If the aeroplane crashes, it is the first object investigators look for. The maritime voyage data recorder must record all the information which the captain can see on her display, including a record of the radar display and any other PCs that may be present. It must record all of the alarms and other security information which the captain has access to. It must make an audio record of the conversation on the bridge, as well as any radio communication. Passenger vessels and fast ships will require VDR from about 2002, followed by vessels carrying hazardous cargoes.
Shipping companies have various options.
They can go for a basic unit that conforms to the regulation, which stores the data but does not allow them to do anything with it. For a little more investment, they can have a unit which allows onboard playback, which can be used for many different purposes, including training and investigations. We've been dealing with the technical requirements of them and the performance standards for some time. We have reached a point where this is all mature enough that it will go through our final committee structure and we will be ready for entry in the year 2002. The potential market for voyage data recorders, at this stage, is not enormous.