Condition monitoring

Condition monitoring is the continuous or periodic measurement of machinery health indicators, vibration spectra, lube-oil wear-metal content, bearing temperature, and performance trends, to detect deterioration and schedule work before failure. It is the basis of condition-based and predictive maintenance, replacing fixed calendar overhauls with intervention driven by measured state. On ships it underpins class condition-monitoring (CM) notations that can extend survey intervals when approved sensors and analysis demonstrate machinery condition. Techniques include vibration analysis, acoustic emission, oil analysis, thermography, and engine performance trending against shop-test baselines.