The analysis of tanker incidents during 1970 – 2020 by ITOPF determined that 50% of large spills occurred when the vessels were underway. The collisions, allisions and grounding account for 58% of these spills with 99% of these occurring in restricted waters.

So, there is a great need to verify our navigation practices by “All Available Means”.

This practice of analysis has been in use in the Aviation Industry since 1970 by reviewing Flight Data Recorders (FDR) fitted on aircrafts. The Insurance company research of 1996 also stated that the accident rate was significantly lower for “operators” that had analyzed & actioned upon their FDR for longest period of time.

In addition to safety it has significant maintenance & fuel saving cost benefits in the industry. Since Jan- 2005, it was mandatory to analyze such data as part of accident prevention & flight safety program as per norms laid by the ICAO (Int. Civil Aviation Organization).

Following the lead of the Aviation Industry and requirements of VIQ -7, Chapter 4.11 and TMSA-3 (Element 5 level 4.1) there arose a need to download and review VDR data.