Expert data extractors

摘要

There are 43 manufacturers of voyage data recorders (VDRs) SASI was informed when visiting the UK's Marine Accident and Investigation Branch (MAIB). Nevertheless, technical manager Mike Travis and technical officer Richard North pride themselves on being able to extract data from any VDR that they may encounter.Following an accident that warrants an investigation by the Branch, Travis and North visit the ship to extract the data from the VDR. This usually involves downloading the data on to a laptop computer. They take on board with them an extraction kit that is able to cope with all variations from all manufacturers (illustrated right).North told SASI: "With this VDR data extraction kit and the specific manufacturer's extraction and replay software we are able to extract and replay any VDR and S-VDR data in the field." As they do this they have to follow evidence-handling procedures to ensure the data remain as pristine as possible, because the UK police and other bodies may also have a right to the information.