The VDR (Voyage Data Recorder), is the maritime equivalent to the black box utilized by airlines. The system is usually two-parts comprising a data collection device and a deck-mounted protective pod that is designed to withstand shock as well as fire, deep-sea pressing and penetration. It is commonly used for recording navigation incidents, but it can also provide valuable data for analysis of heavy weather damage and performance monitoring as well as training for crew members.
Up-grading
Many ships with VDR/SVDR comply with the minimum regulatory requirements. However, members are encouraged to use the equipment to document near accidents, conduct incident investigations and to conduct preventative maintenance. In addition, there are applications that can increase the amount of time that VDR data is available from the current 12 hour minimum and a decision should be made on whether or not to upgrade to this.
The system is built around an industrial-grade processor that performs many functions, such as processing and encoding data from sensors. It then stores the data in a capsule that is designed to survive an accident and provide evidence of what took place on the ship. The primary components of the VDR system include a collection unit, which is situated on the bridge, a separate power source and an interface unit, as well as backup batteries. The unit collects all information from integrated sources such as microphones to http://www.digitaldealdataroom.info/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-data-audit/ record bridge audio and sends it to a Concentrator where a sequence of NMEA 0183 sentence is read and encoded before being sent to the final recording media.