Trident Voyage Data Recorder

Maritime Voyage Data Recorders are similar to the “black-boxes” fitted on aircraft. The main purpose of Trident Maritime's VDR is to comply with IMO safety requirements by recording and storing data that can be used to investigate maritime incidents.

Trident Maritime's VDR is also a Complete Data Control System which enables it to also collect data points useful for ship security, ship maintenance, and fleet management. Trident's VDR's data acquisition flexibility is unique and powerful.

The IMO requires the storage of specific voyage data for the last 12 hours on a survivable medium. The Trident Voyage Data Recorder expands on the required capabilities, recording a customizable array of sensor data for periods up to the entire voyage. As a result it can also be configured as an Engine Data Recorder and as a complete Ship Data Manager. Summaries of the data are transmitted via Trident's communication systems to the Trident Command Center, where they are distributed to clients, via secure Internet connection.

TSi took a novel approach in the design of its recorder. Realizing that the majority of the installs will be retrofits or on ships that use existing designs, a high priority was placed in designing a system that could easily be installed in any available space. To achieve this, a networked topology approach was used for the design. This design uses a main unit that communicates with a remote (sub) unit.

With this approach, it becomes possible to install the units near the source of the intended signals that need to be recorded. For example radar, audio and some serial data can usually be found on the bridge while engine related functions can more easily be recorded from the engine control room located several decks below the bridge. In this scenario, the main unit would be installed on the bridge while the sub unit would be installed in the engine control room area. The two units would communicate using commonly available Ethernet cabling (shielded twisted pair) that is usually already existing or can more easily and cheaply be installed than the bulkier signal and control cabling. This added benefit could result in a faster and less costly installation.

The system consists of a main unit, one sub unit, an uninterruptible power supply and a graphical operator interface incorporating a touch screen.

The optionally available playback software can be installed on any standard computer running the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system or higher and allows for examining the recorded data. This data can be useful for:

•  Monitoring and improving fleet operational efficiency

•  Devising and improving training procedures

•  Assisting in accident and claims requests

Specifications [1]

[1] All specifications subject to change without notice.

[2] Main unit supplies power to storage capsule and operator interface