River Canal Rescue

RCR’s Engineer of the Year.

2012-02-01T10:40:00.004Z

Steve Hill and Aaron Forman have been awarded Engineer of the Year and Breakdown awards at River Canal Rescue’s recent AGM. Aaron, who attended over 350 breakdowns in 2011 throughout his area which covers from Birmingham to London and includes Bristol, also broke the record for most breakdowns attended.

Steve was presented the Award for Engineer of the year which is based on a points system and assesses on a number of qualities including the number of any complaints made, stock control, temperament and attitude amongst a number of criteria. Each award is held for the next year until they present it to the new winner. Pete Baker presented the engineer of the year award to the winner who wins use of the RCR 1P (RCR 1st place) number plate for the year as well as a cash prize, something which the two runners up also receive.

Stephanie Horton, RCR’s MD said that, “this award is a true reflection of the dedication of our engineers and the company to providing an excellent service for all our customers and the emphasis we place on the full package not just simply engineering skills.”

Pete Baker (r) presents Engineer of the Year award to Steve Hill

Aaron Forman with his award

Narrowboat Breakdown Guide

2011-11-01T12:21:00.003Z

Towergate Insurance, has, with the help of River Canal Rescue, listed the five most common narrowboat breakdowns and how to avoid them on their website. It's worth having a look as they could save you time and money.

Breakdown Guide from Towergate Insurance Marine and River Canal Rescue.

2011-10-25T11:27:00.000+01:00

Canal boat insurance provider, Towergate Insurance Marine, has joined forces with breakdown and recovery specialist, River Canal Rescue, to produce a Guide listing the five most common causes of emergency call-outs and how to avoid them.

Available online at www.towergateinsurance.co.uk (click on boat, then boat tips) and www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk (click on tips and advice), the Guide has been written in a bid to reduce the increasing number of people requiring rescue support.

From January to September this year, River Canal Rescue responded to 3000 call-outs, yet for the whole of 2010 it made 1900 rescue visits.

Last year, the top five call-outs were; fuel issues and contamination 25%, batteries and electrical malfunctions 23%, breaking cables 12%, over-heating/cooling system breakdown 10% and gearbox/drive plate failures 7%. These were closely followed by; problems with alternators 6%, fan belts 5%, propellers 4%, starters 4% and couplings 4%*.

As well as breakdown advice, the Guide offers general preventative maintenance and tool box contents tips, discusses how to solve problems before calling out a third-party and gives a word of warning about bio-diesel.

Towergate Insurance Marine Managing Director, Nigel Mills, comments: “Over a nine month period, it appears call-outs have shot up by 57%, so in line with our ethos to provide more than just insurance, we thought canal boat owners would find this Guide to be a useful reference tool.”

River Canal Rescue Managing Director, Stephanie Horton agrees: “Many callouts can be avoided by regular servicing/maintenance and learning about your engine. This Guide will act as a prompt; encouraging owners to develop routines that will really help to keep unnecessary costs to a minimum and ensure a holiday or break is not spoiled by an ill-timed breakdown."

Canal boat owners taking out a Fresh Waters policy with Towergate Insurance Marine can either purchase River Canal Rescue support at a discounted rate or opt for a higher level of policy cover and receive it automatically.

For further breakdown information visit either of the websites and for insurance advice call 0800 515629 or 01743 284664.

Winter lay up advice from Navigators & General.

2011-09-30T14:03:00.000+01:00

As we enter October owners may be turning their attention to where to winter their boats this year. With available hard standing reducing due to development over the years and costs rising, it is often sensible to make arrangements early. Navigators & General (N&G) offers the following advice to avoid the common claims.

Longer nights and tougher times financially always raise the risk of crime, theft of gear and equipment is N&G’s second most common claim. The UK has already seen a steady rise in the number of outboard motor thefts since 2009, and more recently well documented metal thefts. Sub zero temperatures can also cause thousands of pounds worth damage.

For all those reasons N&G advises owners to allow time to prepare their boats, seriously consider security, and be vigilant to minimise exposure to crime and damage.

It is very important not to let cover lapse over the winter period, as there are no days of grace in marine insurance so if you do not renew your policy in good time your cover lapses. Claims resulting from incidents such as theft, fire, vandalism, damage by vehicles, storm damage, frost damage, and much more besides are arguably more likely to occur during the longer nights and harsher weather.

If a trip by road is required, it is important to check that your policy provides this cover, If not, you will need to request an extension. N&G’s yacht & motorboat policy automatically includes transit for craft up to 30 feet, but not all policies will be the same. If the trailer has been left standing it should be thoroughly checked and serviced if necessary, there may be a policy condition that the trailer is kept in a roadworthy condition.

Removing sails, dodgers and canopies not only dramatically reduces windage, (one of the main reason boats blow over) but will significantly extend their life. Winter gales make short work of any fabric left on deck (especially furled headsails), and UV exposure with mould/mildew speeds their deterioration further. Why not use the opportunity to have them laundered and serviced, it will extend their lifespan considerably, and insurance policies do not generally cover sails, canopies or covers split by the wind

Once ashore removing all valuable equipment and leaving drawers or cupboards open should reduce the temptation to thieves. Any soft furnishings will fair far better in a warm dry environment and also further add to the impression that the boat has been stripped for the Winter.

Metal theft has made the headlines quite a bit this year, so owners may be more at risk this winter. Easily accessible brass or bronze propellers will make an attractive target, as will copper sheeting. If easily removable owners should do just that and store securely. It is not only the cost but the difficulty in matching the stolen part. If you cannot remove the vulnerable metal try to cover or disguise it and ensure you have the best possible security.

Outboard motor thefts have been steadily rising since 2009, so this is an area where owners really need to take action. If an engine can easily be removed do just that, and consider a service at the same time. If the engine is so large and so well secured as to be very hard to remove N&G suggests that you remove the engine cover (taking care to fit alternative weather protection) to deter thieves. Distributors and yards are suspicious about selling covers only for that very reason and it may be enough to prevent you being a target. Otherwise mark all separate engine components, fit the best possible anti theft devices and think very carefully about the security your boat has over the winter. Outboard thieves are not put off by the size of an engine and will cut them out of boats if the opportunity is there.

Remember to properly winterise engines and machinery and drain down water systems. An unexpected sharp drop in temperatures can catch boat owners unawares and result in engine blocks cracking, pipes or heating systems splitting or causing a problem that manifests itself for years after. Not all policies cover this type of claim and they can be particularly expensive. Yards or engineers should know how to winterise machinery on your boat, but don’t leave it too late.

Particular care should be taken if leaving battery chargers or de humidifiers running over the winter period. There have been a number of devastating fires on boats as a result of electrical faults on shore powered devices. Keeping your boat dry through the winter is the right thing to do, but you need to be sure that any de humidifier being used is well secured, has clean filters and adequate drainage facilities.

If you plan to have a heater running as well, be sure that you are not overloading the circuits and that you have the right sort of heater as this could significantly increase the risk of fire. Check with your local yard or boat surveyor to make sure. Concerned owners could consider temporarily mounting an automatic fire extinguisher next to such equipment

Remember that you should still check on the boat periodically or pay someone to do this for you. Winter maintenance is an essential part of boat ownership and necessary for enjoyable trouble free boating over throughout the season. It also prolongs the life of the boat and helps reduce depreciation. But following a few basic tips can help prevent a worthwhile exercise becoming a potential disaster.

Remove all expensive equipment such as radios, GPS, navigation and electronic equipment, TV’s, CD players etc and store them in a safe place.

Remove the outboard, tender and life-raft.

leave empty lockers and drawers ajar to ventilate and deter thieves

Drain down water and heating systems.
Have engines professionally winterised or ensure that you carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid frost damage.
Remove berth cushions to a dry environment.
Remove furled headsails, mainsails, covers, dodgers and spray hoods.
Take out halyards leaving a mouse line and thoroughly wash and check for wear.
Check all backstays for wear at top batten point.
Check all standing rigging for broken strands and rigging screws for wear.
Ensure the yard use cross bracing if using wooden shores, for extra safety.
Ensure that whilst ashore the trim of the craft is correct, to allow cockpit drains to be effective, and avoid rainwater building up on decks or within the craft.
Do not tie covers or tarpaulins to wooden shores or cross bracing.
Preferably use only close fitting covers, to avoid additional windage.
Place tie-on labels on the wheel and engine controls to remind you to check all skin fittings, impellers, seacocks and transducers prior to launching/starting the engine.
Disconnect batteries and leave them fully charged.
Do check the craft periodically during the winter months, unless you have made a specific arrangement for this to be done on your behalf. Do not assume that the rental of space will include this service.
avoid running fuel tanks too low due to risk of sucking dirt into filters or condensation in the tank space

Diesel bug and bio fuel.

2011-09-30T01:00:00.000+01:00

We've recently undertaken quiet a lot of research into the effects of diesel bug and bio fuels. The result has been published in Waterways World, as can be seen below.

Already three marinas have identified (independently) that there is an issue with the bio fuel and fuel set. All three report having several cases of emulsification following fuel set treatment where bio fuel had been added. The marinas have been given advice as to how to sort this problem out but it goes to prove that the problem exists.

Diesel Bug, Water Contamination and Bio Diesel

With the recent introduction of Bio Diesel the confusion surrounding what is best practise and how to deal with situations which are affecting more boaters has lead to RCR provide the following guidance.

Fuel Tank construction in boats

Fuel tanks in boats are usually constructed so that the outlet pipe for the fuel system is located approximately 1-2 inches above the bottom of the tank. The reason for this construction is two fold.

1) Most tanks are metal and therefore over time fuel /water/ air results in corrosion and rust build up, this debris drops to the bottom of the tank and remains there.

2) The water which is present due to condensation and water ingress in the fuel tank naturally separates out and drops to the bottom of the tank when left to stand.

In both these cases the outlet pipe position ensures that neither water nor debris is passed though the fuel system providing protection from these types of issues.

The easiest method to identify how much fuel/water is in your tank is to use a clear plastic hose, drop this in to the tank being careful not to disturb the fuel , and when you feel the bottom place your thumb over the end to seal it and withdraw the hose. This should provide you with a sample of the tank and will show the amount of water present, along with an indication of any diesel bug contamination.

