Running Hours Based Maintenance

Running Hours Based Maintenance is a preventive maintenance strategy where service and inspection intervals are determined by the number of hours an engine, pump, or piece of equipment has been in operation — rather than by fixed calendar dates.

This approach ensures that heavily used equipment is maintained at the right time, while underutilised equipment is not over-maintained unnecessarily.

Why running hours matter on vessels

Equipment on vessels operates under highly variable conditions. A vessel engine running 24/7 will require more frequent service than one used seasonally. Calendar-based schedules alone may lead to either under-maintenance (risk of failure) or over-maintenance (unnecessary cost and downtime).

Common equipment maintained by running hours

• Main engines and generators
• Pumps and compressors
• Hydraulic systems and steering gear
• Deck machinery
• Auxiliary equipment with hour meters

Requirements for effective running hours maintenance

• Accurate counter or hour meter readings logged regularly by crew
• Service tasks defined per hour interval (e.g., oil change every 500 hours)
• Automatic alerts generated when service thresholds are approaching
• Completed work recorded with actual running hours at time of service

How Premaster handles running hours maintenance

Premaster allows maintenance tasks to be scheduled based on running hours, date intervals, or a combination of both. Crew log meter readings directly in the system, and alerts are automatically generated when service thresholds approach — ensuring no critical maintenance task is missed.

Related: Maritime CMMS · Planned Maintenance System for Vessels

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