5.1 General
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Maritime Safety Committee - Resolution MSC.163(78) - Performance Standards for Shipborne Simplified Voyage Data Recorders (S-VDRs) - (adopted on 17 May 2004) - Annex - Recommendation on Performance Standards for Shipborne Simplified Voyage Data Recorders (S-VDRs) - 5 Operational Requirements - 5.1 General

5.1 General

  5.1.1 The S-VDR should continuously maintain sequential records of preselected data items relating to the status and output of the ship’s equipment, and command and control of the ship, referred to in 5.4.

  5.1.2 To permit subsequent analysis of factors surrounding an incident, the method of recording should ensure that the various data items can be co-related in date and time during playback on suitable equipment.

  5.1.3 Final recording medium

  • 5.1.3.1 The final recording medium should be installed in a protective capsule of either a fixed or float-free type, which should meet all of the following requirements:

    • .1 be capable of being accessed following an incident but secure against tampering;

    • .2 maintain the recorded data for a period of at least 2 years following termination of recording;

    • .3 be of a highly visible colour and marked with retro-reflective materials; and

    • .4 be fitted with an appropriate device to aid location.

  • 5.1.3.2 The fixed type protective capsule should comply with the requirements set out in resolution A.861(20) with the exception of the resulting requirements for withstanding penetration.

  • 5.1.3.3 The float-free type protective capsule should:

    • .1 be fitted with means to facilitate grappling and recovery;

    • .2 be so constructed as to comply with the requirements specified in resolution MSC.471(101) and to minimize risk of damage during recovery operations; and

    • .3 the device should be capable of transmitting an initial satellite distress alerting signal and further locating and homing signals over a period of not less than seven days/168 hours.

  5.1.4 The design and construction, which should be in accordance with the requirements of resolution A.694(17) and international standards acceptable to the Organizationfootnote, should take special account of the requirements for data security and continuity of operation as detailed in 5.2 and 5.3.


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