We recommend that you :-

Dip your tank regularly and where water is present remove it, this can be done simply and cheaply using an oil extractor or electric pump, by pushing the pipe down to the layer of water and extracting water until the diesel comes though. Alternatively visit one of the Marina’s who offer a fuel polishing service.
Regularly check your filler cap seal and replace if worn, cracked or damaged. Also if it has been raining the cap sits lower than the deck so wipe over to remove excess water before opening the cap.
If you have a water trap filter, check and empty regularly, so that it is effective.
Either leave the tank empty during winterisation and remove any water on your return, or leave the tank full and treated.

The advice above will combat both diesel bug and Bio diesel issues and water contamination removing almost all risks without the need to treat the fuel.

Water in Diesel

All diesels contains some element of water. Water content in diesel makes the diesel murky or cloudy and can be the first indication of an issue.

However when diesel is standing this water separates naturally (around 800ppm 0.08%) and as it is heavier than diesel it eventually drops to the bottom tank. This is why many commercial storage tanks have taps at the bottom to drain off the water.

Water in fuel is acceptable in small amounts and has been known to improve performance when in quantities of up to 1200ppm (0.12% volume), however there is a risk that too much water (greater than 1500ppm (0.15%) will result in the water lying un-burnt in the combustion chamber and affecting the operation of the pistons, valves, liners, ect by destroying the lubrication properties of fuel

In addition, too much water in the fuel can cause issues even before this point, as the injectors pressurise the diesel to turn it in to a fine spray, if there is too much water present in diesel then emulsification occurs and the white creamy solution that results will stop you in your tracks.

What is Diesel Bug

Diesel bug is the term given to the enzymes, bacteria etc that live of the water in diesel and affect the diesel properties, and there are over 148 different types identified so far. The first signs of fuel degradation are a fine black dust that is regularly described as soot, a very strong smell of varnish coming from the fuel tank and the fuel turning darker.

Visible sludge and other lesser known variations of diesel bug that can show as yellow/orange or pale debris floating in the diesel is an indicator of severe or high risk contamination and should be treated as soon as possible.

Extreme cases see this develop in to a thick black sludge that quickly clogs up the fuel system and stops the engine operating.

Bio Diesel & Low Sulphur Fuels NEW EU Directive

The introduction of the new rules relating to supply of diesel for recreational boats has stipulated that from 2011 it is an offence to sell diesel that contains more than 10mg of sulphur per kilogram of diesel, this effectively makes the fuel virtually ‘sulphur free’.

Diesel which is low in sulphur can cause issues with rubber and plastic components in the fuel system because is contains less lubricants, and eventually this lack of lubrication can result in faster degradation of these components, resulting in fuel pump and seal failures.

To accomplish the low sulphur content many suppliers have opted to incorporate Bio Diesel, (when biodiesel is blended, fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) are added to the mineral diesel) the recommended maximum is 7% although this will rise to 12% in 2012. The previous level was 5% and the new increase has resulted agricultural users seeing a fast rise in both diesel bug contamination and fuel blockage issues. This has been attributed to the fact that Bio diesel absorbs ‘free’ water, and this is what diesel bug requires to live on, but it can also result in emulsification of the diesel if too much water is absorbed.

Bio diesel only has a shelf life of approx 6months, put it in a marine environment and this half’s and if microbes like diesel bug are present it half’s again, potentially you may only get a few months shelf life!

*100% true bio fuel ie biodiesel produced strictly according to EN14214 standards does not tend to suffer the issues identified above and is a true green alternative which has many other benefits not seen with bio diesel mixtures.

Treatments

The treatments on the market at present have concentrated on two issues, removing water from the diesel and killing diesel bug. There are many different products on the market but these can be split into Biocides and Enzyme based products. Each tackles the issue in different ways.

With any treatment; it is important to ensure that the product is mixed with the fuel evenly, and therefore treat before filling up, or alternatively give the tank a stir to ensure that the product is effective. If using enzymes it is important not to overdose as this can result in excessive water retention in the diesel.

Biocides

These are chemically produced products designed to deal with specific issues. They can be used as a one off to treat diesel contamination (diesel bug killer), or dosed to prevent contamination occurring. These include products like M16 Diesel Bug, Grotamar, Yachtcon, Kathon, In general they contain biocide to kill micro bacterial contamination and inhibit further growth of micro bacteria. In some products they include demulsifies to separate out the water from the diesel , and lock in the dead bug ‘bodies’ in the fuel so that they are burnt in the combustions cycle, effectively removing the ‘sludge’.

Biocides are toxic and therefore should be treated with care and applied strictly according to the supplied instructions. When treating for fuel contamination then it is always advisable to change your filter and remove any water form the tank and water separator. However please ensure that the water is disposed of in accordance to the EU Biocide Directive.

There are many worries relating to bugs building an ‘immunity’ to these biocides, however in reality as all bugs are destroyed rather than treated, the analogy with antibiotics is not applicable.

Enzyme and Natural Emulsifier Products

These products are generally environmentally safe and are based on a combination of manmade enzymes and plant extracts, they tackle the issue by distributing and locking the water in to the fuel so that it can be burnt during the combustion cycle, by removing the water they remove the food for the diesel bug. If dosed correctly then the maximum water absorption should be in the region of 900ppm (0.09%) for the natural emulsifier products, which is safe; however if overdose this can raise to 2500ppm resulting in diesel turning milky. These include products like FuelSet, Fortron, Soltron and Starbrite. The other group of enzyme based products use Kerosene as a carrier and while this restrict the ability to absorb water kerosene has a much higher wax content. Overdosing with these types of products can lead to change in fuels ability to combust quick enough and cause injector damage.

Some enzyme based products are temperature and UV sensitive and this can cause them deteriorated or stop working effectively if subject to extreme temperature variations and if they are not stored properly. They are not suitable for treating severe diesel bug contamination and are only effective as a preventative maintenance solution. Overdosing is the biggest risk with these products.

Emulsification of Diesel

Too much water in the diesel can cause emulsification, this is seen at the filters or more commonly at the injectors as the fuel is put under pressure. Emulsification of diesel at the injectors due to water content has only recently become an issue and RCR in the past 2 months have attended nine boats where 20-40ltrs of bio diesel has been added to the fuel tank, in some cases these vessels have been using regular treatments of enzyme based products. Initially we were unable to resolve and the first three boats had to have the whole system cleaned and flushed, although in one case the diesel destroyed the seals in the fuel polisher, and resulted in over 200ltrs of fuel being lost!

To combat this issue we have had to develop a new strategy and after a number of test cases we now use biocide treatments to separate out the water from the diesel whilst in the tank, although because of the complex nature of the mixture this can take up to 48hrs to accomplish. Following this the fuel system is cleaned right though to the return pipes, and the water drained off from the fuel tank to remove the risk of the water being absorbed in the future.

So what treatment should you use:

RCR attends hundreds of contamination issues each year and therefore we have had to ensure that the product we use provides instant results and stops these problems from reoccurring, and for this reason we favour the Biocide treatments. Enzyme based products are effective and useful when there is only a small amount of water content but too much and you run the risk of not removing it or overdosing and locking to much water in to the diesel.

Another reason for favouring the biocide treatment is with the new introduction of Bio diesel and rise in cases of emulsification at the injectors, we believe enzyme products can compound the problem of water absorption.

RCR use Marine 16 products and recommend the use of Diesel Fuel complete as a regular treatment. However the most important message to get across is to regularly check your tank for water and if found remove it, doing this will reduce the risk of water contamination and diesel bug irrelevant of which product you choose to use.

Written by

Stephanie Horton BEng Hons CEng MIET

MD of River Canal Rescue

Acknowledgment:- David White of M16, Ian Roos of FuelQC, and background support from David Fletcher NABO chairman, EU Directive, Tony Brooks training notes

Busy summer for RCR.

2011-09-21T12:45:00.002+01:00

Summer 2011 may not have been the sunniest on record but for River Canal Rescue it’s certainly been the busiest.

Over the period from March to the end of August 2011 RCR received 40% more calls than over the same period last year. This increase in demand underlined RCR’s recent recruitment drive which saw two more engineers out on the road. Despite this the company are still looking for another engineer to cover London and the K&A, and with boat traffic expected to increase in the area on the run up to the 2012 Olympics, the new member of the team could be busy .

During the 2011 summer season over 200 calls were made for cable problems, 180 battery related and 125 were fuel problems (including running out of fuel all together). It’s felt that one of the reasons for boater experiencing problems this year is the economic situation. With money being in short supply it’s thought that an increasing number of boaters are skipping their boats regular service. In addition with many people opting to take a boat holiday rather than go abroad, if the vessel has not been used regularly the essential repairs may have been overlooked with the result that more boats are experiencing breaking down. With boatyards reporting an increase in “repair rather than replace” jobs it could well be the case that boaters are cutting back.

In these harsh economic times it’s easy to see why this happens but as RCR’s MD, Stephanie Horton commented recently, “it really is false economy to cut back on servicing and repairs, and as has happened in a number of cases, can result in a serious accident or damage when something fails at a critical time” Stephanie added, “we are always looking for ways to help our member deal with some of the simpler issues and we have produced a Breakdown Advice sheet which can help owners identify and sort our many simple problems, so if anyone would like a copy please drop us a line at enquiries@rivercanalrescue.co.uk and we’ll happily send you a copy.”

With prevention always being better than a cure it’s worth dropping RCR a line to pick up a copy of the advice sheet or for more information on RCR’s range of services visit their website at www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk

RCR lends a hand with the Stafford Riverway Link.

2011-08-22T12:16:00.000+01:00

For 10 years River Canal Rescue have been based in Stafford, a short distance from the Staffs and Worcester canal so it’s not surprising that the company have got involved in the project to restore The Stafford Riverway Link. The SRL is the new name for the former Stafford Branch Canal or River Sow Navigation which formerly linked the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal at Baswich with the town centre of Stafford. The restoration project aims to rebuild this link for community benefit.

This link consisted of a short section of canal branching off the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal near St Thomas Bridge 101 leading via a basin and an aqueduct over a drainage channel into a lock down into the River Sow. From here the river course was straightened and made navigable for 1½ miles to its terminus at a basin near Green Bridge in Stafford.

The Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal opened in 1772 passing within I½ miles of Stafford but on the other side of the river. Despite this the first fixed link with the town was not made until 1805 when a horse tramroad was opened running from a basin and warehouses at Radford Bank. Coal was carried from the canal together with other goods but its limited capacity meant it was not a great success and it closed in about 1814. This was replaced in 1816 by the River Sow Navigation which was constructed privately.

To this day the route can still be walked on riverside footpaths and doing so you can see the potential value of its restoration to boaters and for trade and tourism in Stafford is. This was part of the reason why RCR decided to help to promote the project by supporting the project though the production of posters to promote the charities aims, and also the construction of a post at the proposed junction to highlight to boaters and walkers where the new canals route. This, it is hoped, will improve visibility of the charity and its aims.

For more information see the Stafford Riverway Link website: www.stafford-riverway-link.co.uk and for more information on River Canal Rescue visit www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk

Two new engineers join the RCR team.

2011-08-16T12:07:00.000+01:00

Two new engineers have been recruited to the RCR field engineers team help meet the increasing demands for canal side assistance.

Steve Hill, has been a mechanical fitter and brings over 20yrs of experience to his role with RCR. His knowledge on petrol and diesel engines and his ability to use true engineering skills to deal with problems, rather than just 'fit new parts', makes him ideal for the job. His happy and cheerful outgoing personality has already made him one of the new favourites for members in Fens and Midlands which are his main areas.

Tom Walker has already completed a college course in mechanicals and has been using his skills in a number of related environments. He's shown an aptitude for the marine environment and has the right attitude when dealing with people. Tom was selected form a number of candidates as our new apprentice and although he will be going thought the same training and college courses during his apprenticeship, there will be an opportunity for him to complete early because of his past experience. To date he is already showing that he has the skills and attitude to make a first class RCR engineer.

Title: 10 years on, and they said it would never last!

2011-08-16T10:52:00.001+01:00

The following editorial was published in Canals, Rivers + Boats magazine Sept' 2011.

2011 is a particularly special anniversary for River Canal Rescue as it sees the company reach a significant milestone - their 10th year in business. It was back in 2001 that Trevor Forman (CEO) and Stephanie Horton (MD) began the business, the name of which came to Trevor during a dream. It was this reoccurring dream, of a business that provided a breakdown service for boaters, that provided the inspiration for the couple, who both have engineering backgrounds, to start the business with Christopher Barnett.

From the outset the business the couple always aimed for was to provide nationwide coverage so being based in Stafford - where the company are still based - seemed logical given it’s central location and easy access both north and south. Despite this it was a big ask as to begin with the company consisted of just the three of them to cover all the calls. After the first year more engineers joined the business and since that time the network of people on the road has grown at a rate of 500 members per new engineer.

It would seem that, as with all new ventures (especially ones that do something very different) that the trade were “skeptical”. Stephanie particularly remembers their first shows where they were seen as outsiders and at which they were regularly met with comments like “it will never work'' and “its been tried before”. She remembers that “not many people would have anything to do with us” but it was the Marine Engine Services guys who, in her words “were the first to hold out the hands of friendship.”

Ten years on, and with 15 engineers now on the road, many of those first customers are still with RCR. As a special celebration 10 of the earliest members were given a free membership as a thank you for being loyal members. Some of the glowing comments RCR receive from members show that the service is well respected and a much needed part of boating life.

“We, as members for quite a few years, would like to say that you give the best possible service to boaters. Over the years you have given us excellent service and the increase in price is not a problem. You are well worth every penny, it is a small price to pay for your great service and the peace of mind it brings. We use every possible opportunity to recommend you to anyone without your service. My wife and I wish you continued success in your venture for many years to come.” Mr Suter Gold

“We were delighted with the speed and the attention to our welfare that RCR gave including the follow-up call to ensure everything was working satisfactorily.” Mr Ballard Bronze

“It was most reassuring to have someone that knew what he was doing to come and get us going and to give us advice for the future care of our engine/electrics.” Narrowboat Anne Rose

“The young engineer who responded was superb! He was polite, friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. He made a temporary fix and arranged the wiring so that the fault could not occur again accidentally. I was delighted with the service from all of you and would appreciate my comments being passed on to the relevant staff. Thank you again.” Mr Geistiger Bronze

These 15 engineers are kept busy covering their own areas, some of which can have a radius of up to 100 miles. Naturally they are located in areas with the highest population of boats so the Midlands is home to a number of engineers but RCR say they have people located all over the UK. These 15 people attended approximately 300 calls each with only 400 calls being passed to contractors to cover jobs the RCR team just couldn’t get to.

When talking to a company like this you have to ask the question, “what is the most unusual job you’ve had to deal with? And in this case the reply was that “the list is endless, and sometimes gruesome if we include what has been found on props!” It would seem that anything from human parts to bouncy castles, cars, matresses have all caused problems and ended up around propellers. Stephanie went on to add, “we once found the reason for an overheating engine was due to a fish in the cooling system, we have attended engines that have been installed by a DIY'er and don't have any method of changing fan belts and one which had a fan belt 2 mtrs long - not something we carry as standard! A ford Anglia engine with the gearbox and clutch still attached...yes you put it in gear just alike a car! A call-out for lost drive only to discover that the gearbox had been stolen, as well as some additional chosen items.”

Despite all this the reasons for the calls hasn’t changed much over the years. Stephaine told us that, “we always see a peak in blocked filters, and fuel contamination and pipes leaking as the season starts, (or people begin their cruise) there are cables, alternator failures, gearbox seals, coupling failures, split pipes, battery & electrical issues that pop up all the time.”

So what of the future for this family business that is proud of it’s ethos of going that extra mile for it’s customers? Well more recently the company have set up Canal Contracting to cover the areas that normal RCR membership doesn’t. The idea being to provide boaters with that bit more peace of mind. As membership numbers increase the team will also need to expand and much of this comes from it’s own apprenticeship program (one they are proud to say is the only one in the marine industry that isn’t based on the coast). The bottom line would seem to be that they aim to take the worry out of boating.

To this end RCR has now developed their membership to include the costs of major components though there Replacement Parts Cover. This means that should a major component like a gearbox, coupling, starter motor, alternator etc fail then the cost of the part and any additional labour is now all covered by the annual membership fee. “We truly believe that this innovative development will really assist boaters in taking away the worry and stress that unexpected costs from a breakdown can cause. We know how many of these types of breakdowns occur each year and therefore we know that it adds real value for our members to have the piece of mind this new cover provides”

Stephanie's own words “take being the 4th emergency service as part of our remit.” She added that “they are proud of our Investors in people award and ISO 9000 status as only a hand few of companies on the inland waterways have achieved this.” Here’s to the next 10 years!

ABC and RCR team up for training.

2011-07-19T11:41:00.000+01:00

Two market leaders have teamed up to provide staff with 12v electrical systems training. ABC Leisure Group, the UK market leader in narrowboat hire and inland marina and waterways services, along with River Canal Rescue (RCR) who provide marine breakdown cover, trained over 30 of their engineers during March.

The training took place at Alvechurch Marina’s new dedicated training facility using 3 engine test rigs provided by RCR and their trainer, Tony Brookes. Tony is a well known technical advisor for the waterways press.

“On this occasion the training was for our staff and feedback has been extremely positive”, commented ABC’s Managing Director, Edward Helps.

“It’s our intention to open the courses up to private boaters shortly. So that they can also benefit from this training.”

ABC's staff undergoing training from RCR's Tony Brookes.

A pipe may do something for a man, but nothing for a boat!

2011-05-20T14:07:00.000+01:00

On the 13 May (Friday the 13th May!!) RCR engineer Pete Baker (our Midlands engineer) was called to Headwind, owned by Peter Daleman. Peter's boat had lost power and something was wrapped around the prop. The boat was on the Stratford canal and as a result of the engineers investigations it was found that approx 50 mtrs of rubber piping had got tangled around the prop.

It took Pete a number hours to remove it as there was no easy access via the weed hatch. As a result he had to climb under the boards to get access to weed hatch cover and, laying horizontally, reach into the weed hatch retrieve the rubber and feed it though the hatch, past himself and into the boat.

The boats owner had already managed to clear half of the pipe but the rest was down to Pete. The only question remaining is, how did it get there? Oh! and who's Pete's little helper?

Canal Contracting.

2011-05-03T20:07:00.000+01:00

Canal Contracting is a company that was set up by River Canal Rescue to provide all the services that RCR don’t - it’s a simple a concept as that. The thinking behind it being that by using the team behind RCR a customer can be assured of a first class service and the right person carrying out the work needed and using the correct spares etc.

Having work carried out on your boat can provide it’s own headaches - who is best qualified to carry out the work safely, where do I get the right spares and, importantly, will the work be guaranteed? Even if these questions are answered there is always the issue of the time it takes to organise all this and to ensure it all happens at the right place at the right time. However now that Canal Contracting is in place all of these questions can be answered by making one phone call. By giving CC a call and providing them with all the details of what work you want carried out they can provide you with a no obligation quotation to supply and organise and arrange all the work needed, be that an engine replacement, a new battery management system or plumbing. The work is done at a time to suit you and it’s all guaranteed.

But it’s one thing to put this service in place, it’s quite another for it all to work and for customers to be happy with the service they’ve had, so we’ve asked a few of the customers who’ve already used the service for their feedback.

Once such customer was Mr Stuart of Scotland who’s 18 year old 33ft boat normally moored in Edinburgh, needed some upgrading. A new battery management system and a new fridge-freezer were needed but finding a contractor and supplier in Scotland isn’t easy. Canal craft of this type are fewer in number on the lowland canals and as a result so too are the engineers. However as Mr Stuart said a call to Canal Contracting “took all the pressure off me”. He went on to describe the service as “absolutely fantastic” and very much took Paul at his word when he said “leave it with me” as up until that point the job of finding a contractor had been far from easy. Having had all the work completed he can only describe himself as “delighted”.

Another satisfied customer is Barry Lewis who describes himself as “very pleased with the service” He goes on to say that using CC “has made my life easier, and when work has been required it has taken the hassle out of finding someone.” To underline his satisfaction with the service he’s had Barry has recommended Canal Contracting and River Canal Rescue to a number of boaters” to which all either company can say is ‘thanks very much!’

