VDR

 WHAT IS A VDR?

A VDR or voyage data recorder is an instrument installed on a ship to continuously record critical Information related to the operation of a vessel.

It consists of a recording system for a period of at least last 48 hours which is continuously overwritten by the latest data. This recording is recovered and made use of for various purposes, especially for investigation in the events of accidents.

Purpose/benefits of VDR

VDR data can be used for:

1. Accident investigations
2. Response Assessment
3. Training support
4. Promotion of best practices

5. Reduction of insurance cost

MAIN COMPONENTS OF VDR:

1. DATA MANAGEMENT UNIT (OR DATA COLLECTION UNIT)

2. AUDIO MODULE

3. FINAL RECORDING MODULE

4. REMOTE ALARM MODULE

5. REPLAY STATION

6. RESERVE SOURCE OF POWER

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)

Echosounder

Main alarms

Rudder order and response

Hull opening (doors) status

Watertight and fire door status

Speed and acceleration

Hull stresses

Wind speed and direction

What time period can be recorded?

The IMO requires a minimum of 12 hours recording but most manufacturers provide larger storage options often with removable media, which may be used as a management and training tool.