VDR is the equivalent of a black box in an aircraft. It captures the details of an incident at sea, including the date and time of an accident, the location of the ship at the time of the accident and its speed, location, course and more. The data recorded is a valuable resource in identifying potential safety hazards and improving operations.
According to IMO regulations the standard VDR is required to store an array of information. These include the date and time that is referred to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) vessels’ position (latitude longitude, longitude, coordinate reference), speed and http://www.digitaldealdataroom.info heading, bridge audio (acquisition of voice messages recorded by a microphone or two placed on the bridge for recording conversations and audible alarms) and VHF radio communications (VHF) and radar data (a faithful representation of the display that was on view at the time of recording) as well as rudder order and response engine order and response, watertight doors and their status, as well as accelerations and hull stress.
The system comprises an encoder that encodes and processes the data stream sensors that provide input to the concentrator and the final recording medium (FRM) designed to survive disasters and enable the recovery of voyage data. The FRM can be fixed to the vessel or a floating unit linked to EPIRB for early location in the event of an accident.
The best way to be sure that a vdr operates correctly is to incorporate its use in all bridge crew training exercises and drills. The saved data can be used to identify areas that require training, and to enhance bridge procedures and operational security.
