The VDR (Voyage Data Recorder) is the maritime version of the black box that is used by airlines. The system typically consists of two components comprised of a data-collection unit as well as a deck-mounted protection pod designed to withstand shock and fire, deep-sea pressure, and penetration. It is typically used to record incidents during navigation, but can also provide useful data to analyze the effects of heavy weather and monitoring performance as well as crew training.
Up-grading
Many ships equipped with VDR/SVDR satisfy the minimum regulatory requirements. However, Members are encouraged to use the equipment to record near misses, conduct investigation into incidents, and for preventative maintenance. There are also programs that can extend the time duration for which VDR information is available beyond the current minimum of 12 hours. A decision must be taken about whether to upgrade the equipment.
The system is built around an industrial grade computer that performs various functions, including processing and encoding data received from the sensors. The capsule is designed to withstand any disaster and keep the data. The VDR system is look at here now made up of an instrument for data collection that is situated on the bridge as also a dedicated power supply and interface unit, and backup batteries. The unit gathers data from all integrated sources including microphones for recording bridge audio and transmits it to the Concentrator where the resulting NMEA 0183 sentences are interpreted and encoded prior to being transmitted to the final recorded medium.