Regulation V/18.8 of 2000 amendments to SOLAS 74 prescribes that "The voyage data recorder system, including all sensors, shall be subjected to an annual performance test. The test shall be conducted by an approved testing or servicing facility to verify the accuracy, duration and recoverability of the recorded data. In addition, tests and inspections shall be conducted to determine the serviceability of all protective enclosures and devices fitted to aid location. A copy of the certificate of compliance issued by the testing facility, stating the date of compliance and the applicable performance standards, shall be retained on board the ship".

ClassNK ships required to be fitted with VDR in accordance with the regulation V/20 of 2000 amendments to SOLAS 74 should undergo an annual performance test conducted by operators/technicians belonging to a firm engaged in performance tests of VDRs approved by ClassNK, and have the certificate of compliance (service record certificate) issued by the firm.

Nevertheless, for the time being until a sufficient number of the firms are approved as a firm engaged in performance tests of VDRs, ClassNK accepts performance tests carried out and certificates of compliance (service record certificates) issued by service suppliers/stations recommended by the manufacturer of the VDR as those prescribed in the regulation V/18.8 of 2000 amendments to SOLAS 74.

ClassNK carries out approval of firms engaged in performance tests of VDRs in accordance with the ClassNK's "Rules for Approval of Manufacturers and Service Suppliers". When wishing to be approved by ClassNK, please contact the nearest service site of the ClassNK.

For any questions about the above, please contact:

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
Material & Equipment Department, Administration Center, Head Office
Address: 4-7 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8567, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-5226-2020
Fax: +81-3-5226-2057
E-mail: eqd@classnk.or.jp