DET NORSKE VERITAS

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MTPNO379 - Nautical Safety and Communication Systems

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MTPNO379/HRAM/NAUTIKK-J-76-3

2002-08-05

DET NORSKE V ERITAS AS

Maritime Technology and
Production Centre
Systems & Components
Veritasveien 1
1322 Hvik
Norway
Tel: +47 67 57 99 00
Fax: +47 67 57 99 11
http://www.dnv.com
Org. No: NO 945 748 931 MVA

Installation of Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) - DNV Interpretations - Revision 3

The intention of this document is to give DNV Surveyors, Owners, Yards and VDR manufacturer
guidelines for installation of VDR onboard DNV classed vessels.

1 DNV involvement
For vessels where DNV issue the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate or the Passenger Ship
Safety Certificate the VDR installation will be scope for DNV approval and survey. DNV may accept
exceptions from these guidelines on a case by case basis.
DNV will require the documentation given in 4.1 for plan approval and perform an onboard survey to
verify compliance with the requirements. DNV may also offer an extended service for customers if
requested, see 4.2.
For other vessels DNV may accept the Flag States approval of the installation and if so, DNV will only
require documents for our files.

2 Carriage requirement
The carriage requirement is given in SOLAS Amendments 2000, Regulation 20 and VDR is to be
fitted on all ships engaged on international voyages as follows:
1: Passenger ships constructed* on or after 1 July 2002.
2: Ro-Ro passenger ships constructed before 1 July 2002, not later than the first survey** on or after 1
July 2002.
3: Passenger ships, other than ro-ro passenger ships, constructed before 1 July 2002, not later than 1
January 2004.
4: Ships, other than passenger ships, of 3000 gross tonnage and upwards constructed on or after 1 July
2002.
*Constructed in respect of a ship means a stage of construction where:
the keel is laid; or construction identifiable with a specific ship begins; or assembly of the ship has
commenced comprising at least 50 tonnes or 1% of the estimated mass of all structural material
whichever is less. Ref. SOLAS Ch. V Reg. 2.
**Interpretation of first survey:
The term "first survey" relates to the first initial or renewal survey for the issue of the Passenger Ship
Head Office: Veritasveien 1, 1322 Hvik, Norway
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Safety Certificate. SOLAS Regulations I/7 and I/8,and IMO Resolution A.746(18) indicate that an
Initial Survey includes all the survey work necessary to issue a certificate before the ship is put in
service. Therefore, a ship the keel of which is laid before 1 July 2002, but is put in service and issued a
valid passenger safety certificate on/after 1 July needs to comply with the regulations referenced above
when it is put into service. Conversely, a ship which is put in service and issued certificates before 1
July 2002 has until the date of the first annual or the first renewal survey for passenger safety,
whichever occurs first after 1 July 2002, to comply. Ref. IACS SC171.

3 Type approval
The VDR should be type approved and installed according to IMO performance standard for VDR
(Resolution A.861 (20)) and IEC 61996.
Electronic units for interfacing between the input sensors and the VDR shall be tested and type
approved to show compliance with IMO Resolution 694(17) and IEC 60945.

4 Document requirements
DNV will require the documentation given in 4.1 for plan approval. DNV may also offer an extended
service for customers if requested, see 4.2.

4.1 Normal approval

Following documents should be submitted for approval:
Type approval certificate for the VDR issued by an recognised authority

4.2 Extended DNV involvement

Following drawings/ documents may be submitted for approval in beforehand for the VDR installation
if the customer want a pre-approval before the final installation survey onboard:
Cable plan/ block diagram identifying all input equipment and what information they send to the
VDR
The interface between all equipment and the VDR, e.g. method, protocol, format, checks, data rate.
Location of the different VDR components (e.g. main unit, microphones, protective capsule and
alarm unit)
Information about power supply to the VDR
Type approval certificate for the VDR issued by an recognised authority
Such pre-approval will be individual invoiced.

5 Location of VDR components

All the VDR components should be installed according to VDR manufactures installation guidelines.

5.1 Protective Capsule

The protective capsule should be located in open deck area close to the wheelhouse and preferably
close to the centreline. Considerations should be made to ensure both the accessibility for maintenance
and the accessibility for an ROV in case of underwater removal after an accident. In case of float-free
capsule the location should optimise the likelihood for the capsule too float-free.

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5.2 Microphones
Microphones should be so positioned on the bridge that conversation at or near the conning position,
radar display(s), chart tables, etc., are adequately recorded. As far as practicable, the positioning of
microphones should also capture intercom, public address systems and audible alarms on the bridge.
"Etc." includes workstations where the ship is normally navigated. Such workstations might be
workstation for navigating and manoeuvring, Workstation for monitoring, Workstation for manual
steering (Helmsman's workstation) and Workstation for docking (bridge wing) as defined in
MSC/Circ.982.
For ships seeking compliance with DNV Rules for Nautical Safety, Pt. 6 Ch. 8, (Class notations NAUTAW or NAUT-OC) Etc. will include following workstations:
workstation for navigation
workstation for traffic surveillance and manoeuvring
workstations for manual steering
workstation for safety operations
workstations for docking operations
workstations for conning

5.3 Alarm unit

The VDR alarm unit (buzzer and indicator) should be located in the Navigation Bridge.

