VDR (Voyage Data Recorder) is the maritime equivalent of the black box that airlines employ. The system typically consists of two components comprised of a data-collection unit and a deck-mounted protective pod that is designed to withstand shock as well as fire, deep-sea pressing and penetration. It is often used for recording navigation incidents, but also provides useful data to analyze the effects of heavy weather and monitoring performance as well as crew training.
Up-grading
Many ships equipped with VDR/SVDR satisfy the minimum regulatory requirements. However, Members are encouraged use the equipment to document near missed events, conduct investigations into incidents and to conduct preventative maintenance. There are also packages which can extend the period for which VDR data will be accessible beyond the minimum of 12 hours. A decision should be taken as to whether or not to upgrade the equipment.
The system is built around an industrial-grade computer that can perform many functions, such as processing and encoding information received from sensors. The capsule is designed to survive any accident and store the data. The VDR system is made up of an instrument for data collection that is situated on the bridge as along with a separate power supply, an interface unit, and backup batteries. The unit collects data from all integrated sources, including microphones to record bridge audio, and then sends it to the Concentrator where it is processed into a series of NMEA 0183 sentences are read and encoded prior to being transmitted to the final recorded medium.
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