VDR (Voyage Data Recorder) is the maritime equivalent of the black box that airlines use. The system is typically two-part and consists of an data collection unit that http://www.digitaldealdataroom.info/how-to-get-started-with-your-new-ideals-vdr-system is attached to a protective capsule mounted on deck designed to withstand fire, deep sea pressure shock, and penetration. It is used to document navigational incidents, but it can also provide valuable data for heavy-weather damage analysis monitoring performance and crew training.
Up-grading
Many ships fitted with VDR/SVDR equipment comply with the bare minimum regulatory requirements However, the crew is encouraged to think about using the equipment for incident investigation, preventive maintenance and bridge team training, as well as for recording near misses. In addition, there are software options that could significantly extend the period of time for which VDR information is available, starting from the current minimum of 12 hours and a choice should be taken on whether or not to upgrade to this.
The system is built around an industrial computer that performs various functions, including processing and encoding the data received from the sensors. It then stores the data inside a capsule designed to survive an accident and provide proof of what occurred onboard the vessel. The major components of the VDR system include a data collection unit, which is situated on the bridge, a dedicated power source, an interface unit and batteries for backup. The unit gathers all data from integrated sources including microphones to record bridge audio and transmits it to a Concentrator, which is where a string of NMEA 0183 sentence is processed and encoded before being sent to the final recording media.