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VDR Annual Performance Test (APT): What You Need to Know

2026-03-31

What is VDR APT?

The Annual Performance Test (APT) is a mandatory yearly inspection and testing of Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) and Simplified VDR (S-VDR) systems. It ensures the equipment is recording all required data correctly and the protective capsule is functioning properly.

Legal Requirements

IMO Regulations - IMO Resolution MSC.333(90) establishes performance standards - SOLAS Chapter V requires VDR/S-VDR on applicable vessels - Annual testing must be performed by a certified service provider - Testing must occur within 12 months of the previous APT

Consequences of Non-Compliance - Port State Control detention - Classification society findings - Insurance implications - Flag state penalties

What Does APT Include?

Data Recording Verification - Date and time (UTC) recording - Ship's position (GPS/DGPS) - Speed through water and over ground - Heading information (gyrocompass) - Radar data (at least one radar) - ECDIS data - AIS data - Bridge audio (microphones) - VHF radio communications - Hull stress monitoring (if fitted) - Wind speed and direction - Rudder angle - Engine telegraph/RPM - Depth under keel - Watertight and fire door status

Capsule Inspection - Visual inspection of fixed and float-free capsule - Beacon and light operation check - Battery condition verification - Hydrostatic release mechanism check - Data integrity verification from capsule

System Health - Hard disk storage capacity - Network connectivity to all sensors - Power supply and UPS battery test - Software version verification - Alarm system functionality

VDR Brands We Service

  • **Danelec**: DM100, DM200, VR-7000
  • **Furuno**: VR-3000, VR-5000, VR-7000
  • **JRC**: JCY-1850, JCY-1900
  • **Netwave**: NW-4000, NW-6000
  • **Rutter**: Sigma S6
  • **Kelvin Hughes**: VDR systems
  • **Transas/Wartsila**: Taiyo, VDR series
  • **Totem Plus**: VDR/S-VDR

Schedule Your VDR APT

EKS Marine Electronics provides VDR APT services at all Turkish ports. Our engineers carry necessary test equipment and can perform testing during port calls.

Contact: info@eksmes.com | +90 216 909 78 53

Need technical support?

Contact our 24/7 expert team.

📧 info@eksmes.com📞 +90 216 909 78 53

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