So it would seem that the concept of Canal Contracting is not only proving to be of interest to a growing number of boaters but (and more importantly) it’s proving to be of great value too.

For more information on Canal Contracting visit the River Canal Rescue website and click on the Canal Contracting link at www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk

Boat Shed teams up with RCR.

2011-05-03T20:03:00.000+01:00

If you’ve ever looked for a boat on the internet you can’t fail to have noticed Boat Shed, the highly successful online brokerage and sales site. So when it came to deciding who to work along side Boat Shed was an obvious choice. RCR recognised that customers, who wanted to sell their boat, wanted a service that was quick and easy and didn’t involve moving their boat to a new location. And above all, in these difficult financial times, they need a service that is good value for money.

The result is a new boat sales service that offers a full-brokerage service with a No Sale, No Fee policy and one that allows you to list your boat elsewhere as well! Some of the key features of the new service include a specialisation in Inland waterways second hand boats. Up to 80 detailed photos to go with a comprehensive write up with full information about your boat. Placement on our the new RCR Boat Sales Web Site and listing on over 60 other boat sales web sites.

As part of this new service River Canal Rescue will supply a free two months of cover on all boats sold (terms & conditions apply). It’s also worth noting that if you are already a RCR member you can transfer your RCR membership to the new owner, providing them with a little more security when they buy, alternatively you can move it to your new vessel when you find the right boat.

So now you can buy and sell a boat using RCR and Boat Shed’s new service and provide both you and your customer with the security of an RCR membership. In today’s tough market place this has to be a major advantage.

To visit the new website go to the RCR website at www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk and click on Boat Sales.

More dramatic rescues for RCR.

2011-03-12T16:32:00.003Z

River Canal Rescue have been involved in yet more dramatic rescues recently. To start with the owner of a 43ft boat called for help after getting caught by the current whilst turning. As a result he ended up wedged sideways on to a bridge on the Avon at Eckington Br. West Midlands Fire and Rescue rescued the crew but by the time they got the crew off the boat the water was lapping at the gunwale.

RCR scrambled the rescue team who arrived on site approx 3.30 together with a contractor who had a Land Rover which was attached to the boat. However, unfortunately every time they tried to pull the boat against the current it started to drag the Land Rover back. So back up was called in from York which arrived at 6pm together with other team members.

The boat stern was grounded on the far bank, with it’s bow wedged against the bridge by the force of the river water (which was in flood) resulting in the boat being at a 30 degree angle. The decision was taken to attempt the rescue in two stages so, with a safely line to the bridge and two engineers on-board, the first stage began. This was to pull the boat by the stern towards the opposite bank using a line which was rigged to the Land Rover. After a number of attempts the boat was beached bow first on to the opposite shore with it’s stern wedged against the bridge.

The second stage was to reposition the Land Rover and with a shorter rope swing the stern away for the centre of the river towards the shore and use the engine power to reverse the boat to the small jetty. During a number of attempts the rope snapped, not helped by operating in the dark, the engineers knew that time was now of the essence as the boat was in serious danger of capsizing. Due to the angle it had been sitting at for several hours the outlets had been under water and as a result water had been pouring in and filing up the boat. Finally using the engine power and the Land Rover the boat was finally dragged around and secured to the jetty.

Onboard the bilges were working overtime and loosing the battle to keep the boat afloat, more bridge pumps were installed but the water was still rising. A quick decision was taken and in order to right the listing boat all personnel had to get onboard on the opposite side and use there combined weight to even the boat and lift the submerged outlets clear of the river. A small winch was rigged up to the shore to try and keep the boat level, and after two hours of pumping the boat was finally level, free of water and safe.

At 4.30 the following day RCR received another call from a 57ft boat unbelievably in the exact same location but wedged horizontally against the bridge. The only access via boat or a ladder from the bridge. RCR alerted the rescue services to remove the boaters from the vessel for their own safety. When the engineers arrived on site at approximately 6pm they set to work assessing the situation and preparing for the rescue. The boaters were looked after by the St Johns ambulance team who had been contacted by the fire brigade after RCR explined that the rescue could take several hours. The rescue team having undertaken a rescue the previous day were quickly at work and by following the same procedure - pulling the boat backwards and using the engine power to reverse the boat they got it onto the jetty. The boaters from the previous rescue were still moored up on the jetty waiting for the river waters to recede, and this has to be moved up to make space for the second boat!

It’s worth noting that RCR charges for rescues but over the last year they have rescued 12 boats from critical situations which would have resulted in capsizing or loss of the whole boat. Stephanie Horton MD said “It’s also worth noting that from an insurance point of view a boater must undertake as many measures as possible to mitigate loss or potential loss, and that generally charges for recovery, lifting and rescue of a boat from these dangerous situations are covered by your insurance policies, however taking unnecessary risks can invalidate your insurance claim, so always assess if venturing out on to a river in flood is a sensible action; if your jorney can be avoided then don’t risk it”.

A minimum of three engineers would be dispatched for all rescue activities and RCR’s thanks go to engineers, Trevor Forman for both, Kerry Horton for both, Pete Baker for both, Pete Barnett for 1st, Aaron Forman for both, Mike Adams (contractor) for 1st.

Insurer offers advice for re launching boats

2011-03-12T15:57:00.000Z

Navigators & General (N&G) together with River Canal Rescue (RCR) is reminding boat owners to carry out a number of simple and straightforward checks before they get back on the water to avoid common claims.

“RCR have found over many years of attending breakdown and emergencies that conducting maintenance checks before starting off on a cruise will reduce the risk of damage to the boat and possible injuries. There is a substantial risk that you will breakdown on your first run out, and therefore it is essential that you do your best to prevent this occurring as if something major occurs remember that insurance cannot compensate for lack of maintenance and will not cover damage caused as a result of wear and tear.” Stephanie Horton MD RCR

N&G generally sees an increase in claims notifications over March and April as boats are launched, or when owners return to find their boats have suffered damage or theft during the winter. The increased risk frost damage to pipes, water systems and engines this year are likely to have caused more undetected damage that may go un detected until too late.

Carrying out a number of simple pre-launch checks, and ensuring there is good communication with the yard or launching company can significantly help reduce the risk of potential accidents, breakdowns or worse still, sinking. Wherever possible, it is advisable for the owner to be present when the boat is launched to monitor the vessel for any unusual water ingress for at least a couple of hours after settling

These types of checks are particularly important after a harsh winter where skin fittings, pipes, engines and water/cooling systems may have been damaged or dislodged by ice. Pipes split by ice can slowly leak once submersed below the waterline often leading to sinking if not spotted. N&G have seen a number of sinking claims caused by something as simple as failing to replace a through hull fitting or re-attach an internal hose.

Even the experienced boat owner is still at risk from complacency. Taking a small amount of time to routinely go through a number of pre season checks can prove very worthwhile.

To avoid problems, Navigators & General and RCR recommend the following:

check all water carrying pipes for splits or leaks
have a yearly pre-season machinery maintenance check, by a boat engineer (RCR Engine inspection)
do not start engines until all basic checks have been completed, including opening raw water sea cocks
check fuel or gas lines and cables for wear & tear and deterioration
check bilges and ensure bilge pumps are working – if water found check gearbox for contamination and locate leak.
check all hoses, skin fittings, through hull fittings & hose clips
have your engine serviced prior to use, and treat fuel with a treatment for water contamination and diesel bug with products similar to Marine 16.
check Morse controller and steering controls to ensure free movement

Common problems include:

flooring, steps and handles not being properly re-attached after servicing, which can lead to injury
split pipes that only show themselves hours after a boat is underway
through hull fittings not being replaced or hoses not properly re-connected,
which can lead to sinking
not checking engines are fully re-commissioned, which can let you down at a crucial moment or be damaged when started
blocked filters and contaminated fuel due to lack of servicing and standing for long periods resulting in engine failure at crucial moments.
water in gearboxes, due to being semi submerged or oil cooler leaking, causing potential failure and damage.

“Whilst it is tempting to get out on the water at the first sign of a good spring day, spending time on these simple pre-season checks will be time well-spent as the rain, damp and storms over the winter can cause wear and tear to a boat and equipment. It’s also key to ensure there is no misunderstanding about who is to complete the maintenance and prepare the boat for launch – be it the boat owner or the boat yard or a third party. ” said James Roberts Head of Navigators & General

Newsletter.

2011-01-17T12:44:00.001Z

Our new newsletter is out now so if you'd like to take a look click on the following link and download the latest news from RCR.
Please allow a few moments for the file to fully load.

Boaters experience battery problems due to new alternators.

2011-01-03T10:24:00.001Z

In 2010 our RCR engineers reported an increase in the number of battery related issues experienced by our members. A number of these resulted in the costly replacement of the full battery bank, and a small number in catastrophic explosions of the batteries resulting in acid contamination and expensive clean up operations, as well as battery replacements with the potential for severe injury to individuals extremely high.

Following one incident where it was identified that a new alternator was charging at a continuous steady rate of 14.8V (normally 14.4V). On checking with the manufacturer of the alternator they confirmed that this was the correct charging voltage, and that this was for two reasons 1) a higher charging voltage was more efficient way of charging batteries and 2) the new Calcium batteries (introduced in cars) can accept a higher charge voltage without damage. They also confirmed that the new charging voltage was likely to be the ‘norm’ for all future alternators. RCR decided to investigate this new charging voltage and look in to the issues this could cause

After discussions with ADVERC, who also reported coming across an increasing number of issues, and after speaking with a number of battery manufacturers and engine suppliers we believe that there should now be new guidelines issued on battery care. Although we strongly believe that the introduction of alternators which charge at the new higher voltage will increase the risk of battery issues, it may be that the best solution is to manage your battery life by following the advice provided in this article

Many people do not properly understand the way alternators work but the golden rule is to test maximum charging current (Amps) as soon as you start up and rev the engine in the morning. To check charging voltage you need well charged batteries so you should check the voltage after a day's cruise. So before you shut the engine down for the night; clip a multi-meter set typicalyto 20V dc for a 12v system or 200v dc for a 24 volt system (or to DC for auto ranging meters) across the batteries and rev the engine to about 1500rpm. You are looking for no more than about 14.4 to 14.5 on a 12v system or 28.8 to 29 volts on a 24 volt system.

