As well as specialising in extracting, processing, analysing and reconstructing accidents or “near-miss” incidents using client-supplied VDR, AIS and/or ECDIS data, we also undertake other complimentary services associated with marine navigation. These include:

• Assisting in sourcing commercially-available AIS datasets – in situations where VDR and/or ECDIS voyage recording data is unavailable, it may still be possible to recreate an accident/incident scenario using data purchased from commercial AIS data provider. We have established good working relationships with a number of such providers and can make enquiries on a client’s behalf as to the availability of data for specific vessels, in specific geographical areas, for specific dates and times.
• Enhancing VDR bridge audio and communications audio –  we can usually improve the quality of the audio data, in situations where the data has been contaminated with unwanted noise, through resampling and/or applying various filters to the original soundtracks to reduce or eliminate background interference.
• Transcribing VDR bridge and communications audio – we can transcribe audio soundtracks to paper with precise timestamps and generally identify the various speakers involved in a dialogue.
• Undertaking trend analysis – we can extract selected parameters  from the source datasets and plot them on one or more graphs to show how the parameter has changed with time e.g. heading, speed, engine orders and responses, water depths, alarms, etc.  A similar technique can also be used to identify (and eliminate) anomalies in the source data – click here to see an example of an anomaly with GPS data caused, we believe, from reflections of the GPS signals from parts of the ship’s structure.
• Bridge navigation audits – we can undertake a comprehensive navigation audit,  either in-situ or remotely, using relevant copies of bridge procedures, guidelines, work instruction and checklists from our client’s safety management manual, in conjunction with a copies of voyage plans and, ideally, copies of ECDIS voyage recording or VDR data.
• Expert witness – we can act as expert witnesses on a client’s behalf in cases where issues relating to navigational appraisal, planning execution and monitoring, bridge resource management, hydrographic surveying, nautical cartography, provision of maritime safety information (including notices to mariners and weather services) and provision of aids to navigation  are under consideration.