Guidelines for VDR/S-VDR installation, data preservation, and reporting in maritime casualty investigations issued by Singapore

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has issued a shipping circular No. 5 of 2024 regarding the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR/S-VDR) and casualty investigations.

This circular was published on 31 May 2024.

Mandatory Installation: VDR/S-VDR installation is required for casualty investigations, with performance standards specified:

• Post-1 July 2014 installations must meet Resolution MSC.333(90).
• Pre-1 July 2014 installations must meet the annex to IMO Resolution A.861(20) and MSC.214(81).
• S-VDRs must meet IMO Resolution MSC.163(78).

Data Preservation: Parties must preserve and collect VDR/S-VDR data promptly after a casualty and submit it to MPA.

Master’s Responsibilities: Masters must ensure timely data collection and preservation, following MSC/Circ.1024 (attached to the circular) guidelines.

Safety Management System (SMS): Data preservation procedures should be included in the vessel's SMS, and crew must be familiar with VDR/S-VDR operations.

Manufacturer’s Instructions: Masters should follow manufacturer instructions for data recovery, potentially involving authorized technicians.

Abandonment Protocol: If abandoning ship, the Master or officer should retrieve the VDR/S-VDR module if possible.

Data Copy Requirement: A complete copy of VDR/S-VDR data must be saved and sent to MPA or shared via cloud drive.

Reporting Requirements: Marine casualties and incidents must be reported per the relevant Shipping Circular, currently No. 2 of 2024.

Training: VDR/S-VDR procedures should be part of emergency and abandon ship drills.

Malfunction Protocol: Promptly arrange for repairs at the current or next port and report malfunctions to MPA and port state authorities.

Spare Parts: Ships should carry critical spares for VDR/S-VDRs as recommended by the manufacturer, and include preservation procedures in the SMS.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Voyage Data Recorder (VDR/S-VDR) and Casualty Investigations