Nmea 0183 Versions ^hot^ Jun 2026

NMEA 0183 has undergone several major revisions. The most widely implemented versions are 2.0, 2.1, 2.3, 3.0, and 4.0 (with 4.10 and 4.11 as minor updates).

: Added the "Mode Indicator" field to sentences like RMC to indicate data quality. Version 3.x (2000–2002) : nmea 0183 versions

Introduced TAG blocks for improved data transport and identification. 2012 / 2018 NMEA 0183 has undergone several major revisions

Version 2.3 introduced sentences specifically designed to handle the correction signals provided by DGPS beacons, such as the GRS (GPS Range Residuals) and GST (GPS Pseudorange Noise Statistics). These allowed for higher precision navigation, vital for commercial shipping and survey work. Furthermore, v2.3 laid the groundwork for the DSC (Digital Selective Calling) integration. This was a critical evolution for safety at sea, allowing VHF radios to exchange position data with chart plotters. Through the DSC sentence structure, a distress call received by a radio could automatically populate a "man overboard" waypoint on the ship’s chart plotter. This version transformed NMEA 0183 from a convenience protocol into a critical safety infrastructure. Version 3

| Version | Release Year | Key Features & Changes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1.5 | 1989 | Original specification; 4800 baud; basic talker/listener model. | | 2.0 | 1992 | Introduced the GGA , GLL , RMC , VTG sentences; standardized checksums. | | 2.1 | 1994 | Added GSA and GSV for GNSS satellite data; clarified null fields. | | 2.3 | 2001 | Increased baud rate to 38400 (optional); added support for multiple talkers. | | 3.0 | 2002 | Major overhaul: added support for 115200 baud; introduced new sentences for AIS, DGPS; defined "proprietary sentences". | | 4.0 | 2008 (revised 2012) | Added support for Galileo and BeiDou; increased precision for time and position. | | 4.10 | 2012 | Added sentences for GNSS integrity, RAIM, and enhanced satellite ID schemes. | | 4.11 | 2018 (current) | Improved multi-GNSS handling; added new fields for signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and system time offsets. |