5.4 Other components

All other VDR components can be located as found appropriate.

6 Power supply
The VDR shall be connected to the ships emergency source of power.

7 Sensor input
Loss of one sensor shall not cause loss of other data items not depending of the particular sensor. (E.g.
failure of the radar shall not cause loss of other data items than the radar picture)

7.1 Date and time

From a source external to the ship (can be an Electronic position fixing system -EPFS) or from ship
clock. Date and time shall be referenced to UTC.

7.2 Ship's position

From a global navigation satellite system receiver or alternatively, a terrestrial radionavigation system.

7.3 Speed
Speed through water or speed over ground, including an indication which it is, derived from the speed
and distance measuring equipment (speed log). Updating frequency better than 1 Hz.

7.4 Heading
From the main heading source in use. This will normally be the gyrocompass. Updating frequency
better than 1 Hz.

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7.5 Bridge audio

See 5.2

7.6 Communication audio

From the VHF installed nearest to the conning position (see SOLAS Ch. V Reg. 22) or alternatively,
nearest the main radar display.

7.7 Radar data

The radar picture from the main radar (normally X-band at main conning position). Updating period
less than every 15 second.

7.8 Echo sounder

Depth below the keel. The depth scale currently being displayed and other status information shall be
recovered where available. Updating frequency better than 1 Hz.

7.9 Main alarms

From system supplying IMO mandatory alarms on the bridge. Following lists are intended as
guidance for which alarms to be recorded by the VDR
7.9.1 Navigation equipment alarms
All required alarms from installed navigational equipment shall be recorded.
7.9.2 SOLAS II-1
Reference
Alarm

Comments

29.5.2

Steering gear unit power failure

29.8.4

Steering control system power failure

29.12.2

Low steering gear hydraulic fluid level

30.3

Steering gear overload/no volts/ power supply phase

failure

31.2.7
49.5

Propulsion machinery remote control failure

31.2.9
49.7

Low propulsion starting air pressure

52

Automatic shutdown of propulsion machinery

E0

51.1.3

Fault requiring action by, or attention of, the officer

on watch (machinery alarms, including SOLAS II-1
Regs. 53.4.2 and 53.4.3)

E0

51.2.2

Alarm system normal power supply failure

E0

15.6.4/15.8.2/16.2

Power-operated watertight doors indication

Passenger vessels

15.7.3.1

Watertight door low hydraulic fluid level

Passenger vessels

15.7.3.2

Watertight door low gas pressure, loss of stored

energy

Passenger vessels

3 separate alarms

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15.7.8

Watertight door electrical power loss

Passenger vessels

20-2.1/2

Watertight integrity from the ro-ro deck to spaces

below.

Ro-Ro passenger ship

21.1.6.2

High water alarm

23-1.2

Watertight door position

Cargo ships

23-2.1

Shell door position indicator

Ro-Ro passenger ship

23-2.2

Water leakage detection indication

Ro-Ro passenger ship

52.2.2

Alarm system normal power supply failure

7.9.3 SOLAS II-2 (Consolidated Edition 1997)

This section is only applicable for ships built before 1st of July 2002.
Reference

Alarm

Comments

5.3.3.2

Halon system electric circuit fault or power loss

If located on the
bridge

5.3.3.3

Halon system hydraulic or pneumatic pressure loss

If located on the
bridge

5.3.4.3

Local automatic Halon release

If located on the
bridge

5.3.4.8

Loss of Halon container pressure

Halon 1301 stored

in protected
machinery space

11.8
14.2

Fire detection in automated or remotely controlled

machinery space

12.1.2

Automatic sprinkler in operation or in case of failure

of the system

13.1.2

Fire detection system fault

13.1.2

Fire detection & alarm system power loss or fault

conditions

13.1.4

Fire detection and fire alarm operation

13-1.1.3/6

Sample extractions smoke detection system loss of

power or smoke detection.

14.2

Fire alarm in machinery space

E0

30.4.3

Fire door indication

Passenger ships

37.1.2.3

Special category space fire door indication

Passenger ships

37.1.6.3

Reduction/ loss of ventilation capacity

Applicable to cargo
spaces intending
for the carriage of
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motor vehicles.
38.3.3

Reduction/ loss of ventilation capacity

Passenger ships
Ships carrying
motor vehicles

40.4

Crew fire alarm

Passenger ships

62.19.6

Inert gas system

Tankers
If located on the
bridge

63.1

Gas detection in pump room

Tankers
If located on the
bridge

7.9.4 SOLAS II-2 (2000 Amendments)

This section is only applicable for ships constructed on or after 1 July 2002.
Reference

Alarm

Comments

4.5.10.3

Protection of cargo pump-rooms

Tankers

Hydrocarbon gas alarm

7.4.2

Fire detection in automated or remotely controlled

machinery space.

