Voyage Data Recorder(VDR) &

Simplified Voyage Data

Recorder(SVDR)
Objective:

The objective of this module is to train the students regarding concept,

purpose, recorded data, duration of data retention, float free
mechanism and playback option for a Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) and
to give a description of Simplified VDR(SVDR).

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Contents:
 Purpose of VDR
 Parts of VDR
 How does VDR work?
 Difference between VDR and SVDR.
 Data recorded on VDR and SVDR.
 VDR playback.
 VDR and SVDR carriage requirements.
 Performance standards for VDR and SVDR.
 QUIZ.
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Purpose of VDR
How do authorities investigate an airplane accident?

What happens in case of a navigational accident?

The purpose of a Voyage Data Recorder is to store information in a

secure and retrievable form, relating to the position, movement, physical
status, command and control of a ship, following an incident.
This allows the marine community to clearly understand the reason for
the accident, however catastrophic and put in preventative measures to
increase future marine safety.

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Parts of VDR
Data Collection Unit (DCU) (fitted on the bridge that pulls in data from all the
integrated sources) :
The DCU contains the Data Processor Unit, interface modules and backup
batteries. It collects data from sensors as required by the IMO and IEC standards.
The batteries supply power to the DCU to record bridge audio for 2 h in case of a
main ship’s power failure

Data Recording Unit (DRU) (fitted on the monkey island that stores all of the data
that is recorded via the unit within the wheelhouse)

Microphones and Cameras(Optional) to record bridge audio and Video.

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 How does VDR work?
• A VDR works as a recorder, documenting at least 48 continuous hours of vital data of
the vessel’s overall operation. It simply eliminates the earlier data and saves the
recently documented information.
• Diversified sensors are placed on the ship’s bridge and on important areas from
which the prescribed data is progressively collected. Such gathered information
primarily includes various parameters, voices, location, date, time of the ship, bridge
and communication audio etc.
• The bridge unit is provided with a record button. This button will be pushed “on” the
moment of the happening of the incident, say, grounding or collision. Then, the
Voyage Data Recorder will begin to record a new set of statistics from that time
period.
• The compiled data is digitized, shortened, and then kept in a protective storage
device that’s mounted in a safe location. This unit is tamper-proof that it can tolerate
extreme shock, heat, and pressure from fire, collisions, or heavy weather. Thus, the
data is safe and can be retrieved by anytime necessary

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This image shows the AMI Marine ltd Float Free Capsule used on ships to store a minimum
of 48 hours of recorded data. if the vessel sinks the capsule case (white) will open and
release the Yellow capsule from inside, this capsule will then float to the surface and emit a
distress signal to alert shore side authorities.

• General Operational Requirements

• The VDR should continuously maintain sequential records of pre-selected data items
relating to the status and output of the ship’s equipment and command and control of the
ship. To permit subsequent analysis of factors surrounding an incident, the method of
recording should ensure that the various data items can be correlated in date and time
during playback on suitable equipment
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Difference between VDR and SVDR
The difference between a VDR and a Simplified-VDR mainly
relates to the number of recording channels and their
characteristics.

Both systems require Radar video, Bridge microphones as well

as VHF audio, in conjunction with position data, heading and
course information, to be recorded for a minimum of 48
consecutive hours.

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Data recorded on VDR and SVDR:

Date and time

Ship’s position
 Speed and heading
Bridge audio
Communication audio (radio)
Radar data
ECDIS data
 AIS Data

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Additional data required to be recorded on VDR:

Echo sounder
Main alarms
Rudder order and response
Hull opening (doors) status
 Watertight and fire door status
Speed and acceleration
Hull stresses
Wind speed and direction

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How can the stored data be played back?
The data can be retrieved by using playback software for investigation
after an incident. 

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 VDR & SVDR carriage requirements
The MSC at its 79th session in December 2004 adopted amendments to regulation
20 of SOLAS chapter V (Safety of Navigation) on a phased-in carriage requirement for
a shipborne simplified voyage data recorder (S-VDR). The amendment entered into
force on 1 July 2006.
The S-VDR is not required to store the same level of detailed data as a standard VDR.
Performance Standards VDR: IMO Resolution MSC.333(90)
 SVDR: IMO Resolution A.163 (78)
Passenger ships constructed on or after 1 July 2002 VDR
Ro-ro passenger ships constructed before 1 July 2002 VDR
Passenger ships other than ro-ro constructed before 1 July 2002 VDR
Ships other than passenger ships of 3000 GT and upwards constructed on or after 1 VDR
July 2002
Cargo ships of 20000 gt. and upwards constructed before 1 July 2002* VDR or S-VDR
Cargo ships of 3000 GT and up to 20000 GT constructed before 1 July 2002 * VDR or S-VDR
* Cargo ships built before 1 July 2002 may be exempted from requirements to carry VDR /S-VDR when they are to be taken permanently out of service within 2 years of the
relevant implementation date.

