Trident Maritime Voyage Data Management System

Voyage Data Recorders are “black boxes” for ships. Over the past two years TSi has developed a new VDR concept for this critical application. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has mandated carriage of Voyage Data Recorders (VDR) on most passenger ships and all cargo ships over the next few years.

TSi has developed a novel VDR concept that uses a distributed architecture. Data acquisition is achieved by multiple units installed near the data source. The units are connected by a standard network protocol, thus eliminating the extensive cabling required to install conventional VDR equipment.

The TSi VDR units are small but powerful. Each unit includes a single board computer and a 40GB disk drive. Permanent data storage is on a capsule designed to withstand fire and sinking.

In addition to collecting the data mandated by IMO, the Trident VDR is configured to support ship security, maintenance, and performance. The system is configured to collect video data from security cameras installed on the ship deck and in the engine room. The video data is stored on board, and summaries of the data along with ship position speed and heading and engine performance data are sent to the Trident Command Center . Ship owners and managers can connect to the Command Center server and review the available data at any time.

Reports are prepared by the Command Center Server and sent to the ship manager by email. The reports are invaluable for management of the ship's voyage and security. Engine data is invaluable for monitoring critical systems.

For more information on TSi's Voyage Information System (VIS) please click here