VDR Remote Navigation Audits
Enhancing Navigational Safety Through Objective Data Analysis
A VDR (Voyage Data Recorder) Remote Navigation Audit provides an independent assessment of bridge team performance, navigational practices, and compliance with company procedures by analyzing recorded voyage data. Traditionally, VDR data was used only after an incident or accident. Today, leading industry organizations including OCIMF promote the proactive use of VDR data to identify risks, improve bridge team performance, and strengthen navigational assurance before incidents occur.Our VDR Remote Navigation Audit service enables shipowners and operators to gain valuable insights into actual bridge operations without the cost and logistical challenges of placing an auditor onboard.
Why Conduct a VDR Audit?
Studies consistently show that human factors remain one of the leading contributors to marine incidents, collisions, and groundings.
A VDR audit allows operators to:
- Verify compliance with company navigation procedures
- Assess bridge resource management practices
- Identify unsafe navigational behaviors
- Evaluate passage planning and execution
- Monitor use of ECDIS, radar, AIS, and bridge equipment
- Improve navigational standards across the fleet
- Reduce the risk of future incidents and claims
Because the audit is conducted using recorded data from actual voyages, it provides an accurate picture of routine bridge team performance
Supporting Safer Navigation Through Data-Driven Assurance
By transforming VDR data into actionable operational intelligence, our Remote Navigation Audit service helps shipowners, managers, and operators strengthen navigational safety, improve bridge team performance, and reduce operational risk across their fleet.
Key Benefits:
- Objective Assessment – Based on actual vessel operations.
- Realistic Evaluation – No auditor onboard; normal bridge team behavior.
- Cost Effective – Eliminates travel and accommodation costs.
- Detailed Analysis – Events can be replayed and reviewed in depth.
- Improved Safety Culture – Reinforces best practices and standards.
- Fleet-Wide Learning – Share lessons learned across the fleet.
- Regulatory Support – Supports OCIMF, TMSA, and charterer expectations.
- Evidence-Based Findings – Audits supported by recorded operational data.
Typical Audit Scope
- Bridge Resource Management (BRM)
- Watch Handover Procedures
- Master-Pilot Exchange
- ECDIS Operation and Monitoring
- Radar Usage.
- Alarm Management
- Passage Planning and Execution
- COLREG Compliance
- Traffic Separation Scheme Compliance
- Restricted Waters Navigation
- Pilotage Operations
- Human Factors and Situational Awareness