▋Operation & Maintenance- Liya 22FT patrol Grade RIB
Core Safety Philosophy and Operating Principles
The Liya 6.6m RIB you described is a high-performance professional tool. Its powerful engine (200-250HP) and mission-oriented design (low-visibility finish, configurable layout, bow impact protection) demand the highest level of operational discipline and safety awareness.
Core Operating Principles:
Mission-Focused, Risk-Averse Planning: Conduct a pre-departure mission briefing and risk assessment for every sortie. Define objectives, routes, sea states, weather, and contingency plans.
Professional Training, Certified Operation: Operators must hold relevant powerboat licenses and receive specialized training in high-speed RIB handling, adverse sea condition management, and emergency procedures.
Team Coordination, Clear Communication: All 12 personnel on board should understand basic safety protocols and their specific roles. Maintain clear, continuous communication between the helm, lookouts, and radio operator.
Equipment Readiness, Inspection First: Strictly adhere to a pre-launch checklist to ensure the vessel, engine, and all mission equipment are in 100% operational condition.
Safety Operating Procedures
Pre-Departure Checklist (Mandatory)
Before any mission, complete and log the following:
Hull and Tube System:
Hull: Inspect the fiberglass hull (paying attention to the low-visibility black coating) for cracks, impact damage, or deep scratches. Ensure all drain plugs are secured.
Tubes: Inspect based on your chosen solid or inflatable tube type. For inflatable tubes, use a pressure gauge to ensure they are within the manufacturer's specified range. Visually check all surfaces for cuts, abrasions, excessive UV degradation, or signs of leakage. For solid foam-filled tubes, inspect the outer skin for integrity and secure attachment to the hull.
Power and Control Systems:
Engine: Check fuel level (ensure extra reserve) and engine oil level. Verify the cooling water intake is clear.
Kill Cord (Engine Cut-Off Lanyard): This is critical. Ensure the emergency engine cut-off kill cord functions correctly. Before starting the engine, securely attach it to your wrist or life jacket.
Controls: Check steering, throttle, and gear controls for smooth operation without sticking. Inspect hydraulic steering systems for leaks.
Safety and Mission Equipment:
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs):
Ensure one properly fitted, serviceable, and standard-compliant life jacket is available for every person on board. It is strongly recommended and should be mandated that all personnel wear them while underway.
Mandatory Safety Gear:
Ensure at least the following are on board and functional: sufficient and valid fire extinguishers, a lifebuoy with a line, anchoring equipment with rode, visual distress signals (e.g., hand flares/smokes), a waterproof flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a manual or automatic bilge pump.
Communications and Navigation:
Test the VHF radio. Carry a backup handheld VHF. Check GPS/chart plotter. Strongly recommended to install and use an AIS (Class B) transponder for enhanced visibility in busy waters.
Mission Equipment:
Verify all mission-specific gear (e.g., comms, searchlights, storage) is properly secured.
Operational Practices Underway
Start-up and Departure: Start the engine in an open, well-ventilated area. Immediately after starting, check for normal cooling water discharge (tell-tale stream).
Speed and Lookout:
Always maintain a safe speed, especially in crowded areas, near shore (often subject to legal speed limits), or in poor visibility. Be constantly aware of your wake's impact on smaller craft, swimmers, or moored vessels.
Designate a dedicated lookout to work with the helm in maintaining a continuous 360-degree watch, paying special attention to swimmers, divers (marked by Alpha flag), and other small craft.
High-Speed and Maneuvering:
The RIB's deep-V hull provides good sea-keeping and stability at high speed. Accelerate smoothly to avoid excessive bow rise.
During high-speed turns, always warn all personnel to hold on firmly and lean into the turn to counter centrifugal force. Avoid excessively sharp maneuvers when fully loaded.
Narrow Channels and Rules of the Road:
Absolute Prohibitions:
Never operate the vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs that impair judgment. Alcohol distorts risk perception, affects balance, impairs judgment, and slows reaction time.
Emergency Procedures
Man Overboard (MOB):
Immediately shout "Man Overboard!" and assign a dedicated spotter to keep eyes on the person.
Quickly deploy a lifebuoy or buoyant aid toward the person.
Execute a controlled turn and approach the person slowly from downwind.
Shift the engine to neutral or shut it off well before making contact to prevent propeller injury.
Engine Failure/Loss of Control:
Immediately confirm if the kill cord was pulled, causing the engine to stop.
If the kill cord was not activated, attempt to cut fuel or ignition.
Immediately deploy a sea anchor (if carried) to prevent broaching, and use the VHF to issue a distress call.
Tube Deflation:
Reduce speed immediately and maintain a steady course.
For inflatable tubes, attempt a temporary repair using an emergency repair kit (which should be kept on board).
Be aware that boat stability may be affected. Operate with caution and return to port or call for assistance immediately.
Systematic Maintenance and Care Schedule
Proactive, systematic maintenance is key to ensuring the reliability, performance, and longevity of this professional RIB.
After Each Use / Routine Care
Thorough Rinse: Rinse the entire boat thoroughly with fresh water, including the hull, deck, engine (using a dedicated freshwater flush port), and tube surfaces to remove salt, sand, and debris.
Cleaning: Clean the fiberglass hull and deck with appropriate cleaners. For inflatable Hypalon tubes, use manufacturer-recommended cleaners. Avoid strong chemicals or petroleum-based products.
Inspection and Drying: Perform a quick visual check for new damage to the hull and tubes. Open all storage hatches to ventilate. Wipe down console instruments and ensure the interior is completely dry.
Periodic Professional Maintenance
(Recommended every 50-100 hours or monthly, based on use intensity)
Conduct detailed inspections and servicing of key systems. This includes a thorough check of the hull and tube integrity, focusing on the fiberglass below and near the waterline for gelcoat damage, and ensuring all bolts, rails, and cleats are tight. Professional inspection/upkeep of the specific tube type is essential.
For the engine, strictly follow the manufacturer's manual for tasks such as changing engine oil and filters, checking gear oil, and inspecting spark plugs and fuel filters. Also, assess the water pump's operation.
Inspect the propeller for damage, dings, or fishing line entanglement. Check steering, throttle, and shift control cables for smooth operation and wear, lubricating or replacing as necessary.
For electrical systems, check the battery's electrolyte levels, terminals, and security. Test all navigation lights, instruments, and the bilge pump. Clean all electrical connections.
Finally, verify the pressure and expiry date of fire extinguishers, inspect the condition of all PFDs, replace expired distress signals, and test the VHF and all communication equipment.
Annual / 300-Hour Major Service
Engine Major Service: Have an authorized service center perform this, including replacing all filters, gear oil, and spark plugs, inspecting and likely replacing the water pump impeller, and checking engine mounting bolt torques.
Hull Care: Professionally polish and wax the fiberglass hull. Check the wear on sacrificial anodes (if installed) and replace any that are more than 50% depleted.
Comprehensive System Check: Pressure-test hydraulic steering systems (if equipped) and bleed if necessary. Conduct insulation and continuity checks on all electrical wiring.
Long-Term Storage (e.g., over one month)
Engine: Perform complete engine winterization: add fuel stabilizer and run the engine, change the oil, and fog the cylinders with anti-corrosion oil.
Hull and Tubes: Clean and dry the boat and tubes completely. For inflatable tubes, apply a specialized UV protectant after cleaning and store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. They can be slightly deflated to relieve pressure but should retain their basic shape.
General Storage: Place the boat on proper supports, cover it with a breathable boat cover, and store it indoors if possible.
