Maintenance Strategies

1. Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance involves scheduled inspections and tasks to prevent failures before they occur.
Frequency and Tasks
•    Daily:
o    Verify sensor data accuracy (radar, AIS, CCTV) and check for anomalies in vessel tracking.
o    Monitor system logs for errors or performance degradation.
o    Test communication systems (VHF, RF) for signal clarity and range.
o    Conduct visual inspections of workstations and HMIs for physical damage.
•    Weekly:
o    Calibrate sensors (radar, AIS) to ensure precise target detection and tracking.
o    Check network connectivity and data fusion processes for seamless integration.
o    Update software patches and verify cybersecurity measures (e.g., firewalls, intrusion detection).
o    Clean hardware components (servers, monitors) to prevent dust buildup.
•    Monthly:
o    Perform diagnostic tests on servers and HMIs to assess processing capacity and response times.
o    Inspect power supply systems, including UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and backup generators.
o    Review 3D visualization and PMIS integration for data accuracy.
o    Conduct operator training refreshers to ensure familiarity with system updates.
•    Quarterly:
o    Conduct full system audits to verify compliance with IALA and IMO standards.
o    Test redundancy systems (e.g., failover servers) to ensure resilience.
o    Inspect and maintain physical infrastructure (e.g., radar towers, CCTV mounts).
o    Analyze historical performance data to identify recurring issues.
•    Annually:
o    Perform comprehensive system overhauls, including hardware upgrades if necessary.
o    Conduct cybersecurity penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
o    Review and update maintenance schedules based on manufacturer recommendations and operational trends.
o    Document compliance with class societies (e.g., DNV) and submit reports to regulatory authorities.
Tools and Resources
•    VTMS software dashboards for real-time diagnostics and condition-based monitoring.
•    Manufacturer maintenance guidelines
•    Asset management software (e.g., ShipManager Technical, smartPAL) for tracking maintenance tasks and spare parts.
•    Durable asset tags (e.g., Metalphoto® Aluminum Signs) for equipment identification and maintenance logging.

2. Corrective Maintenance

Corrective maintenance addresses unexpected breakdowns or system failures to restore functionality.
Procedures
•    Issue Identification:
o    Use system alerts and operator feedback to detect failures (e.g., radar outage, AIS data loss).
o    Employ diagnostic tools to pinpoint the root cause (e.g., network failure, sensor malfunction).
•    Response Protocol:
o    Prioritize critical components (e.g., radar, AIS) to minimize impact on traffic management.
o    Deploy on-call technicians with access to spare parts inventory.
o    Log all corrective actions in the VTMS maintenance database for future reference.
•    Restoration:
o    Replace faulty components (e.g., sensors, servers) with pre-tested spares.
o    Reboot systems and verify functionality through end-to-end testing.
o    Update software or firmware if the issue is related to outdated versions.
•    Post-Maintenance:
o    Conduct a root cause analysis to prevent recurrence.
o    Update maintenance schedules to address identified weaknesses.
o    Document actions in compliance with ISM Code requirements.

3. Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance uses data analytics and condition monitoring to forecast potential failures.
Implementation
•    Data Collection:
o    Install sensors for real-time monitoring of hardware health (e.g., server temperature, radar signal strength).
•    Analysis:
o    Use predictive analytics to forecast component wear based on historical data and usage patterns.
o    Monitor key metrics (e.g., data latency, sensor accuracy) to identify degradation trends.
•    Action:
o    Schedule maintenance before predicted failures occur, minimizing unplanned downtime.
o    Maintain optimal spare parts inventory based on predictive forecasts.
•    Tools:
o    Business Intelligence (BI) reports for fleet-wide performance insights.
o    Condition-Based Maintenance Data (CBMD) dashboards for real-time decision-making.