Ocean Systems Knowledge Base 

 

  Summary of IMO Regulations on VDR and AIS

 

What is VDR

Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) is a Shipboard “Black Box” recording system
  • Records navigation, rudder, engine and alarm data
  • Records Bridge conversation, VHF radio communication
  • Records radar video images
  • Retains minimum of 12 hours of recording in a Protected Data Capsule (PDC)
  • Protected Data Capsule is fixed on the ship and will survive 6K meters deep sea immersion and 1100 deg C high temperature fire for one hour
  • Same criteria applies for float-free version

Mandatory Carriage Requirements

                  IMO New   IMO Exit     EU

 

Passenger:  July 02        Jan 04     Feb 03

RO RO:      July 02       July 02     Feb 03

High Spd:   July 02       July 02     Feb 03

Others:       July 02        TBD*       TBD

 

*  Note that discussions on a "Simplified VDR" for exiting vessels are held at IMO level for possible mandatory carriage in 2005 or later. 

What is AIS

 

Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a Shipboard broadcast transponder system•

  • •Operates in the VHF maritime band

  • •Automatically sends ship information such as identification, position, heading, length, beam, type, draught, and other safety-related information, to other ships as well as to shore based stations

  • •Short navigation safety messages to be transmitted either to a specific ship or to all ships in the area

  • •The effective range will depend on antenna heights similar to VHF communications and radar horizons.  In most cases, at least a twenty-mile range can be expected

Mandatory Carriage Requirements

 

                                IMO        US Security

 

New (>300 tons):  As Build    As Build

Int. Tanker/            July 03-        July 03

Passenger:              Dec 04 

Others (Int) :           July 02        Dec 04

Others (Dom) :       July 04-08   Dec 04