5.5 Data items to be recorded

 Date and time, referenced to UTC, should be obtained from a source external to the ship and an internal clock should be synchronized with valid date and time data. During times of a loss of the external source, the internal clock should be used. The recording should indicate which source is in use. The recording method should be such that the timing of all other recorded data items can be derived on playback with a resolution and continuity sufficient to reconstruct the history of the incident in detail.

 Latitude and longitude, and the datum used, should be derived from an electronic position-fixing system (EPFS). The recording should ensure that the identity and status of the EPFS can always be determined on playback.

 Speed through the water and speed over the ground, including an indication of which it is, derived from the ship's speed and distance measuring equipment, as required by SOLAS regulations.

 Heading as indicated by the ship's heading source.

 Microphones should be positioned on the bridge covering all work stations as described in MSC/Circ.982 so that conversation is recorded. The recording should be such that, on playback, a normal speaking voice should provide adequate intelligibility while the ship is performing its normal operations. This performance should be maintained at all work stations while there is a single audio alarm anywhere on the bridge or any noise, including noise from faulty equipment or mounting, or wind. This should be achieved through the use of at least two channels of audio recording. Microphones positioned outside on bridge wings, should be recorded on at least one additional separate channel.

 VHF communications relating to ship operations should be recorded on an additional separate channel to those referred to in 5.5.5.

 The electronic signals of the main displays of both ship's radar installations as required by SOLAS regulations. The recording method should be such that, on playback, it is possible to present a faithful replica of the entire radar display that was on view at the time of recording, albeit within the limitations of any bandwidth compression techniques that are essential to the working of the VDR.

 Where a vessel is fitted with an ECDIS installation, the VDR should record the electronic signals of the ECDIS display in use at the time as the primary means of navigation. The recording method should be such that, on playback, it is possible to present a faithful replica of the entire ECDIS display that was on view at the time of recording, albeit within the limitations of any bandwidth compression techniques that are essential to the working of the VDR and in addition the source of the chart data and the version used.

 The depth information. This should include, where available, depth under keel, the depth scale currently being displayed and other status information.

 This should include the status of all mandatory alarms on the bridge^footnote or as received from the Bridge Alert Management System, if installed, recorded as individually identified alarms.

 This should include status and settings of heading or track controller, if fitted and indicate the control station, mode, and power unit(s) in use.

 This should include the positions of any engine telegraphs or direct engine/propeller controls and feedback indications on the bridge, if fitted, including ahead/astern indicators and indicate the control station in use. This should also include any thrusters if fitted and indicate the control station in use.

 This should include all mandatory status information required to be displayed on the bridge.

 This should include all mandatory status information required to be displayed on the bridge.

 Where a ship is fitted with hull stress and response monitoring equipment, all the data items that have been pre-selected within that equipment should be recorded.

 Where a ship is fitted with a suitable sensor, wind speed and direction should be recorded, including its true or relative status.

 All AIS data should be recorded.

 The VDR should be connected to an electronic inclinometer if installed. The recording method should be such that the rolling motion can be reconstructed during playback.

 In addition to the data items specified in 5.5.1 to 5.5.18, a data block defining the configuration of the VDR and the sensors to which it is connected should be written into the final recording medium during commissioning of the VDR. The data block should be maintained up to date with respect to the vessel installation. It should include details on the manufacturer, type and version number of a sensor, the identification and location of the sensor and the interpretation of the sensor data. This configuration data should be permanently retained in the final recording media and protected from modification other than by a duly authorized person following any change to the configuration.

 Where a ship is fitted with an electronic logbook in accordance with the standards of the Organization the information from this should be recorded.