IMO Regulations
International Standard IMO A.163(78):
The IMO resolution A.163(78) requires a (S)VDR, which may be a simplified voyage data recorder (S-VDR), to be fitted to cargo ships above 3,000 gross tonnage.
Phasing in the requirement to carry a (S)VDR for cargo ships over 20,000 gross tonnage starts at the first docking date after July 1st, 2006, however to be fitted by July 1st, 2009 latest.
Cargo ships above 3,000 gross tonnage need to be fitted with a (S)VDR at the first docking date after July 1st. 2007, however should all be fitted out by July 2010.
All of NetWave’s VDR’s are designed with this retrofit market in mind, focussing primarily on cost-effectiveness due to ease of installation, as well as the availability of a full range of plug & play standard-interfaces, eliminating the need to use third party add-on products with associated complexity and risks.
VDR and S-VDR
The difference between a VDR and a Simplified-VDR mainly relates to the number of recording channels and their characteristics. Both systems require Radar video, Bridge microphones as well as VHF audio, in conjunction with position data, heading and course information, to be recorded for a minimum of 12 consecutive hours.
For a ‘full fledged’ VDR system, the additional compulsory channels to be recorded are expanded to other shipboard systems like echo sounders, propulsion and steering gear, watertight doors, fire– and smoke detection, etc.
NetWave’s (S)VDR’s are designed in a scalable manner in order for both VDR and S-VDR systems to be built from the same components, without the need for 3rd party products, and all in compliance with IMO regulations.
For new buildings, a VDR is required
Mandatory Data to be Recorded
| S-VDR compulsory | ||
| Data to be recorded | Sensor / IMO MSC.163(78) | Interface |
| Date and Time | GPS receiver, IMO 5.4.1 | NMEA /IEC61162 |
| Position and Datum used | GPS receiver, IMO 5.4.2 | NMEA /IEC61162 |
| Speed | Speed Log or GPS receiver, IMO 5.4.3 | NMEA /analog |
| Heading | Gyro Compass, IMO 5.4.4 | NMEA /Stepper, Synchro, Analog |
| Bridge Audio | Bridge Microphones, IMO 5.4.5 | Standard |
| Communications Audio | VHF Radio | Standard |
| Radar | Radar, IMO 5.4.7, but if no RGB output available to obtain radar image, AIS as alternative | RGB HV/DVI/Composite |
| AIS Information | AIS , only if radar image is not available | NMEA /IEC61162 |
| S-VDR (if NMEA available) | ||
| Data to be recorded | Sensor and IMO MSC.163(78) | Interface |
| Depth | Echo Sounder, IMO 5.4.9 | if NMEA available |
| Main Alarms | Alarm System, IMO 5.4.9 | if NMEA available |
| Rudder order and response | Autopilot, IMO 5.4.9 | if NMEA available |
| Engine order and response | Engine Control System, IMO 5.4.9 | if NMEA available |
| Hull openings status | Monitoring System, IMO 5.4.9 | if NMEA available |
| Watertight and Fire door status | Monitoring System, IMO 5.4.9 | if NMEA available |
| Acceleration and Hull stress | Monitoring System, IMO 5.4.9 | if NMEA available |
| Wind Speed and Direction | Anemometer, IMO 5.4.9 | if NMEA available |
| Differences between S-VDR (retrofit) and VDR (new buildings) | ||
| ITEM | S-VDR | VDR |
| Target | Existing cargo ships 3000GT and upwards (International navigation) | All the passenger ships and newly built cargo ships of 3,000 GT and upwards (International navigation) |
| Capsule | Fixed type or Float free type selectable | Fixed type |
| Mandatory record data | Date and time, Position, Datum, Speed, Heading, Bridge audio, VHF audio | Date and time, Position, Datum, Speed, Heading, Bridge audio, VHF audio, Depth, Main alarm, Rudder, Engine, Hull, Door, Radar |
| If IEC 61162 interface is available | Depth, Main alarm, Rudder, Engine, Hull, Door, Hull stress, Wind | Hull stress(if fitted), Wind(if fitted) |
| Radar image | Where there is commercial off-the-shelf interface available | Mandatory |
| AIS | If radar image is not available | Not required (recommended) |