September 5, 2023 Orca Blog

Emergency puncture repair at sea

The sea can be unpredictable, and even with careful planning it's possible to find yourself in a tricky situation, such as a puncture of your RIB's inflatable bladder on the open sea.

Damage of this kind can be a stressful experience, but with the right measures and some basic repair knowledge, you can return to port safely.

Here are a few tips for emergency repairs in the event of a puncture at sea.

1. Stay calm

The first and most important thing to do is to stay calm. A flat tire can be stressful, but panicking will only make the situation worse. Take a deep breath, assess the situation and make sure everyone on board is safe.

2. Stop the boat

Once you've identified the puncture, turn off your boat's engine(s) to prevent further damage. You don't want the bladder to deflate any further.

3. Equip yourself properly

Make sure you and your passengers wear life jackets at all times. Safety is top priority. Next, prepare your emergency repair equipment, including an air bladder repair kit, patches, tools, and a hand pump. These items can be vital for making temporary repairs.

4. Locate the puncture

Find the source of the puncture by carefully inspecting the pneumatic tube. It could be caused by a splinter, a sharp object or even a tear. Once you've identified the damaged area, mark it for easier repair.

5. Prepare the surface

Clean the area around the puncture with seawater to remove any residual dirt, sand or salt. Make sure the area is completely dry before starting the repair.

6. Carry out temporary repair

Use the pneumatic bladder repair kit to make a temporary repair. Apply an adhesive patch or glue specially designed for air bladders to the damaged area. Be sure to smooth the patch to prevent air leakage.

7. Inflate the bladder

Once the patch is in place, use the hand pump to reinflate the pneumatic bladder to the recommended pressure. Check that the repair is holding and that there are no leaks.

8. Return safely to port

Once the temporary repair has been carried out, you can safely return to port. However, it is advisable to sail at reduced speed to minimize stress on the repaired bladder. Keep a constant eye on the bladder pressure to ensure that it remains well inflated during the journey.

9. Carry out permanent repairs

Once back in port, it's essential to have permanent repairs carried out by a professional. Temporary repairs are just a stop-gap measure to help you get home safely. An experienced technician will be able to diagnose the cause of the puncture and carry out permanent repairs.

Conclusion

A puncture at sea can be a stressful experience, but by following these tips and remaining calm, you can make temporary repairs and return safely to port. Safety must always be the number one priority, so make sure everyone on board is wearing a life jacket and follow the proper repair procedures.

To make temporary repairs even easier, we recommendexploring Orca Retail's range of repair fabrics. Specializing in repair fabrics for semi-rigid hypalon boats, our products are designed to offer durable and reliable solutions for your marine repair needs.