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Technical Notices
Annual Testing of Voyage Data Recorders
The IMO has recently published circular MSC.1/Circ.1222/Rev.1, as can be found attached (changes from previous related IMO Circular are highlighted). This updates the requirements for the annual performance tests of voyage date recorders (VDRs) and simplified voyage data recorders (S-VDRs), as required by SOLAS Regulation V/18.8.
The revised circular also clarifies the requirements for the examination of VDR float-free capsules approved in accordance with IMO Resolution MSC.333(90) (VDRs installed on or after 1 July 2014, are required to be approved to the IMO Resolution MSC.333(90)). This resolution also requires VDRs to be fitted with float-free capsules that comply with the requirements specified in Resolution A.810(19) – “Performance Standards for EPIRBs”.
Shipowners need to ensure that the annual performance testing of VDRs and S-VDRs are carried out in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1222/Rev.1. and for VDR float-free capsules approved in accordance with IMO Res. MSC.333(90) (installed on or after 1 July 20104), annual performance testing includes an examination according to MSC.1/Circ.1040/Rev.1 – “Revised Guidelines on Annual Testing of Satellite EPIRBs”.
To accommodate performance checks to align with the appropriate survey under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), the annual performance check may be carried out up to 3 months before the due date for a passenger ship and -/+ 3 months of the due date for a cargo ship.
Reference is made also to the INSB Class Technical Notice 9727/29.11.2018 regarding the proper time of the annual test performance: As per IMO NCSR 4/24 and IACS interpretation of the proper time of annual test performance the annual performance test of VDR (or S-VDR) shall be carried out within the “time window” of the annual / periodical / renewal survey under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), but not later than the date of completion of the survey for endorsement / renewal of the relevant Certificate.
Attachments
– IMO Resolution MSC.1/Circ.1222/Rev.1
– Guidelines on annual testing of voyage data recorders (VFR) and simplified voyage data recorders (S-VDR)