The Simplified Voyage Data Recorder (S-VDR) compliant with the requirements of IMO performance standard MSC.163(78) is a more cost-effective simplified version of the VDR for small vessels, which records only basic ship data. The blog now returns to the SOLAS V series of articles, with a topic that aligns well with the previous post on AMAI`s accident reporting requirements. With the new requirements for VDRs, we recommend that you have a compliant VDR before this date. The new requirements for a protected storage capsule and a capsule without a float will increase the cost of an upgrade after July 1, 2014. […] Systems and equipment necessary to meet the requirements of Articles 19 and 20 shall be approved by the Administration and systems and equipment installed from […] Also, those after 01. July 2014 VDRs meet the following requirements: RADAR – Registration of the main displays of both maritime radars in accordance with SOLAS regulations. AIS- All AIS data must be recorded. The ECDIS display was used as the main means of navigation at that time. Rolling motion – The VDR must be connected to an electronic inclinometer if installed Configuration data: In addition to the data elements, when the VDR is commissioned, a data block defining the configuration of the VDR and the sensors to which it is connected must be written to the final recording medium. Electronic logbook: If a ship is equipped with an electronic logbook in accordance with the organisation`s standards, the information shall be recorded. As with all navigation devices, controls and maintenance are important for the proper functioning of electronic systems. Only qualified personnel should work in the equipment. During routine checks, inspect cables for signs of damage and also check that all connections are rigid.
The battery must be replaced every four years, the backup battery must be replaced with a new one by a qualified service technician. SOLAS chapter V, regulation 18.8, sets out maintenance requirements. A certificate attesting that the results of these tests have been satisfactory shall be kept on board. The capsule mentioned above is a very robust unit capable of withstanding the shocks and pressures associated with a shipwreck (collision, grounding, bad weather, etc.). It can be a flawless device as in the HRU or connected to the EPIRB for simultaneous release. – a data logging unit (DRU) (installed on Monkey Island, which stores all the data recorded by the device in the wheelhouse) and microphones for audio recording of the bridge. The DCU contains the data processing unit, interface modules, and battery backups. It collects data from sensors in accordance with IMO and IEC standards.
The batteries power the DCU to record bridge audio for 2 hours in the event of a power failure of the main ship. The flash memory in the DRU stores data from the DCU. Data can be retrieved using playback software to investigate after an incident. The DRU components are incorporated into the protective capsule. The capsule ensures the survival and recovery of recorded data after an incident. The performance standards for RDVs were adopted in 1997 and contain details on the data to be recorded and the specifications of the RDVs. They stipulate that the VDR should maintain continuous sequential records of pre-selected data elements relating to the condition and exit of maritime equipment, as well as to the command and control of the ship. The VDR must be installed in a brightly coloured protective capsule and equipped with an appropriate device to facilitate location. It should work fully automatically in normal operation. A simplified travel data logger that meets the same requirements of a VDR, but with fewer inputs. They can be transported by freighters of 3,000 gross tonnage or more instead of a VDR built after July 2002.
@Yashwardhan: The sole purpose of the S-VDR capsule is to store ship data relevant to the incident prior to the capsule`s deployment. The EPIRB function of the S-VDR capsule is only required to mark the location of the capsule released for subsequent collection by the competent authorities. What type of classification approval or certification is required? All S-VDR equipment complying with IMO requirements must be approved. Kelvin Hughes is the first to receive type approval for its MantaDigital™ S-VDR from QinetiQ, the UK government-designated test organisation. Other manufacturers track and submit equipment for testing to QinetiQ and other testing organizations, including German testing company BSH. Each classification society may confirm the type-approved equipment by reference to the results obtained by the testing organisation. Data collected or extracted from all integrated sources, as mentioned above, is stored in the storage capsule and contains information for the previous 12 hours (or 48 hours) and is continuously updated during the journey. Administrations may exempt cargo ships from the requirements of paragraphs 1 and 2 if such ships are definitively withdrawn from service within two years of the date of implementation referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2. This beacon can be seen in the capsule on Monkey Island and is equipped as a guidance device to locate the capsule after an accident. It attaches to a support on the capsule. Triggered by immersion in water, they emit ultrasonic pulses, which can be detected by airborne or on-board units.
Should I use a “solid” or “floatless” data storage capsule? There is currently no solution without an approved float and there are different opinions on the easiest solution to recover. There are signs that both options are equally expensive. The flash memory in the DRU stores data from the DCU. Data can be retrieved using playback software to investigate after an incident. The DRU components are incorporated into the protective capsule. The capsule ensures the survival and recovery of recorded data after an incident. As the EPIRB performance standard is designated in the VDR performance standard as requirements for floatless capsules, amendments to the VDR performance standard, IMO resolution MSC494(104), were adopted on 7 October 2021. In the event of abandonment of a ship during an emergency, masters should be instructed to restore the memory, move it to a safe place and retain it until it can be handed over to the inspector. In the event of a catastrophic accident in which a ship has sunk and the data has not been recovered prior to abandonment, the flag State, in consultation with all other States of considerable interest, shall take a decision on the possibility of saving the protective capsule for the possible use of the information. If it is decided to restore the capsule, the investigator should be responsible for its recovery.
The possibility that the capsule has been damaged must be taken into account, and expertise is needed to ensure the best chance of recovery and preservation of evidence. In addition, the support and cooperation of owners, insurers and manufacturers of the VDR and protective capsule may be required. VDR Custody/Data In all cases, during the course of an investigation, the investigator should retain the original VDR data, possibly in the form of all or part of the VDR itself, just as he or she has other records or evidence under the Marine Casualty and Incident Investigation Code. Ownership of the VDR/Data The shipowner is the owner of the VDR and its data at all times and at all times. VDR/data reading In all circumstances, the responsibility for downloading and reading data from the retrieved repository in any form should be assumed primarily by the auditor, who should keep the shipowner fully informed. In addition, especially in the event of a catastrophic accident whose memory has been damaged, the support of expertise may be necessary to ensure the best chance of success. Access to data Although the investigator shall keep the original VDR register in any form for the duration of the investigation, a copy of the data must in all circumstances be made available to the shipowner. Further access to data is governed by the applicable national legislation of the shallow State, the coastal State and the lead State, as well as the guidelines of the Code for the Investigation of Marine Casualties and Incidents. Does the supplier understand the link to the marine bridge equipment? What additional options are available/provided? Does the supplier have an established customer base? Does the supplier have a list of references? Will the provider be there in the future to support the system? Does the equipment provide all the necessary facilities? The SVDR is nothing more than a simplified VDR that records information that is absolutely necessary and does not record as much information as the VDR. Of course, it is cheaper and more used on board merchant ships. The concept of SVDR can be better understood by comparing the following data with those of EVR.
The mandatory information that must be recorded in an SVDR is marked next to the category above. The last two radar and ECDIS interfaces can only be registered if standard interfaces are available. IMO defines the voyage data recorder as a complete system, including all the elements necessary to connect to the input signal sources, their processing and encoding, the final recording medium, the playback device, the power supply and the dedicated backup power source. TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS The following vessels must be equipped with a VDR: • All passenger vessels and ro-ro ferries • Vessels of 3 000 GT or more built on or after 1 July 2002.