Voyage Data Recorder

The Voyage Data Recorder ( VDR) collects data from sensors on board of ships. These are digitized, compressed and stored on a disk in an externally installed salvageable protective capsule. The protective capsule is a certified and licensed component that resists the extreme conditions against shock, impact, pressure and heat, which may result in a shipwreck.

The protective capsule can be recovered after a shipwreck and the stored data are retrieved by authorities or shipping companies, for the examination of the causes. In Germany, the devices are certified by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency ( BSH).

Cargo vessels greater than 3,000 gross tonnage and ro-ro ferries that were built after 1 July 2002 must { A.861 (20 ) IMO Resolution } be fitted with a voyage data recorder system according to provisions of the International Maritime Organization.

Data

The Voyage Data Recorder stores depending on availability the following data ::

  • Date and Time
  • Recording voice-overs and radio calls from the bridge
  • Data of navigation devices: for example, images of the radar, ship's position and velocity, course
  • Commands to the helm, marine turbine and drive, and their answers
  • Wind speed and direction ( anemometer and wind direction sensor )
  • Status of watertight bulkheads and fire doors
  • Data from the sonar
  • Status of ship flap
  • ( triggered ) Main alarms in accordance with IMO
  • Status of main machine and rowing machine
  • Accelerometer ( if available)

VDR systems are divided into SVDR (Simplified VDR) and VDR. The SVDR to all available data which is defined by the NMEA standard and are present on the bridge connected. Devices without this output need not be connected (except speed log and gyro). Normally SVDR in NMEA format: GPS, speed log, anemometer, compass, depth sounder, AIS. However, RADAR, VHF and on the bridge to install microphones to be connected.

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