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Performance Standards as per MSC.333(90) for VDR:

Data shall be recorded in a fixed capsule, a float-free capsule and internally in the VDR
(opposed to just a fixed capsule)
The VDR should be capable of operating from the ship's main and emergency source of
electrical power. 5.4.2 If the ship's source of electrical power supply fails, the VDR should
continue to record Bridge Audio (see 5.5.5) from the dedicated reserve power source for a
period of 2 hours. At the end of this 2 hour period all recording should cease automatically.
The time for which all stored data items are retained should be at least 30 days/720 hours on
the long-term recording medium and at least 48 hours on the fixed and float-free recording
media for minimum 48 hours in capsules of the VDR.
Bridge audio shall be recorded using at least two tracks for indoor microphones. Outdoor
microphones (where applicable) shall be recorded on an additional separate track. The current
standard is not very specific regarding this. The new standard also specifies that audible alarms
and noise on the vessel shall not prevent the VDR from recording audio properly
Images, chart(s) used and settings from the ECDIS shall be recorded. Images from both radars
on the vessel shall be recorded (opposed to just one)
Data from the AIS shall be recorded

Data from an inclinometer shall be recoded if installed

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Performance Standards as per A.163 (78) for SVDR
 S-VDR should continuously maintain sequential records of preselected data items
relating to the status and output of the ship's equipment, and command and control of the
ship.
 To permit subsequent analysis of factors surrounding an incident, the method of
recording should ensure that the various data items can be co-related in date and time
during playback on suitable equipment.
 The final recording medium should be installed in a protective capsule of either a fixed or
float-free type.
 The equipment should be so designed that, as far as is practical, it is not possible to
tamper with the selection of data being input to the equipment
 To ensure that the S-VDR continues to record events during an incident, it should be
capable of operating from the ship's emergency source of electrical power. If the ship's
emergency source of electrical power supply fails, the S-VDR should continue to record
Bridge Audio (see 5.4.5) from a dedicated reserve source of power for a period of 2 h. At
the end of this 2 h period all recording should cease automatically
 The unit should be entirely automatic in normal operation.
 List of Data to be recorded.(As per Slide No. 10)
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 QUIZ
 What is the purpose of a VDR?

Ans: The purpose of a Voyage Data Recorder is to store information in a

secure and retrievable form, relating to the position, movement, physical
status, command and control of a ship, following an incident.
This allows the marine community to clearly understand the reason for
the accident, however catastrophic and put in preventative measures to
increase future marine safety.

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 For how much minimum time is the recorded data saved before
being overwritten?
Ans: 48 hrs

 What is done to preserve data after an incident such as grounding or

a collision?
Ans: Press the “SAVE” or “RECORD” button on the bridge unit.

 Where is the data stored?

Ans: Data Recording Unit (DRU)

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Where is the location of the Data recording unit of the VDR?
Ans: Monkey Island above the bridge.

 What is the relevance of the float free arrangement of the recording unit?
Ans: To release the capsule containing the data recording unit in case the
vessel sinks.

 What is the difference between VDR and SVDR?

Ans: The difference between a VDR and a Simplified-VDR mainly relates to
the number of recording channels and their characteristics. Both systems
require Radar video, Bridge microphones as well as VHF audio, in conjunction
with position data, heading and course information, to be recorded for a
minimum of 48 consecutive hours. VDR requires additional data to be recorded.

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 List all the inputs for data stored in VDR and SVDR?
Ans:
Required for BOTH:
Date and time, Ship’s position, Speed and heading, Bridge audio
Communication audio (radio), Radar data, ECDIS data.

Additional data for VDR:

Echo sounder, Main alarms, Rudder order and response, Hull opening
(doors) status, Watertight and fire door status, Speed and acceleration, Hull
stresses, Wind speed and direction

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