1 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its seventy-third session (27
November to 6 December 2000), approved the revision of SOLAS regulation V/20 which
included the requirement for voyage data recorder (VDR) systems to be the subject of
an annual performance test and, at its seventy-ninth session (1 to 10 December
2004), adopted amendments to regulation V/20 to include the requirement for VDRs
which may be simplified voyage data recorders (S-VDR), to be fitted on existing
cargo ships on a phased-in carriage requirement. Such VDRs were also to be the
subject of an annual performance test.
2 At its eighty-second session (29 November to 8 December 2006), the
Committee approved Guidelines on annual testing of Voyage Data Recorders (VDR)
and simplified Voyage Data Recorders (S-VDR) (MSC.1/Circ.1222).
3 At its 101st session (5 to 14 June 2019), the Committee approved
amendments to the Guidelines on annual testing of Voyage Data Recorders (VDR) and
simplified Voyage Data Recorders (S-VDR), prepared by the Sub-Committee on
Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue, at its sixth session (16 to 25
January 2019). The revised guidelines are set out in the annex.
4 The purpose of an annual performance test is to determine that a
VDR/S-VDR is operational as defined in the manufacturer's specification. In
addition, because of the "black box" nature of this equipment, there is a need to
have a document which clearly lists all the interfaces which have been checked to
confirm compliance with the appropriate International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC) test standards. This transparency is essential for surveyors or inspectors of
flag Administrations port States or recognized organizations.
5 To assist in achieving this aim, it is recommended that all VDR and
S-VDR be subject to a standard method of testing as detailed in the annexed revised
Guidelines.
6 Member States are invited to bring these Guidelines to the attention of
shipping companies, shipowners, ship operators, equipment manufacturers, recognized
organizations, shipmasters and all parties concerned.
7 This circular supersedes MSC.1/Circ.1222. Any reference to
MSC.1/Circ.1222 should henceforth be read as reference to this circular.