VDR

The Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) is the maritime equivalent of an aircraft black box, capturing bridge audio, radar, position, heading, speed, and other data to support casualty investigation. SOLAS V/20 requires it: passenger ships and ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and above built on or after 1 July 2002 carry a VDR, and cargo ships of 3,000 GT and above built before that date carry a simplified VDR (S-VDR). The unit holds at least 12 hours of data and feeds a float-free or fixed protected capsule. Performance standards are set in resolution MSC.333(90). Annual performance testing and the report are checked at survey.