Most vessel IT failures do not happen suddenly. A server whose disk warnings were ignored, a UPS battery past its life, unlabelled cables — small signs accumulate until they become a failure at sea. Here are the seven preventive checks Ocean Connect performs on every onboard visit across 200+ managed vessels.
1. Servers and office PCs
- Check disk usage and SMART warnings, recurring errors in event logs, and Windows / antivirus update status.
- Plan replacement of ageing PCs before they fail — parts cannot be sourced mid-voyage.
2. Backup and restore tests
- A backup that is 'configured' is not the same as one that restores. Test an actual restore every quarter.
- Keep a recovery PE USB on board so that a crew member only has to plug it in for us to recover an unbootable PC remotely.
3. UPS batteries
- UPS batteries typically last 3–5 years. Check self-test results and manufacture dates, and measure real runtime under load.
- Confirm that bridge, server and satellite equipment are all behind a UPS.
4. Network equipment
- Check firmware, port status and temperature / fan warnings on switches, firewalls and routers.
- Keep cable labelling and the network diagram current — remote guidance only works if the crew can tell which port goes where.
5. Satellite and internet links
- Verify VSAT / STARLINK / LTE link status and failover behaviour, and review data usage trends.
- Inspect antenna, cabling and grounding, and look for repeated reconnects in router logs.
6. Security posture
- Confirm antivirus installation and updates, USB control policy, and that no unnecessary firewall rules are open.
- Check that signed-off crew accounts are removed and password policy is followed.
7. Remote-support readiness
- Verify RMM agent connectivity, responsiveness over low-bandwidth satellite links, and remote power control.
- With remote support in place most faults are solved without a visit.
Preventive maintenance is not a cost but insurance against delays. Contact us for integrated IT maintenance including scheduled onboard inspections, remote support and reporting.