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,
Data Collection Unit (DCU) (fitted on the bridge that pulls in data from all the integrated sources),
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:
| 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 July 2002 | VDR |
| 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. |
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.
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