What does the term "operational readiness" indicate for a ship?

The term "operational readiness" specifically refers to the condition of a ship in terms of its materials and systems being adequately prepared for operations. This encompasses a broad range of factors, including the functionality of equipment, the state of repairs, maintenance levels, and overall system performance. A ship that is deemed operationally ready has undergone all necessary checks and is equipped to respond effectively to missions and contingencies.

While the ability to embark on new missions, crew training on advanced combat systems, and the availability of sufficient supplies for prolonged missions are all important aspects of maritime operations, they are subsets of broader operational readiness. Specifically, a ship may possess sufficient supplies or have a trained crew, but if its materials and systems are not ready, it cannot effectively undertake operations. Therefore, the primary focus of operational readiness is on the preparedness of the ship itself in terms of its technical and mechanical status.