How to Ensure the Integrity of a VDR System

VDR is the equivalent of a ship’s black box in an aeroplane. It records the incidents that occur during a maritime incident which includes the date and time of the accident, the location of the ship at the moment of the incident and its speed, location, course and other details. The recorded data can be used to identify dangers to safety and enhance operations.

In accordance with IMO regulations, the standard VDR must store a variety of data. These include dates and times that are referred to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and vessel’s position (latitude and longitude), coordinate reference) along with speed and heading and bridge audio (acquisition of voice messages recorded by a microphone or two located on the bridge in order to record conversations and sound alarms), VHF radio communications (VHF) and radar information (a faithful replica of the display that was visible at the time of the recording) Rudder order and response engine order and response as well as watertight doors and their status, as well as accelerations and hull stresses.

The system is composed of a concentrator which processes and encodes data streams, sensors that input data to the concentrator and the final recording media (FRM) which is able to survive accidents and permit the retrieval of data from voyages. The FRM can be a fixed unit attached to the vessel or a retrievable floating unit connected to EPIRB for early location in the event of an accident.

The most effective method to ensure the integrity of the vdr system is to make its use an integral part of bridge crew training and drills. The saved data may also be used to identify areas that require training, and to enhance bridge procedures and operational security.

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