An Roinn Cosanta Óglaigh na hÉireann Department of Defence Defence Forces

3.3 Maintenance Management Systems

The Naval Service currently manages its maintenance through three IT systems.

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  Excel Spreadsheet System. This is the traditional or older system and consists of spreadsheets containing a planner, master plan, maintenance schedules, weekly/monthly routines and quarterly return reports. It is in use on six of the vessels.
  

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  Automated Maintenance on Ships (AMOS). This is an “off the shelf” computer based system running from a shore based database. It consists of software designed specifically for managing vessel maintenance. It differs from the Excel system in that the system is programmed with all information regarding maintenance of the machinery and the maintenance routines are automatically scheduled by the system. It is in use on two of the vessels.
  

• 
  EAM. The Naval Service is in the process of adopting a single computer based system similar in principle to the AMOS. Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) is a module of the MIF and is currently being rolled out on a phased basis to all units with maintenance requirements. It is anticipated that this will be the future system which will be used on all ships and units. Some of the added advantages are:
  

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  Linked to stores (will significantly improve planning and accountancy).
  
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  Run from a secure database via satellite (24hrs / 7 days availability to sea going units).
  
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  Can accommodate immediate and widespread update when required.
  
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  Greater accuracy in forecasting.
  
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  Handles all internal and inter unit works orders.
  
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  Allows for capture of time spent on maintenance tasks.
  
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  Greater capacity for trend analysis.
  

EAM has been rolled out on trial to one shore based unit (Diving section) and the first sea going unit (LE Aisling). It is anticipated that EAM will eventually replace the other two systems.

3.4 Maintenance Execution

Vessel Maintenance is carried out as follows:

3.4.1 By ship’s crew on patrol
A patrol is generally of 21 days duration. During that time, each department onboard the ship carries out hourly, daily, weekly and monthly maintenance routines PPM. The ship’s crew also continuously undertake UCM. In addition, they also complete any scheduled larger routines. Generally maintenance routines of up to and including 6 monthly, are carried out at sea on patrol. Larger maintenance routines are generally not performed, as this would involve taking equipment out of service for an extended time frame. There is also a risk factor in larger routines – e.g. if problems are discovered requiring extra parts, the equipment could be out of service for even longer. Main engine and generator maintenance (small to medium scale) is carried out at sea e.g. 100Hrs, 500Hrs, 1500Hrs. The careful management of alternate engine running routines and engine room practices allows for the deferral of major maintenance routines. Not all elements of major routines can be conducted at sea, so some of the jobs will be deferred to a more suitable time. The completion of maintenance at sea can be affected by factors such as weather and the operational profile of each vessel. Factors that can contribute to successful completion are scheduled down time e.g. vessel alongside port, or weather bound at anchor where duty watches are supplemented by key maintenance personnel who can conduct maintenance. Maintenance cover is maintained at all times on a 24hr basis.
3.4.2 Alongside Naval Base between patrols
During periods alongside in the Naval Base between patrols (periods of 16 days), maintenance as outlined above is conducted. Work that may have been deferred during an operational patrol is also undertaken. In addition to the “normal” working day, maintenance cover is supported on a 24hr basis by rostered duty watch personnel. Departments within the vessel will also use this time to request support from shore based departments who can provide extra personnel, in particular specialised trades, specialist equipment and specialist knowledge. In the main, this support is sought to reduce work back-logs, investigate and problem solve more complex failures and undertake UCM that may be beyond the vessel’s ability. Support is available from Naval Dockyard, WEU and FSG. The support levels are limited during standard periods between patrols, as ships on annual refit will command the majority of support resources. Civilian contractors may also be contracted in during this period for specific specialised work e.g. insulation work and accommodation outfitting.
3.4.3 During the annual refit period
Each ship is allocated an annual refit period of generally 28 days. Planning for the annual refit normally commences at six to nine months prior to the event. All large scale services/overhauls are scheduled to occur at this time. New equipment fit, major additions, alterations and accommodation upgrades also occur at this time. The majority of available resources from NDY, WEU and FSG are made available to the vessel during this period. The ship’s crew are also employed on maintenance during this period. Civilian contractors may also be contracted in during this period for specific specialised work.
3.4.4 During Dry Dock
Each ship is removed from the water every 30 months for a two week dry docking period. This allows work to be conducted on all underwater components of the vessel, which are unavailable under normal circumstances, and is planned in advance. A civilian ship repair facility is contracted to dock, carry out necessary works and undock the vessel. The work carried out by the contractor is supplemented by the ship’s crew.

3.5 Maintenance Management and the Maintenance Cycle

3.5.1 The Maintenance Cycle

Figure 3.1 outlines the key units involved in vessel maintenance and the maintenance management cycle. A draft maintenance plan is circulated by the Maintenance Management Section (MMS) – a sub-element of PIMM, to the various stakeholders and is considered in conjunction with the annual patrol plan.

Once agreed differing units have responsibility for implementing various elements of the plan. Typically each ships Mechanical Engineering Officer (MEO) is responsible for ensuring that PPM is conducted when required. Where available, FSG personnel can supplement the ships maintenance crew when alongside between patrols.
The Officer in Charge (OIC) of MENDY typically manages the Annual Re-fit project for each ship and the OIC of WEU manages ordnance upgrades and electronic upgrades as well as supplying staff for re-fit tasks.
The requisitioning of inventory for differing elements of maintenance is generally performed by the unit, which will perform the maintenance task that requires the inventory or equipment that is being requisitioned. The procurement of the item may be through Main Technical Stores or through the unit performing the maintenance task. Figure 3.1 below illustrates the Maintenance Management Cycle.

Figure 3.1 The Maintenance Management Cycle

3.5.2 Maintenance Management

Figure 3.2 highlights the differing levels of maintenance, the contribution that each unit makes to overall maintenance outputs and management responsibilities. There may be occasions when units perform levels of maintenance above or below those outlined, however, the figure is a useful guide to the roles of the differing units.

It is clear that although PPM is scheduled and monitored by MMS, the execution of maintenance is managed by a variety of stakeholders. Inventory is requisitioned by the various stakeholders as required.

Figure 3.2 Maintenance Management Overview

Maintenance Plan is produced by MMS Maintenance levels can be categorised by Technical Difficulty
Maintenance Level	L Technical Difficulty (Skills and Equipment / Facilities Required) Low evel 1	Level 2	L High evel 3
Maintenance Performed By	Ships Crew	Ships Crew FSG Dockyard Civilian Staff Outside contractors	Dockyard Civilian Staff Outside contractors
Maintenance Managed By	Ships MEO	Ships MEO Consultation with Dockyard / FSG / WEU managers.	Dockyard / WEU Consultation with Ships MEO
Maintenance Recorded by	Ships MEO	Ships MEO	Dockyard
Maintenance Centrally Recorded and Scheduled by	Maintenance Management Section

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