September 5, 2023 Orca Blog

Emergency repair of a puncture 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 boat's inflatable bladder on the open sea.

Such damage 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 stay calm. A puncture can be stressful, but panicking will only make the situation worse. Take a deep breath, assess the situation and make sure all passengers on board are safe.

2. Stop the boat

Once you've identified the puncture, stop your boat's engine or engines to avoid further damage. You don't want the sausage to deflate any further.

3. Equip yourself properly

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

4. Locate the puncture

Find the source of the puncture by carefully inspecting the pneumatic tube. It can be caused by a splinter, a sharp object or even a tear. Once you have identified the damaged area, mark it to repair it more easily.

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 the temporary repair

Use the pneumatic bladder repair kit to perform a temporary repair. Apply an adhesive patch or an adhesive specially designed for pneumatic bladders to the damaged area. Make sure you smooth the patch to avoid air leaks.

7. Inflate the bladder

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

8. Return to port safely

After completing the temporary repair, you can consider returning to port safely. However, it is recommended to navigate at a reduced speed to minimise stress on the repaired flange. Keep a constant eye on the bladder pressure to make sure it stays 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 only a temporary solution to get you home safely. An experienced technician will be able to diagnose the cause of the puncture and carry out lasting 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 lifejacket and follow proper repair procedures.

To make your temporary puncture repairs at sea even easier, we recommend you explore Orca Retail's range of repair fabrics. Specialising in hypalon semi-rigid boat repair fabrics, our products are designed to offer durable and reliable solutions for your marine repair needs.