If you have more than this you may have a problem; but first you need to check the alternator's data sheet to identify if the alternator has the new charging voltage, and also the datasheet for any external controllers fitted to the battery system.

Wet open cell batteries will stand charging at 14.8 as a maximum as long as you ensure they are kept topped up and accept you may shorten their life. The benefit of the new charging voltage is that it can push more amps through the battery, possibly giving you a faster recharge.

If you have an alternator or battery management system charging at the higher rate you MUST check your battery cells daily and top up as necessary. If you do not you will face a potentially very expensive exercise like some of our other members.

If you are worried about over charging your batteries it is worth noting that all the cells will bubble a little when on charge but if it is only one or two cells it may suggest faulty cells. However if all are bubbling and you also have a film of acid spots or white spots on the top of the batteries then this would definitely indicate that the battery is gassing excessively.

All of these subjects and more are covered on our practical hands on Boaters Electrical Course, running at locations around the country.

See our website www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk/courses

NB. Recent very cold weather has thrown up some instances of alternators with advanced controllers charging at 15 volts plus, extreme cold may cause some charging systems to apparently overcharge so simply keep a watching brief until the temperature rises to gauge if this is an issue or not.

Bio Diesel, the real worries – in plain terms.

2010-12-23T09:37:00.000Z

In the past few years as the new directive regarding the use of red diesel has been in place, the forums and discussion have brought to light many new worries about the fuel we consume and the way we store and use it. One of the biggest issue appears to be the higher potential for water contamination and therefore the development of diesel bug.

Many of you will have suffered from water contamination or diesel bug in its mild or sever form, or at least know of someone that has, it may be that the general perception is that these cases have increased in the past few years, and it is easy to jump to conclusions and conclude that our fuel is becoming more susceptible to these problems.

RCR has been aware and treated water contamination and diesel bug for many years, and worked with Marine 16 to develop a product which would eradicate these problems at source. We are a great advocate of the products as we know they work providing quick and effective treatment of water contamination and diesel bug blockages.

Marine 16 Diesel Bug Treatment is for sever cases of Diesel Bug, and will clear systems where fuel has turned to jellified slime, clogging the arteries of the engine, all ‘bugs’ are eradicated and dissolved. This product was independently tested by PBO a few years ago and was proven to be one of the best on the market.

Marine 16 Fuel Maintenance Treatment is the product that RCR uses and recommends for repeated dosing to ensure trouble free fuel issues. It treats Diesel bug, water contamination and also cleans and improves engine efficiency and operation.

Facts

Although a mute fact now, the original discussions regarding the use of white/ red diesel raised a number of issues, the main being that white diesel is more refined and therefore less likely to suffer from the effects of water in fuel, diesel bug, and also runs cleaner therefore reducing coke build up and fouling of heater plugs etc. Therefore there was an argument that even though paying more for the fuel the quality would be better and therefore the benefits could out way the costs.

However the final decision was taken and boater have been paying a higher premium to receive lower grade fuel to date. However this is all set to change with the new fuel directive, which due to the over riding requirement to have less than 10mg of sulphur per kilogram we will now see the introduction of road diesel to the inland waterways, which should have been a welcome transition.

Unfortunately as Bio diesel is now being introduced in to road fuel the introduction on the inland waterways because of the storage and use has lead to a number of concerns. These concerns have been addressed in the new Fuel directive, whish states that, following a survey only 25% of all suppliers will be using bio Diesel mixes, and therefore the perceived risk is minimal.

The issue regarding how easily it will be to ensure that the diesel supplied is from a non Bio mix will remain and coupled with the 2p to 4p litre price premium could easily be over ridden by price conscious business and individuals.

N&G Insurers have recommended that cover for failures caused by Bio diesel deteriorating rubber components may be difficult to prove and uphold as not due to wear and tear and therefore ultimately the following advice issued by the directive should be followed to ensure minimal damage.

If a FAME(bio diesel)-free supply cannot be secured then the following precautions are advised:

Storage on land and onboard

Because of the changes in fuel quality, you will need to exercise increased care in the storage of sulphur free gas oil where this contains biodiesel. The following has been recommended by the UK petroleum industry:

Remove all water from tanks and conduct monthly checks to ensure, as far as practical, that they remain free of water.
Tanks that don’t already have drain points for removing water are likely to need modification.
Examine sight gauges on older fuel storage tanks for signs of leakage and replace any leaking seals.
If you are having tanks serviced before you receive the new fuel it would be advisable to replace fuel seals as a one-off precautionary exercise.
Replace fuel filters after 2 to 3 deliveries/turnover of the new fuel.
Ensure the content of tanks is turned over every 6 months or in any event no less often than every 12 months.

Equipment

The majority of equipment and engines supplied in the last 10 years should not have any problems with the fuel but a few precautions are recommended particularly for installations of older engines and equipment.

Examine fuel systems following the switch to the new fuel and ensure that any seals or pipes found to be leaking are replaced.
If you are having older engines and equipment serviced, replace fuel seals and fuel hoses as a precaution.
Replace fuel filters after the first 2 to 3 tank fulls of the new fuel.
The current specification for fuel hose to meet the requirements of the Recreational Craft Directive and certified against standard EN ISO 7840 for fire resistant hoses and EN ISO 8469 for non-fire resistant hoses. There is currently concern that these hose specifications have not been approved for use with bio-fuel and this should be checked with the hose supplier.
Bio fuel is a very good solvent and may release accumulated sediments in fuel tanks. Although it may not be necessary to clean fuel tanks and fuel lines before using bio-fuel in the lower levels of 7% it would be good practice to monitor filter plugging and keep extra filters to hand.
Some metals as well as rubbers and plastics are not recommended for use with bio-fuel particularly at high concentrations. Although not normally a problem at low level concentrations it is know that bio-fuel will ‘pick up’ metal such as copper.

It is clear that some of this advice is impractical and will be costly and time consuming to the average boater and therefore is unlikely to be implemented by most, so it is likely that at some point we will all experience some of the issues highlighted.

However Marine 16 have now launched there new improved version of their Fuel Treatment product; Diesel Fuel Complete Treatment. This new product has been tested extensively and conclusively shows:-

Improved cold starting.
Reduced white smoke on start-up.
Reduced engine noise.
Lowered regulated emissions, such as particulates, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.
improves engine lubrications,
cleans and, removes carbon deposits,
treats and prevents water contamination and diesel bug

Diesel Fuel Complete Treatment not only treat more fuel 500ml per 500ltrs of fuel , providing you with the same benefits as its predecessor but will also includes additives to deal with some of the issues Bio diesel introduces. Using the treatment on a regular basis will ensure that water contamination, build up of Diesel bug and deterioration of rubber seals is minimised and therefore offers boaters a practical solution to the new threat of Bio Diesel.

Innovation and Customer Service at the heart of RCR’s New Membership Cover.

2010-12-23T09:30:00.000Z

Innovation and Customer Service at the heart of RCR’s New Membership Cover.

River Canal Rescue are proud to announce an innovative and new service as part of RCR membership. This new cover offers our members an amazing service, taking ‘peace of mind’ a step further and ensuring that no matter what happens we can assist you. Not only that but we can also remove the burden of unplanned costs.

The new, RCR Replacement Parts Cover is designed to complement the benefits members already receive under the RCR Breakdown membership. This is not, however, available as a standalone product. The new service will be included in all membership levels other than the retainer level.

Parts Replacement Cover –

Now after you’ve broken down we can pick up the repair bill.

RCR Replacements Parts cover gives you additional peace of mind, knowing we could help protect you from surprise repair bills should your vessel breakdown. (Full details will be available in the T&C’s membership booklet.)

What the new RCR membership will cover:

Following a breakdown, attended under your RCR Membership, the cost of parts, labour and VAT are covered if your vessel needs repairs due to mechanical or electrical breakdown. Cover limits and exclusions apply.*
Cover includes a huge range of parts, for example :-

Starter Motor
Alternator replacements
Water Pump
Fuel Pump, Fuel Pipes & Fuel Hoses
Gearbox & Drive Plate
Propeller Shaft & Couplings
Hydraulic Pipes
Engine Mounts
Mechanical Steering and Hydraulic Controls
Injection Pump

Specifically EXCLUDED Parts

Oil Cooler
Propeller(s)
Stern Gland/Tube
Engine
Consumables such as cables, filters, rubber components and the like that require routine wear and tear replacement

Pays up to a maximum of £1,000 per repair^**
You can make up to 4 claims per year
no restrictions on age of the engine

*Excludes normal wear and tear.

**£50 excess per claim.

Notorious submerged wall catches another boater out on the River Trent

2010-11-23T17:37:00.000Z

Sunday morning (21st Nov) a 57ft narrow boat and its crew left Torksey lock to travel to Newark, however shortly after leaving Torksey, disaster struck and the crew found the engine lacked power. As a result they were not making headway but luckily a fellow boat managed to tow them to the pontoons at Dunham Br. After taking a break they decided to carry on and, having passed under the A57 bridge, they headed to a tight ‘s’ bend in the river. The boat navigated the first right hand bend successfully but as they reached the second bend they lost drive again and suddenly found themselves grounded.

They were in relatively deep water and there were no signs of an obstruction but try as they might they were wedged tightly and could not escape…. It was at this point that the engine cut out and they could not re start it. As time went by they realised that the tide was going out leaving them even more stranded on the unknown obstacle. The captain contacted BW [British Waterways] who, after some discussion, agreed to send out a tug to assist them. Unfortunately with the tide going out it was not going to be easy and with the tide only due to turn at 8pm could have been a long and dangerous wait.

The captain then contacted RCR (the AA of waterways) to see if they could send an engineer out to get the engine running. RCR received a call at approximately 11.30am, and although they offer a Join on The Spot membership this option was not available because the boat was inaccessible. RCR have a fully trained rescue team trained by the RLNI to undertake water rescues; as in the past they have had to rescue a number of boats in precarious situations on the river Trent.

The captain was offered the option of the rescue team attending, and the potential scenarios that might occur, including possible capsizing of the vessel and the need to get the captain and crew off the vessel whist the engineers attended to the engine.

Working on a river is dangerous and combining this with freeing a vessel as the tide rises can put lives and boats at risk. RCR dispatched their rescue team of three personnel (K.Horton, P.Barnet, & T.Forman) to undertaken the rescue of the boat. They were equipped with a small rib, to get to the vessel, and essential safety equipment to ensure minimal risk to personnel.

