VDR (Voyage Data Recorder) is the maritime equivalent of the black box airlines use. The system is typically two-parts, consisting a data-collection unit as well as a deck-mounted protection pod that is designed to resist shock as well as fire, deep-sea pressing and penetration. It is commonly used for recording navigation incidents, but it also provides valuable information for analysis of heavy weather damage and performance monitoring as well as crew training.
Up-grading
Many ships fitted with VDR/SVDR technology meet the bare minimum regulatory requirements However, members are encouraged to think about using the equipment to investigate incidents, preventive maintenance and bridge team training, as and for recording near misses. In addition, there are applications that can extend the period of time for which VDR data is available beyond the current minimum of 12 hours and a decision must be made as to whether or not to upgrade to this.
The system is constructed around an industrial computer that is able to perform several functions, including processing and encoding the information gathered by http://www.digitaldealdataroom.info/how-to-get-started-with-your-new-ideals-vdr-system/ the sensors. It then stores the data in a capsule that is designed to survive an accident and provide evidence of what transpired on the ship. The VDR system consists of an instrument for data collection that is situated on the bridge as well as a dedicated power supply as well as an interface unit and backup batteries. The unit collects all information from integrated sources including microphones used to record bridge audio, and then sends it to a Concentrator, where a set of NMEA 0183 sentence is processed and encoded before being sent to the final recording media.