Planned maintenance is a strategic approach which takes into account the periodic need for repair and upkeep onboard a ship, ensuring it is safe and seaworthy. Planned maintenance methods typically involve integrating the readings from different machineries and their run times, and scheduling mandatory maintenance checks.

In other words, planned maintenance is all about taking a proactive action to maintain a ship at operational capacity rather than a reactive approach. A planned maintenance system or PMS is an invaluable tool for modern shipping companies and operators who are required to operate their fleet safely, at increased efficiency, and keeping pace with the fast-changing regulatory landscape. 

In this blog, we will talk about some of the benefits of implementing a planned maintenance system. But before we get to that, let’s take a brief look at what a PMS actually is.

What is a Planned Maintenance System?

A planned maintenance system is a software which allows ship owners and operators to carry out the planned maintenance. It is designed to follow the maintenance as planned in intervals according to the requirements of the manufacturer and class/classification society. The best planned maintenance systems like Shipmate PMS are certified by international certification bodies like Bureau Veritas.

Top Advantages of Planned Maintenance System

  • Optimisation of Ship’s Utility

With a proper system in place and efficient software to manage it, the most obvious outcome would be an optimized ship utility. The effective implementation of planned maintenance using a good PMS ensures that the vessel is at its optimum condition, there is no unexpected downtime, the vessel equipment is well monitored for operability, thus, cutting the losses and increasing profit for the shipping company A good PMS is one that’s proven to produce accurate results and certified by a classification society. 

  • Daily Task Planning Becomes Easier

A PMS can help plan, structure and manage the daily jobs on a ship electronically. Based on the maintenance scheme, there are sets of rules which facilitate the automatic creation of jobs. A PMS also offers an interface to make job planning a lot easier.

  • Inventory Management 

Another added benefit of having a PMS is the inventory management that comes with it. 

An inventory management system linked to PMS increases its functionality and effectiveness. Every ship has a stock of spare parts. Keeping account of them helps utilize them efficiently and keep track of the critical spares and equipment. With a proper inventory that is in sync with the needs of the ship, there is optimum use of space as well.  

  • Improved Safety 

A ship that is not in its best condition is a hazard to itself and its crew. Protecting the crew and its equipment is a crucial aspect of ship maintenance. Oftentimes, injuries and hazards are caused by faulty equipment. When all the equipment within a ship is functioning properly there is a very low risk of unexpected incidents. 

  • Improved Communication 

A PMS system can make communication more effective between the ship and the shore. With an easy-to-use common user interface and office-vessel-office data transfer of data, there is more synchronicity. 

Final Words

A planned maintenance system is an effective way of carrying out maintenance tasks on a ship and ensuring it runs in proper condition. As mentioned above, it has many advantages from both operational and business standpoints. 

As one of the best planned maintenance systems, Shipmate PMS optimizes and automates ship maintenance, saving time, resources, and manpower. It is ideal for vessels of all types and sizes, so whether you are a small ship operator or a multinational fleet owner, you will benefit from the wide range of features Shipmate PMS offers. Learn more about our PMS or contact us to book a free demo.