The tide was dropping rapidly so the aim was to get a rescue boat in the water as soon as possible so that the engineers could get aboard the narrowboat and assess the situation. The engineers arrived on site at 1.30pm.

Having attended three previous rescues in this particular location the engineers were confident that the obstacle that had grounded the vessel would be a stone wall which extends in to the Trent on the bend. The wall is present to reduce bank corrosion but, as it is unmarked it presents a serious obstacle if a boater decides to cut a corner. The engineers launched the vessel at Dunham Bridge and set off to locate the stranded vessel.

When the engineers arrived at the vessel it was clear that there would be no possibility of towing the boat off the wall and although there was no immanent danger to the crew the decision was taken to get them off the vessel to ensure their safely and allow the engineers to work on the engine without any distractions. The BW tug arrived on the scene at approx 2.15pm, but with no possibility of pulling the boat without damage they moored up at the pontoons and waited to see if they were needed once the tide started to rise.

The engineers worked for 4 hours to get the engine running, removing several litres of water from the fuel tank, and fitting a new fuel pump which had also failed. The fuel tank was treated with Marine 16 additive to remove any additional water and also kill any diesel bug that might be developing. Finally at 6pm the engine was successfully started. Unfortunately with the boat completely stranded the only thing everyone could do was wait for the tide to turn at 8pm.

At approximate 8.30pm the decision was taken to use the BW tug to pull the boat free rather than waiting for the tide to rise high enough to re-float. The BW crew executed this with obvious experience and once free of the wall the engine was fired up and the boat turned and cruised up to the pontoons to be reunited with its owners. The engineers loaded up the rescue boat and finally headed home after a job well done.

Navigators & General and River Canal Rescue highlight risks of reduced water levels

2010-08-05T17:16:00.000+01:00

With warnings of dropping water levels on lakes reservoirs and canals, (intended or otherwise) Navigators & General is urging caution on the part of with the increased risk of groundings.

Historically on lake Windermere we have always seen a rise in the number of underwater gear claims as boat owners collide with rocks or other obstructions that are normally at a safe depth. Often it is the more experienced owners who are at risk due to complacency with the local waters.

Such claims can be very expensive, and in extreme cases lead to sinking which can also have dire implications for the environment. N&G would urge owners to watch lake levels closely, and should water levels drop take extra care to try and identify shallow areas of the lakes or known obstructions and give them a wide berth

With warnings of reducing water levels on canals and rivers Navigators & General and River Canal Rescue are urging caution due to the increased risk of groundings and associated damage, one of N&G’s most common claims*

Prolonged lack of rain, leaks and high lock usage are all contributory factors, and their effects can vary from region to region. Even though the speeds are low there is still a risk of damage to boat or machinery, aborted journeys and plain embarrassment through being unprepared for the risk that low water levels present.

Weeds, tree debris and rubbish which would otherwise sit in the bottom silt will be far more likely to come into contact with the hull, propeller and rudder. The consequences can range from a much slower journey, so serious damage to underwater gear, or a fouled propeller.

For those boats with water cooled engines the risk of ingesting fouled water which can lead to overheating, a broken impellor or block in the engine itself are a big risk is shallow waters, especially if high revs are used.

Owners need to try and be aware of water levels on the stretch of water they are using, exercise caution if levels seem low and try and avoid the obvious shallow areas. You may need to re acquaint yourself with the weedhatch and methods to clear a fouled propeller.

Remember to ensure that the boat is securely moored, the engine is off (ideally battery of and key out) and you have a pair of gloves handy. Finally make sure the weedhatch is correctly replaced after as failure to do so can lead to sinking. You may want to mark a reference point on the hatch and lid.

RCR have already logged over 20 callouts in the last few months where grounding was the initial cause of the problem, low water levels, sand banks and obstacles on the Thames, Fens and Trent have caught out many experienced boaters.

If you do become grounded here a few tips which can help depending on severity of the grounding:

If the bow is aground; put engine in reverse, and move all crew to the stern, if still stuck fast and water tanks are at the front of the boat – turn taps on and release water.

If the stern is grounded whilst in astern put the engine in forward and transfer crew to the bow. If the stern is grounded whilst moving forward put the engine in reverse– and move all crew to the bow of the boat and move astern carefully.

For both situations if the boat cannot be released, turn off the engine, contact the local waterways authority and find out when the water levels will change or if there is the possibility of releasing more water. Occasionally they may have a work boat that can attend. If a passing boater offers to assist, follow the general rule and ‘pull the boat back in the direction it entered’.

If you have suffered a grounding, always check your weed hatch for propeller obstruction, the water trap and impeller for blockages – quick check; is water still coming out of exhaust or water outlet?. If there are any signs of overheating moor up immediate and investigate or ask an engineer to attend.

The risk of hitting underwater obstacles also increases as water levels drop, if you hit an obstacle you may find that the engine cuts out, or that you hear an unusual noise, or that the engine misses a beat, or vibration suddenly increases.

If this occurs moor up and check your propeller for obstruction or damage and once on the move again be aware of chattering or crunching noises coming from gearbox, leaks in the bilges or an increase in vibration, as these are all classic signs that further damage may have occurred.

It is worth remembering that the Fens, Broads, Trent and Thames waterways are subject to varying water levels which can catch any boater unawares. Ensure you are aware which waterway are subject to change and touch base with the local waterways authority if you are unsure.

The key to cruising during low water levels is to keep speed to a minimum, as speed will tend to pull the stern lower in the water and thus increasing the risk of pulling debris in to water intakes, or grounding the boat, it also has the added benefit of giving you time to make manoeuvres and reduce the severity of grounding should you experience problems.

For further information contact:
Stephanie Horton, MD River Canal Rescue,
t: 0870 2008021 e: sho@rivercanalrescue.co.uk

Specialist TV producer Serious Leisure TV has announced that it is returning a specialist inland waterways programme to the air, after a break of over a year.

2010-08-05T17:06:00.000+01:00

UK Boating - inland waterways is a 30 minute programme, dealing with inland waterways topics, and it is intended to evolve gradually into a bright and newsy presentation with up-to-date content and information.

"We produced a series of this programme some time ago," said Executive Producer Chris Gosling, "and had a terrific amount of interest from all kinds of inland waterways boat owners and users, especially from people who love Britain's canals and inland waterways."

"Over the course of time, we'll be filming all over the canal and inland waterway network - including hugely popular areas like the Thames and the Norfolk Broads, and we'll be looking at the hire industry as well as boat ownership in its varied forms."

"Everyone with all kinds of news dealing with inland waterways topics is welcome to contact us," added Giles Meehan, the programme's editor. "Our news slots will also be available online, and we encourage as many people as possible to get in touch with us!"

You can find examples of our news items at www.uk-boating.tv

We also have what we plan to be a fast-growing facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/caravanchannel#!/pages/UK-Boating/131426136895811?ref=ts

The first programmes in the new series of UK Boating are sponsored by River Canal Rescue, who operate The National Marine Breakdown and Recovery Service for boats on the inland waterways - an outstanding and successful business enabling boat owners to cruise with confidence anywhere on Britain's waterways.

Contact: Giles.Meehan@seriousleisure.co.uk

We don't just rescue boats!

2010-03-25T10:29:00.000Z

Ralph Kitts one of RCR's southern engineers was patrolling his local area in Watford and decided to pop down the towpath to check on a few of the local boaters and see how things were going. On arrival at the moorings at Coxley Common Moor on the GU he stopped to chat to some of the boaters and have a cup of tea. At some point during the conversation he heard a large splash, and thinking it was possibly a fish or bird, he popped his head round the boat and noticed a large red jacket floating in the canal on the opposite side.

He quickly realised that the jacket contained someone and that as they were unmoving were probably unconscious. The route around to the opposite side was a long trek and it would take too long to get around to the man in time..... So without hesitation he leapt in to the water and waded across to the body. Having reached the victim he managed to turn them around and in doing so realised that the elderly gentleman had a heavy rucksack on his back which was hampering the rescue. Luckily a number of workmen noticed him struggling and came over to lend a hand pulling the unconscious man out of the water and onto the towpath.

As the gentleman was revived an ambulance was called and the gentleman, who was approximate 70yrs old, was taken to Watford General hospital.

Ralph although very wet and cold headed back to his van to head home for a change of cloths and a warm drink.

Well done Ralph!

From River Canal Rescue

Festival Times - February 2010

2010-02-26T17:20:00.000Z

The following was published in the IWA's Festival Times newsletter and highlights our two months free membership on offer to all boats visiting this years IWA Festival at Beale Park.

River Canal Rescue (RCR) has long been a great supporter of IWA’s National Festival & Boat Show. However, 2010 will see them taking that support to a new level.

All boaters booking in for the 2010 show at Beale Park will – for the first time – be offered two months free breakdown cover from mid-July to mid-September. During this period, RCR’s engineers can be called out as often as required and will provide engineering expertise to diagnose and repair any engine related mechanical problems. The only costs will be a simple £35 call-out fee and the price of any spare parts that may be required.

David Pullen, IWA Festival’s Waterspace Director, said:

“This is an extremely generous offer and should be a significant incentive, particularly to any longer distance boaters who may be thinking of a Thames/London ring/K&A trip en route to the Festival at Beale Park. “

RCR is the UK’s leading waterways breakdown and rescue service and the National Festival organisers are sure that this generous offer will be very popular with visiting boaters, especially those who do not normally cruise on rivers. Full information about the RCR offer will be sent out to boaters with their Festival packs in early June.

Stephanie Horton, RCR's MD, said that "as a company we've supported and worked with the IWA for many years, supporting the IWA awards for 'most enterprising journey', 'longest journey' and 'most enterprising non continuous journey' and we are keen to build on this, especially during the 2010 festival to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Tom Rolt."

The Beale Park Festival will take place alongside the Beale Park estate, Lower Basildon, Berkshire on the River Thames over the August Bank Holiday weekend, 28 – 30 August 2010 and is a great three day celebration of the inland waterways.

Attracting up to 600 visiting craft, including many historic vessels, with hundreds of trade exhibitors and live entertainment, the National Festival is a great day out for everyone. The 2010 National will also celebrate the Centenary of the birth of Tom Rolt, one of IWA’s founding fathers who was passionate about waterways, steam railways and vintage cars and the organisers hope to reflect this during the Festival.

