Marine safety service
VDR Service & Annual Performance Test
Voyage data recorder annual performance testing, float-free capsule and beacon checks, sensor verification and repair for VDR and S-VDR systems.
Overview
VDR service and annual performance test
A VDR service and annual performance test confirms that the ship's voyage data recorder is capturing, storing and protecting the data investigators need after an accident. The VDR records position, speed, heading, bridge audio, VHF communications, radar images, alarms and many other inputs, and stores them in a protected capsule designed to survive fire, impact and sinking. If a sensor stops sending data, or the capsule beacon battery has expired, the recording may be useless when it matters most.
vslSafety coordinates approved testing and servicing facilities at the vessel's port to carry out the annual performance test, repair faults and renew datable items, so that the ship holds a valid certificate of compliance before its survey.
Regulatory requirements and standards
Carriage of VDRs and simplified VDRs (S-VDR) is set by SOLAS regulation V/20. Regulation V/18.8 requires the VDR system, including all sensors, to be subjected to an annual performance test conducted by an approved testing or servicing facility, to verify the accuracy, duration and recoverability of the recorded data. Protective enclosures and devices fitted to aid location must also be tested and inspected, and a copy of the certificate of compliance, stating the date of compliance and the applicable performance standards, must be kept on board.
Guidance on the test is given in MSC.1/Circ.1222/Rev.1. For cargo ships the test may be done within three months before or after the due date of the relevant survey, and for passenger ships up to three months before; IACS unified interpretation SC 279 expects it to be completed before the survey is completed. VDRs installed on or after 1 July 2014 must meet resolution MSC.333(90), which requires a fixed capsule, a float-free capsule and a long-term recording medium. MSC.333(90) was amended by resolution MSC.494(104) so that float-free capsules installed on or after 1 July 2022 meet the latest EPIRB standard. For float-free capsules approved to MSC.333(90), the annual test includes an examination based on MSC.1/Circ.1040/Rev.1, the EPIRB annual testing guidelines.
Inspection and servicing intervals
| Item | Requirement | Interval | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VDR / S-VDR system and sensors | Annual performance test by an approved facility | Annual, aligned with the survey window | SOLAS V/18.8, MSC.1/Circ.1222/Rev.1 |
| Float-free capsule (MSC.333(90)) | Examination as for a satellite EPIRB | Annual | MSC.1/Circ.1040/Rev.1 |
| Underwater locator beacon battery | Replacement before expiry | As marked by the maker | Maker instructions |
| Hydrostatic release and float-free batteries | Replacement before expiry | As marked by the maker | Maker instructions |
| Reserve power source | Capacity test | At the annual test | MSC.1/Circ.1222/Rev.1 |
What the service includes
- Download and replay of recorded data to check that all mandatory inputs are present and correct
- Verification of sensor inputs such as GNSS, gyro, speed log, echo sounder, rudder, engine, alarms, AIS and radar images
- Bridge microphone and VHF audio recording checks at each workstation
- Confirmation of recording duration in the fixed capsule, float-free capsule and long-term recording medium
- Inspection of the fixed and float-free capsules, mounting, release mechanism and underwater locator beacon
- Battery expiry checks and renewal of datable items using maker-approved parts
- Reserve power source test and alarm checks
- Repair of faulty interfaces, microphones or data acquisition units
- Submission of results to the maker where required and issue of the certificate of compliance
Equipment types covered
Providers test full VDRs to MSC.333(90) and older standards, and S-VDRs fitted to existing cargo ships. Common makers include Danelec, Furuno, JRC, Kelvin Hughes, Consilium, Netwave and Sperry Marine. Many faults found during testing trace back to sensors; those are handled under navigation equipment services and radar service and repair. The capsule beacon uses the same test principles as EPIRB and SART servicing.
Common defects and PSC deficiencies
- No valid annual performance test certificate, or certificate not stating the applicable standard
- Bridge microphones not recording clearly, often because of dust, moisture or failed units
- Missing sensor data, such as echo sounder, speed log or radar image, in the recording
- Expired underwater locator beacon or float-free capsule batteries
- Float-free capsule release obstructed or hydrostatic release expired
- VDR alarms acknowledged but not investigated, and crew unaware how to save data after an incident
Certificates and documents you receive
The approved facility issues a certificate of compliance for the annual performance test, stating the date and the applicable performance standard, and a detailed test report listing every input checked. Where batteries or parts are replaced, the report records the new expiry dates and serial numbers. Some makers review the recorded data and issue the final certificate after that review.
How to prepare the vessel
Make sure all connected sensors are working before the test, since the VDR cannot pass if a mandatory input is missing. Keep the previous certificate and test report available, allow access to the capsule positions on deck, and arrange for bridge equipment to be switched on during the test. Check battery expiry dates on the capsules in advance and order spares if needed. Keep bridge noise low during microphone tests.
Information needed for a quotation
- Vessel name, IMO number, flag and class
- Port, ETA and ETD
- VDR or S-VDR maker, model, serial number and applicable performance standard
- Date of the last annual performance test and survey due date
- Expiry dates of capsule, beacon and release batteries
- Known faults, alarms or PSC deficiencies
vslSafety coordinates an approved testing or servicing facility at the vessel's port and confirms scope, timing and cost before attendance.
Frequently asked questions
Who can carry out the VDR annual performance test?
SOLAS regulation V/18.8 requires the test to be done by an approved testing or servicing facility. In practice this is usually the VDR maker or a service agent authorised by the maker and accepted by the flag administration. The facility must have the software and equipment to download and review recorded data. Check that the provider is authorised for your specific VDR model before booking.
When is the VDR annual test due?
The test is linked to the ship's survey cycle. MSC.1/Circ.1222/Rev.1 allows it up to three months before or after the due date on cargo ships, and up to three months before on passenger ships. IACS unified interpretation SC 279 expects the test to be completed before the relevant survey is completed.
What does MSC.333(90) require?
MSC.333(90) applies to VDRs installed on or after 1 July 2014. It requires a fixed protective capsule, a float-free capsule and a long-term recording medium, with at least 48 hours of data in the capsules and 30 days in long-term recording. Float-free capsules installed on or after 1 July 2022 must also meet the latest EPIRB standard.
How often should VDR beacon batteries be replaced?
Battery life is set by the maker and marked on the underwater locator beacon, float-free capsule and any release unit. The annual performance test checks that all batteries and datable items are within their expiry dates. Plan replacements before they expire, as the certificate may not be issued while any item is out of date.
