The Role of PMS In Preventing Maritime Accidents

What is PMS?

A ship PMS or Planned Maintenance System software allows ship operators and owners to plan, conduct, and document vessel maintenance at pre-decided intervals per the manufacturer’s specifications. Further, you can manage and execute these tasks from a single screen. It aids in creating a system where you can find all the necessary information on the various ship components and details of how frequently they need to be repaired.

The main idea behind PMS software is to ensure that safe and reliable shipping operations are practiced in accordance with all applicable laws and the use of necessary equipment. An effective PMS implementation can be done in several ways. It depends largely on the size of the shipping firm, the vessel types they operate, and the complexity of implementing the PMS software in each of these vessels. The process follows a systematic approach, starting with constructing a full database of all hardware, machinery, and equipment based on the overall risk assessment.

In recent years, the global maritime industry has witnessed a considerable increase in environmental destruction, shipping accidents, and loss of life and property. The commercial shipping industry has been a major driving factor of these issues due to the prevalence of subpar operating standards. Due to unfair competition existing between the various maritime firms, companies rarely think twice before operating poorly maintained vessels in an effort to maintain their bottom line. These firms must comply with at least the bare minimum requirements so that both these unpleasant maritime accidents as well as the resultant losses can be reduced while also addressing the issue of unfair competition.

This is one of the main reasons why the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has decided to implement the International Safety Management (ISM) protocols to ensure safe and environment-friendly operations at sea. These compulsory guidelines have been a significant step forward in ensuring a fair and competitive environment for the maritime sector while preventing environmental damage, loss of life, and property. Ships failing to comply with these safety management system guidelines are prohibited from transporting cargo.

The PMS components commonly found in the best marine maintenance planning software are as follows:

•       Maintenance scheduling.
•       Maintenance history retention.
•       Defining rules for the automatic creation of future maintenance jobs.
•       Job planning facilitated by graphical interfaces.
•       Separate management of dry docking and workshop jobs.
•       Handling of accidents and unscheduled breakdowns.
•       Tracking critical equipment and spares.
•       Inventory management.
•       Tracking certificate expirations and generating appropriate alerts for timely renewal to avoid compliance issues.

Common Causes That Lead to Maritime Accidents

Thanks to better safety measures and technological advancements, the modern maritime industry is much safer than before. Nevertheless, maritime accidents remain all too common and result in loss of life and millions of dollars’ worth in damages. Be it uncontrollable natural disasters or merely a negligent vessel owner, there are many reasons why such incidents may occur.

Natural disasters and weather challenges

Any kind of natural disaster or rough storm can damage ships extensively, leading to maritime accidents. However, that is not to say that the managing company or vessel owner was in no way responsible for the incident. While a natural disaster may have been the original trigger of the accident, hiring incompetent supervisors can worsen the situation.

Non-compliance with safety regulations

Safety requirements vary from one type of vessel to another, so a cargo ship and passenger vessel will have totally different safety specifications. A vessel non-compliant with ship safety requirements is more likely to lead to a marine incident. A local fisherman’s boat can go without fire extinguishers, but this is not the case for a larger vessel. Some countries also permit the availability of fewer lifeboats onboard, though this can have a direct bearing on the number of survivors in an accident. At the end of the day, a vessel’s design should not compromise its seaworthiness in any way and put the crew’s lives at risk.

Negligent hiring of crew members

Human error is another major contributor to maritime accidents. A vessel employs a large number of individuals, each with a different set of skills, training, and social backgrounds. This often creates communication barriers for the crew onboard, which could lead to accidents. Failure to take these aspects into consideration when hiring the crew indicates negligence on the part of the shipping company or vessel owner and can have serious implications in the future.

Equipment failure

Perhaps the most common of all are maintenance-related accidents. Maritime equipment is usually strong enough to handle all the stresses vessels undergo on a voyage. However, the complexities involved with several moving parts can make maintenance a challenge. Problematic electronic systems and engine breakdowns are just some common equipment failures that lead to maritime accidents.

While in some cases, natural phenomena have been found to trigger failures, more often than not, they are caused by improper maintenance. Some of the most common driving factors include:

•       Equipment failure due to the absence of a constant and proper maintenance plan.
•       The absence of regular monitoring prevents issues from being detected and addressed before they lead to failure.
•       Lack of necessary protective gear and equipment for the crew.
•       Breakdown in communications and operating procedures regarding maintenance activities.

How Can an Effective PMS Implementation Help Prevent Accidents

There can be different forms of planned maintenance systems, but they work towards one ultimate goal: to help keep all equipment running smoothly and efficiently. From sophisticated tracking and predictive maintenance systems to simple maintenance schedules, this software can perform a wide range of tasks by collecting and analyzing data to provide useful, accurate information.

