document addresses site-specific conditions, safety factors for critical structures and structural interfaces, external load cases (including extreme load magnitude, duration, and frequency), failure probability and failure consequences for critical structures and structural interfaces (overall risk assessment), and failsafe design practices (demonstration of adequate redundancy). The effect of subsystem failure on the primary structure is also addressed.

This document does not address the effects of MECs on the physical or biological environment (unless noted by exception). This document is used in conjunction with the appropriate IEC and ISO standards, as well as regional regulations that have jurisdiction over the installation site.