Topic 7: 

Voyage Data Recorder Equipment

Learning Pbjectives: Differentiate the Voyage
Data Recorder and the Simplified Voyage
Data Recorder equipment.
Group 7:
Mariano
Maza
Modesto
Ochoco
Pigao
 Voyage data recorder

 Voyage data recorder, or VDR, is a data recording system designed for all vessels required to comply with the IMO's
International Convention SOLAS Requirements in order to collect data from various sensors on board the vessel.
  
 Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) on a Ship Explained
 The IMO defines the Voyage Data Recorder as a complete system, including any items required to interface with the
sources of input signals, their processing and encoding, the final recording medium, the playback equipment, the power
supply and dedicated reserve power source.
 Akin to the ‘Black Box’ on airplanes, a Voyage Data Recorder is an equipment fitted onboard ships that record the various
data on a ship which can be used for reconstruction of the voyage details and vital information during an accident
investigation.
 Information is stored in a secure and retrievable form, relating to the position, movement, physical status, command and
control of a ship over the period and following an incident. This information is used during any subsequent safety
investigation to identify the cause(s) of the incident. Aside from its usage in accident investigation, it can also be used for
preventive maintenance, performance efficiency monitoring, heavy weather damage analysis, accident avoidance and
training purposes to improve safety and reduce running costs.
  
 Understanding VDR
 As mentioned earlier, a VDR or voyage data recorder is an instrument safely installed on a ship to continuously record vital
information related to the operation of a vessel. It contains a voice recording system for a period of at least last 12 hours (for
VDRs installed post-July 2014, the period of the integrated details recorded is 48 hours as per the MSC Resolution 333.90).
This recording is recovered and made use of for investigation in events of accidents in a compressed and digitised format.
 A ship’s VDR is far superior to a black box of an aeroplane as it stores a variety of data and that too for not
less than a period of 12 hours. The data records covering the last 12 hours are continuously overwritten by
the latest data.
  
 A VDR is capable of withstanding heavy weather, collisions, fires and pressure conditions even when a ship
is at a depth of several meters in water.
 How VDR works?

 The VDR can be classified to contain following units,

 – the Data Collection Unit (DCU) (fitted on the bridge that pulls in data from all the integrated sources),
 – a Data Recording Unit (DRU) (fitted on the monkey island that stores all of the data that is recorded via the unit within
the wheelhouse) and microphones to record bridge audio. 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. The flash memory in the DRU stores the data
coming from the DCU. The data can be retrieved by using playback software for investigation after an incident. The DRU
components are embodied in the protective capsule. The capsule ensures survival and recovery of the recorded data after an
incident.
 The flash memory in the DRU stores the data coming from the DCU. The data can be retrieved by using playback software
for investigation after an incident. The DRU components are embodied in the protective capsule. The capsule ensures
survival and recovery of the recorded data after an incident.
 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 hrs in case of a main ship’s
power failure. The flash memory in the DRU stores the data coming from the DCU. The data can be retrieved by using
playback software for investigation after an incident. The DRU components are embodied in the protective capsule. The
capsule ensures survival and recovery of the recorded data after an incident.
 The data that is collected or pulled in from all the integrated sources is, as mentioned above, kept in the storage capsule and
holds information for the 12 hours (or 48 hours) preceding it and continuously refreshed as the voyage progresses.
 There is also a record button provided in the bridge unit so that after pushing button (say during starting of any incident like
collision or grounding), the recorder will start recording a new set of information from that period of time.
 The capsule mentioned above is a very sturdy unit, capable of withstanding shock and pressures associated with a marine
mishap (collision, grounding, bad weather etc). It might be a float-free arrangement as with the HRU or attached with
the EPIRB for simultaneous release.
 Carriage requirements for VDR

 As with all the navigational equipment carried onboard, the VDR also comes under the purview of the SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 20 as well as Annex 10. The details of it are as follows:
 The VDR at least must record the following:
 • Date and time (SVDR)
 • Ship’s position (SVDR)
 • Speed and heading (SVDR)
 • Bridge audio (SVDR)
 • Communication audio (radio) (SVDR)
 • Radar data (SVDR)
 • ECDIS data (SVDR)
 • 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
S-VDR

 The SVDR is nothing but a simplified VDR, that records information that is only absolutely necessary and
does not record information as extensive as the VDR. Naturally, it is more cost effective and more in usage
on board merchant ships. The concept of SVDR can be best understood by comparing the data below with
that of the VDR. Mandatory information to be recorded in an SVDR are marked next to the category above.
The last two interfaces of Radar and ECDIS may be recorded only if there are standard interfaces available.
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.
 The system should include functions to perform a performance test at any time, e.g. annually or following
repair or maintenance work to the VDR or any signal source providing data to the VDR. This test may be
conducted using the playback equipment and should ensure that all the required data items are being
correctly recorded.
Maintenance

 As with all navigational equipment, checks and maintenance are important for proper operation of any
electronic systems. Only qualified personnel should work inside the equipment. As far as routine checks are
concerned, examine the cables for signs of damage and also check that all connections are rigid. The battery
should be replaced every four years, the backup battery must be replaced with new one by a qualified service
engineer. Regulation 18.8 of SOLAS Chapter V states the requirements for maintenance. A certificate stating
that the results of such tests were satisfactory is to be retained onboard.
 Underwater Acoustic Beacon

 This beacon can be seen in the capsule on the monkey island and is fitted as a homing device to locate the capsule after a
mishap. It is attached to a bracket on the capsule. Triggered by immersion in water, they give out pulses in the ultrasonic
that can be detected by airborne or shipborne units.
 The importance of the VDR cannot be stressed enough. While it is always in every seafarer’s best endeavour that a mishap
does not occur at all, it is imperative to know the importance of a VDR in such a situation.
 It is important to understand that the VDR/SVDR is not just a way to record data for use later on during accident
investigation but it gives the trainers as well as the trainees to understand real life situations at sea and the ways they could
be combatted to further prevent any future mishaps, enabling better practical approach towards ship operations at sea.