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VDR

A Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) is a device installed on ships to continuously record crucial operational data, including audio and navigational parameters, for at least 12 hours. It is designed to withstand extreme conditions and aids in accident investigations by providing vital information. Simplified VDRs (S-VDRs) record less information but serve a similar purpose, and specific vessels are mandated to carry VDRs based on their size and type.

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6 views

VDR

A Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) is a device installed on ships to continuously record crucial operational data, including audio and navigational parameters, for at least 12 hours. It is designed to withstand extreme conditions and aids in accident investigations by providing vital information. Simplified VDRs (S-VDRs) record less information but serve a similar purpose, and specific vessels are mandated to carry VDRs based on their size and type.

Uploaded by

Simar Singh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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VDR

A VDR or voyage data recorder is an instrument 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.This recording is recovered and made use of for
investigation in events of accidents. 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 does a VDR work ?


There are various sensors placed on bridge of the ship and on prominent location from
which the required data is continuously collected. This data which comprises of voices,
various parameters, ships location etc. are then fed to a storage unit where the whole input
is recorded and saved for at least 12 hours. 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 new set of information from that period of
time.

The data collected by VDR is digitalised, compressed, and is stored in a protective storage
unit which is mounted in a safe place. This tamper proof storage unit can be a retrievable
fixed or floating unit connected with EPIRB for early location in the event of accident.

Main Components
Data Management Unit: It acquires data from various sources using interfaces, processes
and stores the data in a specified format.

Audio Module: It consists of an audio mixer for recording audio from microphones placed in
the wheelhouse, bridge wings, ECR and various other locations.

Audio Module: VHF audio signals can also be interfaced with this unit.

Final Recording Unit: This is a fire resistant, pressure tight storage medium to store recorded
data.

Final Recording Unit: The capsule is resistant against shock, penetration, fire, deep sea
pressure and immersion.

Final Recording Unit: Housed in a highly visible protective capsule which can withstand high
temperatures (1100 deg C) and deep sea pressure of 6000 m
Remote Alarm Module: This is a small panel connected to the Data Management Unit that
will sound an alarm should any error or fault develop in the equipment.

Replay Station: This is an optional module for downloading and replaying the recorded data.
The data when played back can help in casualty investigations as well as for self analysis.

What is Recorded ?
• Date & Time from GPS every 1s
• Position & Datum – Lat/Long and datum from GPS, Loran-C etc. The source of data is
identified on playback
• Speed (water / ground) recorded every 1s to 0.1k resolution
• Heading (gyro or magnetic) is recorded at intervals of 1s to a resolution of 0.1 deg
• Depth under keel from echo sounder to a resolution of 0.1m
• Auto pilot settings for speed, latitude, rudder limit, off-course alarms etc
• Bridge audio in real time, both internal & external (150-6000Hz). The mic test beeps
every 12 hrs & this is recorded.
• Wind speed/direction from the Anemometer is recorded & stored individually with
time stamps.
• Radar image recorded every 15s includes range rings, EBLs, VRMs, radar maps, parts
of SENC & other essential navigational indications.
• VHF communication from 2 VHFs are recorded for both transmitted and received
audio signals. Audio is compressed and labeled VHF 1 & VHF 2
• Hull openings & watertight doors status is received every 1s and stored with time
stamps
• Hull stresses are received and stored with time stamps.
• Thruster status (bow/stern) can be recorded for their order and response
• Rudder order and response angle is recorded to a resolution of 1 deg
• Engine order and response from the telegraph or direct engine control with shaft
revolution and ahead and astern indicators are recorded to a resolution of 1 rpm
• AIS target data is recorded as a source of information regarding other ships
• Alarms are recorded with time stamps. All IMO mandatory alarms as well as other
audible alarms are stored individually by the bridge audio microphones

Benefits ?
• Accident investigation
• Training support
• Reduction in insurance costs
What is a S-VDR ?
• An S-VDR (Simplified VDR) is the same as a VDR. There is no principle difference
between a VDR and a S-VDR except the amount of information required to be
recorded by S-VDR is less.

Data Recorded by S-VDR ?

• Date and Time (GPS)


• Ship’s Position (GPS)
• Speed (Speed Log or GPS)
• Heading (Gyro Compass)
• Bridge Audio & VHF Communications
• Radar Display Image and/or AIS

Carriage Requirements
The following vessels are required to carry a VDR:

• All Passenger ships and ro-ro passenger ships


• Ships of 3,000 GT and upwards constructed on or after 1 July 2002.
• Ships of 3,000 GT and upwards constructed on or after 1 July 2002.

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