PSC deficiency code 10114: Voyage data recorder (VDR)/Simplified Voyage data recorder(S-VDR)
Code 10114 covers the voyage data recorder, or the simplified version fitted to some older cargo ships. It keeps a rolling record of position, speed, heading, radar, bridge audio, VHF and alarms so investigators can reconstruct an accident. The inspector who writes this code doubts that the recorder would hand over complete, usable data if something happened tomorrow.
What the inspector looks at
The check usually starts at the VDR's bridge alarm unit or its playback software.
- Any active fault alarm, and how long it has been there according to the event log
- The certificate of compliance from the last annual performance test, and its date
- Whether every required input is recorded: bridge microphones, VHF, radar or ECDIS image, AIS, gyro, speed log, echo sounder, main alarms
- Fixed and float-free capsules: mounting, damage, beacon battery expiry, the hydrostatic release
- The dedicated reserve power source and its battery dates
- Whether the officer on watch knows how to save the data after an incident
Common findings
- VDR annual performance test overdue, certificate of compliance not on board
- VDR alarm active on the bridge, microphone channel faulty
- Radar image not recorded on VDR
- Float-free capsule hydrostatic release expired
- Fixed capsule underwater beacon battery expired
- Officer of the watch not familiar with saving VDR data
- VDR reserve power battery expired
The rule behind it
SOLAS chapter V, regulation 20 sets which ships must carry a VDR, and which existing cargo ships may carry an S-VDR instead. Regulation 18 requires the whole system, sensors included, to undergo an annual performance test by an approved testing or servicing facility. The test verifies the accuracy, duration and recoverability of the data and checks the protective enclosures and location devices. A copy of the certificate of compliance stays on board. The equipment must meet the IMO performance standards that applied when it was installed.
Action codes you are likely to see
A fault cleared during the visit, such as an alarm reset after a sensor reconnection, may get 10. An overdue annual test is usually 17, or 15 when an approved technician is already booked at the next port and the officer accepts that. An expired beacon or release unit is often 17, since spares are easy to source. Absence or failure of a VDR where carriage is compulsory appears among the deficiencies the IMO port State control procedures treat as grounds for detention, so a recorder that isn't recording can bring a 30. See action taken codes.
How to close it
Book the maker's agent or another approved service station for the repair or the annual test. Replace expired beacon batteries, release units and backup batteries, and record the new expiry dates. Keep the service report, the new certificate of compliance and a photo of the alarm panel with no faults with the Form B. Post the save procedure on the bridge. Related: ECDIS and other radiocommunication.