Sperry Marine Gets Approval for VDR Tests

Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Sperry Marine business unit received approval from Det Norske Veritas to conduct annual performance testing of shipboard voyage data recorders (VDR). In 2003, Sperry Marine received similar type approvals from the ABS and LR. Shipboard VDRs are similar to the “black box” data recorders used on aircraft. Data from the ship’s sensors and audio recordings from the bridge are stored in a submersible capsule, which can be recovered for analysis after an event at sea. VDRs are required on all passenger-carrying ships under the International Safety of Life at Sea Convention.

The approvals from the three premier marine classification societies signify that Sperry Marine is authorized to perform the required annual shipboard VDR recertification inspections using its worldwide network of service technicians.

International Maritime Organization regulations state that shipboard VDRs, including all interfaced sensors, must be recertified annually on or before the date of the original installation. The test must be conducted by an approved testing or servicing facility to verify the accuracy, duration and recoverability of the recorded data.

“These approvals are an indication of Sperry Marine’s commitment to continuing investment in technician training and continuous process improvement required to support all of our products worldwide and our leadership position in global marine services,” said Andy Fraser, director of worldwide customer service for Sperry Marine.