VDR (Voyage Data Recorder) is the maritime equivalent of the black box airlines use. The system is usually two-parts comprising a data collection unit as well as a deck-mounted protection pod that is designed to withstand shock or fire, deep-sea pressurized, and penetration. It is used to document incidents of navigation, but it can also provide valuable data for heavy-weather damage analysis, performance monitoring and crew training.
Up-grading
Many ships equipped with VDR/SVDR meet the minimum requirements of regulatory compliance. However, members are encouraged use the equipment to document near missed events, conduct investigations into incidents and to conduct preventive maintenance. There are also software options that could significantly extend the amount of time for which VDR data is available beyond the current 12 hour minimum and a decision should be made on whether or not to upgrade to this.
The system is built around an industrial computer that can perform a number of functions including processing and encoding information gathered by the sensors. It then stores the data inside a capsule designed to withstand an accident and provide proof of what happened onboard the vessel. The primary components of the VDR system comprise a data collection unit, which is situated on the bridge, a dedicated power source as well as an interface unit and backup batteries. The unit collects data from all integrated sources such as microphones that record bridge audio, and then sends it to the Concentrator, where the article resulting NMEA 0183 sentences is interpreted and encoded before being sent to the final recorded medium.
