The VR-3000/S is a Simplified Voyage Data Recorder that fully complies with IMO A861(20), IEC 61996, IEC 60945, IMO MSC. 163(78), IEC 61996-1/2 and IEC 60945, respectively. The purposes of the VDR and SVDR are to assist investigators in identifying the causes of maritime casualty as well as to use the data for future reference to further incident prevention.

The VDR is intended for all the passenger ships as well as for newly constructed cargo ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards. The S-VDR is for existing cargo vessels of the same category with a phase-in requirement schedule for those of 20,000 gross tonnage and upwards first, to be followed by others of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards. The S-VDR is not required to store the same level of detailed data as the VDR but should maintain a store, in a secure and retrievable form, of information concerning the position, movement, physical status, command and control of a ship over the period leading up to and following an incident.

The VR-3000/S consists of Data Collecting Unit (DCU), Data Recording Unit (DRU), Remote Alarm Panel and up to six microphones. Incorporating interface modules, a powerful processor and status monitor into a compact container, the DCU collects voyage data. The DCU processes the data and events in the order of occurrence, while old data is overwritten by the latest data for storage in the DRU. The data is stored for at least 12 hours. In case of power supply failure, the reserve battery enables the VDR/S-VDR to record the bridge audio for two additional hours.

The data recorded in the DRU can be replayed with the optional playback software application, Liveplayer PRO for incident investigation as well as for educational briefing purposes. The DRU is contained in a protective capsule to ensure survival and recovery of the recorded data following an incident. The incorporated acoustic pinger helps investigators locate the capsule underwater.