For further information please visit our website www.waterways.org.uk and click on Events.

For further information about RCR please see their website www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk

IWA Launches New Tailored Boat Insurance Scheme With Built in Breakdown Membership

2010-02-26T17:07:00.000Z

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has teamed up with both Navigators & General and River Canal Rescue to enable an insurance facility that it believes is unique to the market, with the added benefit that every policy taken out and subsequently renewed helps IWA, and so helps our charitable work for the waterways.

Our tailored inland waterway insurance policies cover loss and damage to your vessel, protect against legal claims, pay out for injury and damage caused to other property and provide the additional security of inclusive breakdown membership.

Key policy features

The policy incorporates many features that are unique including:

Membership to River Canal Rescue breakdown (which can be upgraded at additional cost)

Dedicated insurance cover for owners who permanently live aboard their boats (Additional cost) - Personal public liability

Marina benefits

Medical expenses cover

£3 million pounds third party cover

Speaking on behalf of IWA, Neil Edwards, chief executive, said:

“IWA currently arranges insurance for over 170 of IWA’s corporate members, including most waterways societies and trusts, many boat clubs, community boat groups, navigation authorities, educational, industrial archaeological, waterways leisure and heritage bodies, museums and a wide range of other non-profit making organisations. This is something that IWA has done as a non-profit making service for over 35 years, and has helped save many thousands of pounds from waterways insurance bills. IWA’s experience in insurance matters led us to believe that something advantageous could be put in place for private boat owners too. We believe that our partnership with Navigators & General, a leading pleasure craft insurer, and with River Canal Rescue, the foremost boat breakdown organisation, makes this scheme a market-leading proposition, and one which provides additional financial benefit to IWA that will allow it to further its charitable work for the waterways.”

For more information please go to: http://www.waterways.org.uk/support_us/boat_insurance

Frost Damage

2010-02-26T15:58:00.000Z

The freezing temperatures in December and January may be gone, but are not forgotten by Insurers Navigators & General as steady numbers of claims are coming in for damage caused by split or fractured pipes. Together with River Canal Rescue (RCR) the following advice is offered to owners. The number of notifications is already alarmingly high this early in the season, and it could be an indication of worse to come as owners start to return to inspect their boats since the thaw.

Whist seeming basic, the effects of a split or fractured pipe can be catastrophic on a boat leading to complete or partial flooding over a gradual period. If the pipe in question relates to a cold or hot water system on the boat the consequences will not be as severe as a raw freshwater cooling system, especially with metal pipes.

A split and leak here will almost certainly lead to flooding and possible sinking if not spotted. It also may not be covered by insurers as claims for frost damage is not covered by all companies, and gradual incursion of water is a common exclusion.

If frost damage is covered insurance polices normally insist that "machinery is winterised according to manufacturers recommendations" If not available than the advice of a qualified engineer should be sought, but taking no precautions is just asking for trouble.

For heating systems and fresh water tanks these should be drained and where possible taps left in an open position to allow for expansion. Just like cars any "closed loop" cooling system needs to have antifreeze added and replaced (per manufacturers guidelines) Not only will this minimise the risk of splits or fractures associated with freezing water, but it will also improve the cooling efficiency and minimise corrosion risk to the engine. Where raw water (drawn from the river) cooling systems are in place these should be properly drained down by briefly running the engine when out of the water to ensure the system is empty.

If afloat, Trevor Forman from RCR recommends “The quickest and simplest solution is to 'shut off' the inlet valve (seacock) and then drain as much water from the system as possible leaving a drain plug open or hose drain disconnected. Although this will not empty the system completely it will allow for expansion should the water freeze and therefore reduce the risk of ruptured pipes.

If there are any tight bends which are accessible it is also worth insulating as this is where fluid will collect even after draining. It is very important that you or anyone else

Midnight Boat Rescue on the River Trent.

2010-01-24T15:44:00.000Z

The following is a report on the dramatic rescue of a stranded boat. The rescue was not easy but was successfully concluded as can be seen below.

Late on Friday 21st Jan a 57ft narrowboat and its crew left Torksey lock to travel to Newark using the river Trent which, although swollen, was navigable. The crew hoped to make it to their destination before dark however, approximately 45 mins in to the journey, and having passed under the A57 bridge, they headed to a tight 's' bend in the river. They navigated the first right hand bend successfully but as they reach the second bend they lost drive and suddenly found themselves grounded.

They were in relatively deep water and there were no signs of an obstruction but try as they might they were wedged tightly and could not escape…. as time went by they realised that the tide was going out leaving them even more stranded. As the river dropped it revealed a submerged wall to be the unknown obstacle.

With no road access or mooring locations for miles they contacted the emergency services who dispatched Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire fire brigades. When they arrived on site the decision was taken to remove the crew from the boat and get them to safety. British Waterways was then contacted to see if they could assist in getting to the vessel before the next high tide at 1am in order to refloat it.

Unfortunately BW were unable to put together the required team, and suggested that RCR (the AA of waterways) was called in. RCR received a call at approximately 8.30pm, and although the boater was not a member, and this is not an event covered by their membership, they mobilised a crew to attend.

Working at night on a river in flood and combining this with a rising high tide encompasses many dangers and the decision was taken to dispatch three personnel (K.Horton, P.Barnet, & T.Forman) to undertake the rescue of the boat in a 4 x 4 Landover to ensure they could get to the isolated location.

The tide was due to start running at 10.30 and the aim was to get a rescue boat in the water before this so that the engineers could get aboard the narrow boat and assess the situation.

Having used satellite images to identify exactly where the boat was located and the off road tracks that led to it, they headed though North Clifton to the river, and launched the rescue boat. The Land Rover picked up the dirt track and began to follow the river aiming to meet at the boats remote location. Unfortunately the fire rescue vehicles and a combination of heavy rain resulted in a very poor driving conditions and the engineers finished the journey on foot.

The boat had been equipped with blue flashing beacons to warn of its presence by the fire brigade and was easily located. Once the engineers arrived at the boat, and secured it with ropes, they checked the engine was running smoothly and then with the tide starting to rise they began the delicate task of releasing the boat from the wall, with the guide ropes ready should the tide try to twist or roll the boat.

At approximate 11.30 the engineer called to say the boat was free and had been successfully turned around and was cruising up to the floating pontoon at Durham Bridge (A57). The engineer was on this and was to pick up the crew from the St Johns Ambulance van where they were being cared for after their ordeal.

By 11.50 the crew were finally reunited with there vessel and the engineers loaded up the rescue boat and finally headed home after a job well done.

RCR cover for festival boats.

2010-01-02T18:22:00.002Z

River Canal Rescue, the UK's leading waterways breakdown and rescue service, has a long and successful association with the IWA and their annual festivals held across the UK. However boats attending the 2010 festival will, for the first time, be offered two month breakdown cover by RCR. The temporary RCR breakdown cover, for boats not already RCR clients, will cover a period from mid July to mid September during which RCR's engineers can be called out as often as required (but it's hoped not too often).

With anything up to 600 boats being catered for over the weekend of the festival, RCR can only provide breakdown cover and not crew relay or towing services however it is hoped that having enjoyed the benefits of membership - even for just an eight week period - boat owners will look to extend their membership to include all of the services available to full members. The cost of this temporary cover is nothing! The only fee's to be paid are £35 per call out (assuming the call takes no longer than a couple of hours) and any parts that may be required. Full details will be available from the IWA and included within the information pack being sent to all boats attending.

Stephanie Horton, RCR's MD, said that "as a company we've supported and worked with the IWA for many years, supporting the IWA awards for 'most enterprising journey', 'longest journey' and 'most enterprising non continuous journey' and we are keen to build on this, especially during the festival to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Tom Rolt."

The 2010 National Festival will be held at Beale Park on the River Thames at Pangbourne, near Reading over August Bank Holiday weekend. For more details on the festival visit www.waterways.org.uk and for more details on River Canal Rescues range of breakdown cover visit www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk

Awards at the IWA Festival.

2009-10-23T09:05:00.006+01:00

This years IWA Festival provided an ideal opportunity to the winners of a number of trophies, to be presented with their awards by Stephanie Horton, River Canal Rescues MD.

The Nationwide Anglia Trophy for the most enterprising and non continuous journey running from the 1st January 2009 was won by Di and Reece Jones aboard NB Wandering Whimbrel who travelled an amazing 815 miles through 491 locks. Their journey took them the length of the country, including all of the Leeds Liverpool canal from Keadby to the newly opened Liverpool Link and Salthouse Dock. They also included a visit to the Anderton Lift and the River Weaver on their way to the River Soar ending up at the festival at Redhill.

The Robert Aickman Trophy, for the most meritorious and enterprising journey undertaken during the 28 days leading up to the start of the festival, was won by Tony Parks who sailed the 70' NB Tom Tug 154 miles, single handed from London with his wheelchair bound wife. Negotiating a 70' boat through all of the double locks, single handed while still attending to his wife's needs was felt to make Tony more than worthy of the award.

The AP Herbert Trophy for the longest journey during the 28 day qualifying period preceding the start of the festival was won by David Jarvis in NB Orchid 2. Over the 28 days he travelled 495 miles taking a route that began in Leicester and included the River Soar, River Trent, Keadby, Yorkshire Ouse, Selby Canal, River Trent back to the River Soar and then to Redhill.

News updates.

2009-10-15T14:31:00.003+01:00

You may have noticed that we've added two new news items to this blog covering the new project with Adverc and the increased levels of interest in our maintenance courses (if you've not seen them look below this post). But we would also like to hear from you the customer if you have an interesting story or recent incident that others might like to hear about.

It's easy to let us know about these, all you need to do is visit the testimonials page of our website which you can access from here.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Adverc and RCR hit the ground running!

2009-10-15T14:20:00.001+01:00

River Canal Rescue has teamed up with Adverc, the Wolverhampton based battery management systems developer and manufacturer. The two businesses are collaborating to enable RCR to develop and expand the range of services offered to its customers. This joint initiative will increase the level of service available to RCR's customers by implementing permanent solutions to battery management problems.

