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Technical Notices
Annual testing of VDR, S-VDR
Present circular is developed followed a PSC detention of an INSB Classed/certified ship where a detainable deficiency assigned also with “RO responsibility” because the annual performance test of VDR/S-SDR had not been carried out together with the annual Safety Equipment survey, despite the fact that the test certificate was still valid during the surveys.
In above respect we would like to bring to your attention the following:
1. The purpose of an annual performance test is to determine that a VDR/S-VDR is operational as defined in the manufacturer’s specification. In addition, because of the “black box” nature of this equipment, there is a need to have a document which clearly lists all the interfaces which have been checked to confirm compliance with the appropriate International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) test standards. This transparency is essential for surveyors or inspectors of flag Administrations port States or recognized organizations
2. SOLAS Regulation V/18.9 states:
“The automatic identification system (AIS) shall be subjected to an annual test. The test shall be conducted by an approved surveyor or an approved testing or servicing facility. The test shall verify the correct programming of the ship static information, correct data exchange with connected sensors as well as verifying the radio performance by radio frequency measurement and on-air test using, e.g., a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS). A copy of the test report shall be retained on board the ship.”
3. 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.
All INSB Class Surveyors are kindly requested to follow the above interpretation and request the annual performance test of VDR (or S-VDR) to be carried out not later than the date of completion of the survey for endorsement / renewal of the relevant Certificate and ensure that the test conducted by an approved surveyor or an approved testing or servicing facility.
Attachments
- IMO NCSR 4/24 “Annual testing of the VDR, S-VDR, AIS and EPIRB”
- 1/Circ.1222 “Guidelines on annual testing of voyage data recorders (VDR) and Simplified Voyage Data Recorders (S-VDR)”