OBJECTIVES OF PLANNED PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE (PPM)

Objectives:

• To maintain machinery in a safe, reliable and efficient operating condition.
• To prevent unexpected breakdowns and failures by servicing components at planned intervals.
• To extend the life of the machinery and reduce downtime.
• To reduce maintenance cost by carrying out maintenance in a planned, efficient manner (rather than emergency repairs).
• To ensure the machinery meets the survey/ regulatory requirements.
• To improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents.
• To optimise the use of spares, tools and manpower.
• To provide a record of maintenance for management and survey.

Areas where PPM can be applied effectively on ships:

• Main engine (overhauls, valve/ injector changes, bearing checks, turbocharger maintenance).
• Auxiliary engines/ generators.
• Pumps, compressors, purifiers, coolers, heat exchangers.
• Boilers and steam systems.
• Steering gear, deck machinery (cranes, winches, windlass).
• Refrigeration/ air conditioning systems.
• Electrical equipment (switchboards, motors, generators).
• Safety equipment (fire pumps, lifeboat/ rescue equipment, fire-fighting systems).
• Piping systems, valves and fittings.

How work planning and scheduling is carried out:

• The maintenance requirements are identified (from the maker's manual, running hours, condition monitoring, and survey requirements) and listed in a maintenance schedule/ plan.
• The work is planned: each job is broken down into tasks, with the required spares, tools, manpower, and time estimated.
• The work is scheduled: jobs are assigned to specific times (e.g. in port, at survey, or at set running-hour intervals) and to the available personnel, taking into account the vessel's operational programme.
• A maintenance record/ log is kept, and the work is carried out, recorded, and the schedule is updated.
• The planning and scheduling is coordinated by the Chief Engineer/ second engineer, using a planned maintenance system (PMS) (computer-based or manual).