The ELIT-Marine NDR (Nautical Data Recorder), commonly referred to as a "black box", is a marine data recording device that stores the last 12 hours of navigation-related data. The system records data from its own built-in sensors as well as information available on the vessel's communication network (e.g. NMEA 2000). Optionally, it can also record video streams from IP cameras.
The NDR features its own impact detection sensor. It is equipped with a high-stability 200 Hz digital accelerometer and inclinometer, providing three-axis acceleration measurement, a gyroscope, two-axis inclination measurement, and Kalman filtering to reduce measurement noise and improve accuracy.
Recorded Data
Built-in sensors
- GPS/GNSS position
- Acceleration
- Inclination
- Impact intensity
Data acquired from the vessel's communication network (NMEA 2000, etc.)
- Vessel speed
- Heading (COG/Heading)
- Water depth
- Rudder angle
- Engine RPM(s)
- Throttle position*
- Wind direction
- Wind speed
- Engine oil pressure
- Engine coolant temperature
- Instantaneous fuel consumption*
- Total fuel consumption (e.g. per charter period or weekly)*
- Battery voltage
- Battery temperature
* Provided that the engine ECU makes these values available. In practice, these parameters are available in approximately 90% of installations.
Data Security
The NDR is housed in an IP69-rated enclosure. All recorded data is stored on SSD storage for maximum reliability.
The unit connects to the vessel's router via Ethernet and can be accessed through the onboard Wi-Fi network. Access is limited exclusively to data retrieval; recorded data cannot be modified.
Following an incident, the user can download data covering any selected time interval (for example, the 10 minutes before and after the event). These files can be uploaded to the ELIT-Marine cloud platform, where the vessel's route, wind conditions and all recorded parameters are synchronized and displayed as an animated replay.
This information can serve as valuable evidence during insurance investigations or official accident analyses.
If certain required parameters are not available on the vessel's communication network, another ELIT-Marine module can digitize analogue signals and transmit them onto the vessel's communication network.
Optional Display
The system can optionally be equipped with a dedicated display.
The display shows:
- the current status of the impact detection sensor;
- following a suspected collision, it offers playback of camera recordings from a user-selectable time interval before and after the incident (for example ±10–20 seconds).
The system is also capable of generating automatic reports, which can be forwarded automatically to a dispatch centre or fleet management system.
Remote Monitoring Functions
With a continuous Internet connection, the ELIT-Marine NDR provides:
- GPS tracking;
- complete remote vessel monitoring;
- configurable alarm thresholds (engine RPM, oil pressure, engine temperature, battery voltage, restricted areas, etc.);
- detection and logging of hull impacts exceeding those expected during normal wave action.
When a collision or significant impact occurs, the system records:
- event time;
- event location;
- impact severity;
and can automatically send notifications if required. For charter vessels, fuel consumption can be monitored and reported separately for each charter period.
Data Preservation in the Event of an Accident
The NDR enclosure withstands external pressures of up to 20 bar, corresponding to approximately 200 metres of water depth.
In the event of a serious accident resulting in the vessel sinking, the system continues transmitting data to the cloud until the onboard electrical systems cease operating. Consequently, even if the physical black box cannot be recovered, all transmitted data remains available for investigation.
Optional Wireless Sensors
The system can be expanded with wireless sensors, including:
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
- LPG (propane-butane) gas
- Smoke
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Door and window opening sensors