7.9.4

Crew fire alarm

Passenger vessels

9.6.4.1.1.4.6

Fire door indication

Passenger vessels

9.6.4

Special category space fire door indication

Passenger vessel

20.3.1.3

Reduction/loss of ventilating capacity

7.9.5 RESOLUTION MSC.98(73)

Adoption of the international code for fire safety systems. The FSS Code take effect on 1 July 2002
upon the entry into force of the revised chapter II-2 of the convention.
Reference

Alarm

MSC.98(73)
8.2.5.2.1

Automatic sprinkler in operation or fault condition.

MSC.98(73)

Fire detection and fire alarm operation

Comments

9.2.5.1.1
MSC.98(73)

Fire detection and alarm system power loss or

9.2.5.1.5

fault conditions.
Sample extractions smoke detection system loss of
power or smoke detection.

MSC.98(73)
10.2.4.1.3/-4
MCS.98(73)

Inert gas systems

Tankers
If located on the
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bridge

15.2.4.3
7.9.6 IMO Resolutions
Reference
Alarm
Resolution
A.481(XII)

Personnel alarm (dead man alarm, engine)

7.9.7 Gas or Chemical Codes as follows:

Following alarms according to Gas or Chemical Codes shall be recorded if the alarms are located on
the bridge:
Reference
Alarm conditions
Comment
IBC 15.2.4
High and low temperature of cargo and high
(Ammonium
BCH 4.19.4
temperature of heat solution exchanging medium
nitrate solution)
IBC 15.5.6
High temperature in tanks
(Hydrogen
BCH 4.20.6
peroxidesolution
over 60% but not
over 70%)
IBC 15.5.7
Oxygen concentration in void spaces
(Hydrogen
BCH 4.20.7
peroxide solution
over 60% but not
over 70%)
IGC 13.4.1
High and low pressure in cargo tank
GC 13.4.1
IGC 13.6.4, 17.9
Gas detection equipment
GC 13.6.4, 17.11
IGC 13.5.2,
Hull or insulation temperature
GC 13.5.2
IGC 17.18.4.4
Cargo high pressure, or high temperature at discharge (Methyl acetyleneGC 17.12.2(d)(iv) of compressors
propadiene
mixtures)
IGC 17.14.4.3
Gas detecting system monitoring chlorine
GC 17.12.5(d)(iii) concentration
IGC 17.14.4.4
High pressure in chlorine cargo tank
GC 17.12.5(d)(iv)
IBC 15.5.18,
High temperature in tanks
BCH 4.20.19
IBC 15.5.19, BCH Oxygen concentration in void spaces
4.20.20
IBC 15.10.2,
Failure of mechanical ventilation of cargo tanks
BCH 4.3.1(b)
IBC 19.8.4
Low pressure in inerted cargo tanks
IGC 5.2.1.7,
Liquid cargo in the ventilation system
GC 5.2.5(b)
IGC 8.4.2.1,
Vacuum protection of cargo tanks
GC 8.4.2(a)
IGC 9.5.2,
Inert gas pressure monitoring
GC 9.5.2
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IGC 13.6.11,
GC 13.6.11
IGC 17.14.1.4,
GC 17.12.5(a) (iv)

Gas detection equipment

Gas detection after bursting disk for chlorine

7.10 Rudder order and response

Rudder order and response angles shall be recorded up to a resolution of 1 degree as available and
permitted on the ship. Updating frequency better than 1 Hz.
Status and settings of Heading control system and Track control system shall also be recorded if fitted.

7.11 Engine order and response

This shall include the positions of any engine telegraphs or direct engine/propeller controls, including
shaft(s) r.p.m (or equivalent), and feedback indications, if fitted, including ahead/astern indicators.
This shall also include status of bow and stern thrusters if fitted. RPM shall be recorded up to
resolution of 1 r.p.m. and pitch shall be recorded up to a resolution of 1 degree. Updating frequency
better than 1 Hz.

7.12 Hull openings status

This shall include all mandatory status information required to be displayed on the bridge.

7.13 Watertight and fire door status

This shall include all mandatory status information required to be displayed on the bridge.

7.14 Accelerations and hull stresses

Where a ship is fitted with IMO mandated hull stress and response-monitoring equipment, all the data
items that have been pre-selected within the equipment and are available shall be recorded.

7.15 Wind speed and direction

This shall be applicable where a ship is fitted with a suitable sensor. Either relative or true wind speed
and direction may be recorded, and an indication of which is recorded.

7.16 Additional information

All other information recorded by the VDR shall not degrade the performance of the VDR (e.g. reduce
the capacity of the Protective Memory Capsule below 12 hours of data).

8 Testing of installation
The final installation should be according to manufacturer instructions. Before the Surveyor attends the
test, the VDR should record for at least 12 hours with all sensor input active (in operation) before the
recorded data is presented for the Surveyor item by item according to paragraph 7. The Final
Recording medium shall contain at least 12 hours recorded data of all required data items.
Testing of installation normally require attendance from the manufacturer and use of special playback
equipment.
- o0o -

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