Articles on S-VDR

Incidents Involving Vessels Fitted with VDR

VDR Data assists in identifying the causes of incidents at sea.

1. RO-RO ferry in collision with fishing vessel
   Radar information gained from the ferry’s VDR proved incontrovertibly that the fishing vessel had made a large alteration of course across the ferry’s bow moments before the collision, contrary to the Collision Regulations. Unfortunately bridge audio data which might have given insight to the human factors that lay behind the accident was lost to the investigators due to background noise from a radio which had been playing in the wheelhouse for entertainment.
2. Near collision between passenger ferry and general cargo
   VDR information enabled the investigators to establish the true course of events which was contrary to both the masters’ accounts. Shortfalls in bridge team management were uncovered to the benefit of the individuals involved, the owners and training establishments.
3. Passenger vessel lost power on a lee shore in gale force winds
   VDR information enabled a detailed analysis of the bridge team’s actions in an emergency situation to be carried out. Many shortfalls in performance were uncovered to the benefit of the bridge team, the owners and training establishments.
4. Vessel berthing at builder's yard for guarantee dry docking hit jetty whilst under pilotage sustaining $150,000 steel damage
   When the yard was made aware that Pilot’s actions had been recorded, they paid for repairs without question
5. Vessel leaving NW European port hit coaster glancing blow sustaining minimal damage
   When bridge team’s actions were reviewed, procedures were found to require modification
6. Vessel struck charted rock at speed, sustaining considerable bottom damage
   Evidence from VDR tape allowed management to review Pilots and OOW’s actions prior to grounding, allowing remedial action to be taken well in advance of Flag State report
7. Vessel rounding Ushant was in close quarters situation whilst overtaking another vessel
   Evidence from the VDR enabled management to review the OOW’s actions and take necessary remedial action
8. Vessel entering continental port was in collision with yacht
   Evidence from the VDR absolved the Master of all blame
9. Vessel dragged anchor in high winds and touched another ship anchored to leeward
   Evidence from the VDR allowed the Management to review action by the OOW and provided the P&I club with the evidence they required to settle the claim
10. Loaded vessel outward bound was in collision with inbound vessel in port access, resulting in considerable delay
    The VDR provided irrefutable evidence of the action of both ships, avoiding the cost of taking witness statements
11. Vessel entering port in narrow channel struck an underwater object
    The VDR showed the ship to be right on track in the dredged channel, thus absolving the Master from blame or criticism
12. High speed close quarters incident with warship
    The VDR provided evidence that clearly confirmed that the HSC Commander had taken the correct action when the warship failed to give way as required by Colregs
13. Vessel berthing in high wind
    A review of the evidence from the VDR confirmed that in general terms, the personnel concerned had taken the correct action, but some areas for improvement and training needs were also identified
14. Engine room fire
    A review of the evidence from the VDR confirmed that in general terms, the personnel concerned had taken the correct action, but some areas for improvement and training needs were also identified
15. Fire in funnel
    The VDR assisted Management in identifying a possible design fault in the vessel’s fire detection system, which explained the slow response from the Bridge Watchkeepers to initial reports of the fire. A review of the wording of messages from the vessel also helped to explain an apparent over-reaction to the incident by the Coastguard