MOMAF adopts Voyage Data Recorder standards

The Ministry of Maritime Affaires and Fisheries (MOMAF) announced April 19 that it would set a new standard for Voyage Data Recorders (VDR) to help with examinations of marine accidents like vessel collisions, strandings, overturnings, and other mishaps.

VDR is equipment for examining accident causes, much like black boxes found in airplanes. It records all operating conditions of vessels such as location, date, time, speed, as well as other data.

Overseas passenger vessels and vessels over 3,000-tons must have a VDR unit. SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) determines the details for VDR equipment as an international standard.

By May MOMAF will complete the VDR ability standard for vessels based on SOLAS.

VDRs ought to keep voyage data over 12 hours, have backup electricity for emergencies, endure high temperatures up to 1100 degrees and be safe from water damage and water pressure to a depth of 6000 meters.

An official from MOMAF said, "According to VDR standard, IT companies can produce government certified VDR products."