DM100 VDR (trade name Sperry Marine Voyage Master IV VDR), DM100 VDR G2 (trade name Sperry Marine Voyage Master IV VDR G2, Wärtsilä VDR 4380), DM100 S-VDR G2 (trade name Sperry Marine Voyage Master IV S-VDR G2, Wärtsilä S-VDR 4380), DM100 L-VDR G2 (trade name Sperry Marine Voyage Master IV L-VDR G2), DM100 VDR G3 (trade name Sperry Marine Voyage Master IV VDR G3, NACOS Marine VDR 4380), DM100 S...

Common issues

• Backup power unit (battery/UPS) approaching end of service life and failing self-test
• Bridge microphone degradation or intermittent recording
• Data gaps or corruption in the recorded window due to storage module or sensor interface faults
• Loss of sensor interface signals (radar, ECDIS, AIS, gyro, speed log) after upstream bridge equipment changes without VDR reconfiguration
• Protective capsule housing seal degradation
• Firmware/version mismatches after bridge equipment upgrades causing incomplete data capture

Inspection checklist

• Perform the required annual performance test (APT) per the applicable IMO circular by an authorized service provider
• Verify all mandated sensor inputs (position, heading, speed, radar, AIS, audio, ECDIS) are recorded and legible on playback
• Check the protective capsule (fixed or float-free) for physical damage, corrosion and hydrostatic release unit condition/expiry
• Verify backup power maintains recording capability for the required duration on mains loss
• Check bridge microphones for audio clarity and correct coverage
• Confirm recording retention meets the minimum required retrieval window
• Review the data acquisition unit's error/alarm log for recurring faults

Service intervals

Critical spares

• Backup battery pack/UPS unit for the data acquisition unit
• Bridge microphone(s)
• Hydrostatic release unit for the float-free capsule (if fitted)
• Capsule housing seals/gaskets

Safety

• A float-free capsule must carry a valid, non-expired hydrostatic release unit - failure risks the capsule not releasing if the vessel sinks
• Servicing capsule or microphones at height/on the bridge wing requires standard fall-protection precautions
• VDR data is evidentiary for casualty investigation - never disable, reconfigure or overwrite recordings outside an authorized APT or investigation request

Class survey

Class/flag verifies a current, passed Annual Performance Test certificate and a valid hydrostatic release unit date; a lapsed APT or expired release unit is a common deficiency finding in PSC and class surveys.