A safe and efficient ship is incomplete without a planned maintenance system, which is critical to ensuring all onboard systems are functioning normally and to identifying and fixing potential issues that could otherwise escalate into something serious. There have been frequent reports of ships crashing due to engine failures arising out of neglected maintenance. PMS software such as Shipmate is one way to overcome this issue.

The software also helps prevent maritime accidents and injuries on the ship and during a voyage by ensuring that all systems remain updated and functioning normally so that accidents, mechanical failures, and fire incidents can be reduced. This also goes a long way in helping save valuable time and money as the fleet can continue operating in a smooth and efficient manner, thereby benefiting both the customers and the shipping companies.

Best Practices for Effective PMS Implementation

Implementing a PMS for your shipping fleet requires meticulous planning and execution. Some of the best practices for PMS include following these steps in an orderly fashion.

•       Initial assessment: Start with a thorough initial assessment of where maintenance is needed on the vessel. Evaluate existing maintenance practices, identify gaps in the process, and understand specific requirements. A detailed assessment is required to choose the most suitable PMS option that is best aligned to your operational and regulatory compliance requirements.
•       Selecting the appropriate software: The next step is to select a suitable PMS software based on various factors such as vendor support, integration capabilities with existing systems, and ease of use. The software should be able to address all aspects of ship maintenance, from emergency repairs to routine checks.
•       Crew member training: A key part of planning effective ship maintenance strategies is providing adequate training for your crew members. This should cover all functionalities of the chosen software, along with continuous training and refresher courses, so that the crew can become proficient in using it.
•       Maintenance schedule setup: The last step is to set up a maintenance schedule, ensuring maintenance tasks are performed at regular intervals so that unexpected breakdowns can be prevented. This will help extend the life of the ship’s equipment and machinery.

Challenges With PMS Implementation

PMS software implementation comes with its fair share of challenges. Overcoming PMS issues is one of the most important requirements to ensure your vessel fleet can maximize the benefits of this software.

•       Resistance to change: Those accustomed to traditional ways of working may find PMS adoption disruptive and resist implementation. All stakeholders must communicate early to address any concerns and clearly highlight the benefits while assuring all the help and training to ease the transition process.
•       Data accuracy: Incomplete or inaccurate data can result in inefficient maintenance schedules and give rise to potential operational challenges. Establishing strict data validation protocols to ensure regular data updates and audits is an effective way of overcoming this challenge. Using machine learning algorithms and advanced data analytics also helps maintain data accuracy.
•       System integration: Seamless integration with existing systems is another considerable challenge. Most ships operate using legacy systems that may not always be compatible with modern PMS software. A thorough assessment can help identify the potential integration points so that the software can exist effectively alongside existing infrastructure.
•       Training requirements: Inadequate training may make it difficult for the crew to adopt new technology, resulting in possible resistance and suboptimal utilization. A comprehensive training program with hands-on workshops and e-learning modules can enhance the training experience and keep personnel well-prepared for all eventualities.

What Does the Future Hold for PMS In the Maritime Industry

With continuing evolutions in the maritime industry, significant changes are also expected for Planned Maintenance Systems (PMS) software developments. Some of the expected and likely maritime safety advancements are as follows:

•       Predictive maintenance: Leveraging data from various onboard sensors to anticipate potential equipment failure and take necessary steps to mitigate such safety concerns.
•       Internet of Things (IoT): Allows seamless connection of ship systems and components for real-time data exchange and monitoring to facilitate accurate and comprehensive diagnosis, resulting in improved maintenance planning and execution.
•       Data analytics: Big data is a powerful tool that allows fleet managers to understand equipment performance, operational trends, and maintenance needs better. By processing vast amounts of information, shipping companies can also identify possible patterns and anomalies that may not be so apparent otherwise, allowing for a more data-driven approach to decision-making.
•       Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): These can process large datasets at unprecedented speeds and accurately predict the need for maintenance, automate routine maintenance activities, and optimize inventories.

Conclusion

PMS systems have a bright future ahead of them, with remarkable advancements expected to be driven by transformative technological developments. These trends are expected to make shipping fleets more efficient and reliable while also paving the way for sustainable operations and innovations in the maritime industry.

If you are still unsure about the need for PMS software like Shipmate for your shipping business, talk to an expert today. At SBN, we have many years of experience in crafting custom solutions for the shipping industry. We can help you understand the importance of this software for your vessel operations while also identifying one that is best optimized for your operational requirements.