The VDR (Voyage Data Recorder), is the maritime version of the black box utilized by airlines. It is typically made up of two parts comprised of a data-collection unit and a deck-mounted protective pod that is designed to withstand shock, fire, deep-sea pressurized and penetration. It’s used to record incidents of navigation, but it can also provide valuable data to assess damage during heavy weather monitoring performance and crew training.
Up-grading
Many ships with VDR/SVDR comply with the minimum requirements of regulatory compliance. However, members are encouraged use the equipment to record near misses, conduct investigation into incidents and to conduct preventive maintenance. There are also programs that can extend the time duration during which VDR data will be accessible beyond the current minimum of 12 hours. It is important to make a decision taken about whether to upgrade.
The system is built around an industrial computer that can perform several functions, including processing and encoding information gathered by the sensors. It then stores the data in a capsule that is designed to withstand an accident and provide proof of what took place on the vessel. The major components of the VDR system include a collection unit that is located on the bridge, a dedicated power source and an here are the findings interface unit, as well as backup batteries. The unit gathers data from all integrated sources, including microphones to record bridge audio and transmits it to the Concentrator. Here, a series of NMEA 0183 sentences are processed and encoded for transmission to the final recorded medium.