Welcome to CBMVibetech—a blog built by a technician, for technicians.
I’m John, founder of CBMVibetech, with over 30 years of experience in vibration analysis, condition-based maintenance (CBM), and reliability engineering. My journey began more than four decades ago as a marine engineering technician in the Royal Navy, where I built a strong foundation in mechanical systems and disciplined maintenance practices.
After leaving the Navy, I spent 18 years with a condition-based maintenance company supporting the offshore industry. During that time, I progressed through both BINDT VA and Mobius Institute’s certification programs—from Level 1 to Category IV, the highest qualification in vibration analysis. I also spent four years as a training manager, developing and delivering VA Level 1 and 2 courses, along with modules on balancing, alignment, RCA, and FMEA.
Eventually, I returned to my roots as a Mechanical Technician aboard an FPSO, later becoming Lead Mechanical Technician. Having worked offshore as a CBM Engineer, Technician, and Supervisor, I’ve seen firsthand the disconnect that often exists between CBM programs and the technicians expected to act on them. In my view, CBM offshore has never reached its full potential—often sidelined by reactive maintenance and firefighting.
💡 Why This Blog Exists
CBMVibetech is my effort to change that. This blog aims to:
- Break down the myths and misconceptions around vibration analysis
- Strip away unnecessary maths and jargon
- Present practical, technician-led insights that make CBM more accessible and effective
This is not a replacement for certified vibration analysis training—those qualifications are essential for accurate diagnosis. Instead, CBMVibetech is here to help technicians appreciate vibration as a powerful tool and to encourage closer collaboration between field technicians and analysts.
🔍 What You’ll Find Here
Whether you’re on the tools or behind the dashboard, this blog offers:
- Technician-led strategies for smart condition monitoring
- Practical workflows for vibration analysis and fault investigation
- Insights that bridge field experience with remote diagnostics
- Real-world examples that reduce downtime and improve reliability
- Case studies, checklists, and training resources for technician empowerment
CBMVibetech is built on the belief that predictive maintenance works best when technicians are informed, involved, and empowered. Let’s close the gap between data and action—together.