Voyage Data Recorder or VDR

Purpose of VDR, Modules of VDR and Working

 

       Purpose of Voyage data recorder is to record and store ship’s important parameters to facilitate reconstruction of the incident for the aim of investigation and analysis. Stored data can be used in following: -

• Accident Investigation

• Response Assessment

• Training Support

• Reduce Insurance Value

• Promotion of best practices

        A VDR should be capable of recording the subsequent information and maintain a sequential record of the data for a minimum of past twelve hours

• Date and Time

• Ship’s Position

• Heading of the Ship

• Speed

• Bridge Audio

• Radar and ARPA data

• VHF Communication

• Depth of Sea from Echo Sounder

• Rudder Order and Response

• RPM

• Hull Opening Status

• Water tight and Fire doors status

• Hull Stresses

• Wind Speed and Direction

• Bow Thruster Order and Response    

Modules of VDR

         Generally, VDR may consist of four modules and additionally a replay facility may also be available

• Data Management Unit

• Audio Module

• Recording Unit

• Remote Alarm Module

• Replay Station (optional)

Data Management Unit – The Job of this unit will be acquired and process all data so that it can be stored in specific format. Data from various sources would be saved to this unit.

Audio Module – This module is consisted of an audio mixer unit for recording the bridge audio collected from various microphones placed in Bridge wings, wheelhouse, ECR and other required Critical places. Audio signals from VHF Communication will also be interfaced in Unit.

Final Recorder Unit – This is a crash survival pressure tight, fire and penetration resistant storage medium to store the required data. This will be in the form of capsule resistant to shock, fire, immersion and deep-sea pressure. The ideal location of this capsule is monkey island.

Remote Alarm Module – This will consist of a small panel connected to data management unit and will generate audible and visible alarm to indicate any error in the equipment.

Replay Station - This is an voluntary module used to download and replay the recorded data. The software designed to visualize the information graphically and numerically so that it can be displayed as required.

 

Working of VDR: -

• There are Several sensors placed on the Ship’s Bridge & on prominent location from which the required data is continuously collected.

• This data which comprises of voice, various parameters, ship’s location etc. and then fed to the storage unit where the whole input is recorded and saved for a minimum of twelve hours.

• The data collected by VDR is Digitalized, compressed and 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 easily location with in the event of accident.