Until now RCR engineers and contractors, attending electrical breakdowns involving a battery management systems, would generally bypass any battery management systems and effect a safe but temporary repair which will get the member up and running again. However now RCR envisage that by working with Adverc they will increase the engineers knowledge of the management systems and as such allow them to diagnose and resolve some of the more typical faults encountered. To enable this to happen Adverc will be running a training program for the RCR engineers and each one will be supplied with testing equipment. RCR will also be adding the Adverc specialists engineers their list of current contractors so that if the issue cannot be resolved it can be easily and quickly passed to a local Adverc specialist or pass these details on to the customer.

As a result of gaining this additional training on systems of this type, RCR will be looking to add information on dealing with battery management systems onto its courses, both the diesel engine course and, quite obviously the electrics course. The latter course will involve a demonstration of the Adverc system to delegates".

Michael Stimson of Towergate Mardon has been the first RCR member to benefit from this agreement. After a plethora of long standing and ongoing battery related problems, his narrow-boat ‘Spirit' was subjected to full scrutiny by two of our engineers, Guy Taylor (Adverc BM) and Jay Forman (RCR) as a test case.

Although much work has to be done on his boat, Michael can now be reassured that his battery problems will become a thing of the past. Michael's narrow boat was a good example of what not to do in getting the best from his battery system and electrics, which reflected a combination of bad practice and lack of knowledge not uncommon throughout the inland waterways.

Adverc BM and RCR, together, will jointly provide the necessary expertise to deal with most problems on a narrowboat, in addition to providing advice on avoiding some of the pitfalls that can ruin the pleasure for the enthusiast on the inland waterways.

For more information visit,

www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk

www.adverc.co.uk/

Press Release: RCR courses filling up fast

2009-10-15T14:14:00.001+01:00

Press Release: Courses filling up fast

The popularity of the RCR training courses would seem to be as strong as ever with places almost completely filled well into February 2010, and chances are this trend will continue throughout the coming year. As a result of feedback from previous courses and requests from members they will be adding electrical maintenance courses to the wide range of subjects already covered.

New locations are also being added to the 2009 itinerary. As a result of running a very successful course at the St Pancreas Cruising Club in central London, RCR have announced that this venue will be a permanent addition to their list of venues. Over the coming year and beyond it will provide easy access for our members, and those wishing to take part in any courses with a location in the capital.

It's not only the classroom based courses that have proved popular. With around 20 people per session, and 10 classes being held on the IWA Festival site over August bank holiday weekend, over 200 people attended. With these sessions proving so popular RCR will be continuing to run these events throughout the 2010 season at various events. It's thought that the recent squeeze on individual finances has made training on all aspects of boat maintenance increasingly popular as DIY is an ideal way for boat owners to reduce boat running costs.

For more information on River Canal Rescues courses visit their website at, www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk

A testimonial by a tested member!

2009-07-21T13:41:00.008+01:00

In late May we received a call, or should we say 'calls' from a very unlucky member who, over the next few days, had a number of problems - all of which we were able to help out with. The following report is by Jean Jones which we hope you will find interesting.

==================================================

My name is Jean Jones and I would like to submit the following testimonial:

We joined RCR hoping we would never have to call them, but better safe than sorry!

Two days into our holiday the fan belt broke, we called [RCR] and Stephanie sent Shaun to our rescue. It turned out to be caused by a seized alternator, after 'popping off' to get the new part it was quickly and efficiently installed.

Off we go again, next day the second belt snapped, this time the water pump had seized, again Stephanie sent Shaun and again he replaced the item quickly and efficiently.

We could not believe how friendly and efficient the whole organisation could be. Have the RAC/AA ever offered to bring you supplies when on a call out or to let your family know you have broken down?

Off we go again.

Botterham staircase lock...when my husband went to the upper lock to release the water, the fender caught on something and the boat was in danger of sinking. Trying to get free a six inch hole was ripped in the fuel tank and 30 gallons of fuel disappeared down the canal.

Other boaters helped us to pull the boat out of the lock and I again called Stephanie (by this time on first name terms) She told me not to worry. She organised everything, called the British Waterway team, the Environmental Health and sent Shaun to help us. Everyone was fantastic.

We thought our holiday was over, but Shaun would not let that happen. He climbed into the canal (up to his armpits) syphoned off the remaining 20 galls of fuel into jerry cans brought by BW, sealed the hole with a bed pillow in a black bag (you could say he went the extra

fathom to help us). After this he placed the jerrycan under our floor boards and rigged up the engine so we could drive the boat.

Stephanie organized Industrial Boats in Brewood to crane the boat out and weld a patch. (Not just a quick patch but a really professional job, they even 'blacked' the area)

On the last part of the journey to the boat yard the engine started surging, we thought 'oh no, not more trouble'. The boatyard fitter could not come for 24hours. We were worried by this time that we would not get back to our moorings in time to get to work. Stephanie said

'don't worry we will take you back by car if necessary'.

RCR to the rescue again Jay came out to replace the fuel feed diverted by Shaun, cleared all the filters and we sailed home with no more problems.

We can not praise RCR, Stephanie, Shaun and Jay enough.

Thank You, Thank you.

Jean Jones

RCR and Waterways Mail Team Up.

2009-06-24T13:46:00.000+01:00

Just recently the name 'Waterways Mail' has been heard more and more as the company have established a unique postal service aim specifically at the boating community. Waterways Mail allows subscribers to have their post sent on to any post office but now RCR can also be used as a collection point as well.

Mail is delivered to Waterways Mail and they will then send it on to wherever the customer wishes. The destination of the mail can reflect the boaters movements as one text or email can amend the destination to keep up with the boats movements.

Stephanie Horton, RCR's MD said, “Waterways Mail is an innovative service that compliments our wide ranging rescue and repair services. Both businesses exist to provide the boating community with many of the services landlubbers take for granted.”

River Canal Rescue are the first company to sign up to be a collection point for users, and anyone interested in making use of the mail service can also collect an application form from RCR's offices. RCR are also hoping to develop the relationship with waterways mail and offer the services of their engineers who are out on the waterway daily to deliver urgent mail directly to boaters, where the pick up destination might result in delays.

For more information visit the River Canal Rescue website at www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk

or Waterways Mail at www.waterwaysmail.co.uk

Recent Reports.

2009-05-29T10:23:00.001+01:00

We were sorry to read that an RCR member has posted, on a blog, a report of a recent incident in which they felt that we had fallen short of the high standards we set for ourselves.

In the report the boat owners, who suffered a tiller problem in a lock, called us to ask for our assistance. Despite the fact that we don't cover the repair of damage blow the waterline we did do our best to try and assist the boater in question. Sadly their call came on a day, and in an area in which the normally resident engineer was off sick. As a result someone had to travel into the area resulting in a slower than normal service.

Suffice it so say that the boat owner in question did manage to have the problems sorted out and we are obviously unhappy that they felt that the service we offered fell short of our normally high standards. We've looked into what happened on that day and can assure all our customers that we will address any shortcomings should we find any. We'd also like to remind customers of the limits we have as a canal side rescue organisation - one reason why we are unable to address problems of this type in situ.

We have received an email from the boat owner and hope to be able to address their complaints directly. However, as a business which deals with something like 2000 callouts per year, on very rare occasions problems do occur. Sadly this was one such occasion.

If your stuck for ideas what to give this fathers day, and you have a keen boating dad in the family, why not give him a River Canal Rescue voucher?

2009-05-15T14:05:00.003+01:00

It may sound unusual but whether the dad in question is keen on DIY, or if he’s none too interested but would like the reassurance of having someone to call upon should things go wrong when on the boat, there is an RCR voucher for you to give him.

By giving a course voucher the holder can redeem it against any of the wide range of courses on offer from RCR at various locations around the UK. From beginners courses to engine maintenance and even boat electrics, all of these essential areas of the boat are covered by the courses on offer. There is even a maintenance courses that can be carried out on your own boat. All of these can all be paid for with one of the RCR course vouchers.

If the lucky dad isn’t keen on attending a course, but would like the reassurance of knowing that should something go wrong he has the backup of a national breakdown and rescue service, membership vouchers are also available. RCR’s Gold membership voucher can be redeemed against the top level of membership for RCR members.

As if that wasn’t enough RCR are also offering an engine service voucher which does exactly what it says. It covers the cost of having an engine service carried out on your boat. So, regardless what type of cover or skills you want to gain, there should be an RCR voucher you can give this fathers day.

For full details about course dates, membership advantages and what’s included in an engine service, and how to purchase your RCR vouchers, visit www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk or call 0871 2008021.

Continued growth and expansion for River Canal Rescue.

2009-04-30T17:20:00.003+01:00

River Canal Rescue, the organisation which provides National Breakdown and Recovery for boat owners on the UK inland waterways, has recently moved offices. The move wasn’t too arduous as the Staffordshire based company has only moved next door. But, as RCR’s MD, Stephanie Horton said, “the address is the same as we have moved next door to bigger offices to accommodate staff increases and business development, but have taken our address with us.” However not all of the new staff members will need the extra space.

Two of the newest members of the RCR team are Sean West and Ralph Kitts who will spend all of their time attending calls in their respective areas. Sean, who is based in Stourport is ideally placed to cover his Midlands and River Severn patch. A former welder, fisherman and fully qualified boat builder, he loves the fact that his new job gets him out and about and dealing directly with customers. As he puts it, “not only are the customers really grateful when you sort out the problems, but our bosses at RCR also take the time to thank us for the work we do.” He went on to say, “It’s not many bosses would do that.”

Another new face is that of Ralph Kitts who covers around London up to the Northampton area. Ralph has been involved in all aspects of boats since he was 10 years old, and over the last 20 years has been a marine engineer running his own business. With a background like that it’s not surprising that RCR were more than keen to take him on. Since joining the national rescue team Ralph has found the work enjoyable, as he describes it, “doing what I know.” So with Ralph and Sean joining it would seem that RCR have added two more highly experienced and knowledgeable individuals to the team.

If you want to find out more about River Canal Rescue go to www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk or contact RCR’s head office on 0870 2078021.

End.

Editors notes:

Images of the new office can be found at,

http://picasaweb.google.com/RivercanalRescue/RCRNewOffice?feat=directlink

Imsges of the new engineers can be found at,

http://picasaweb.google.com/RivercanalRescue/NewEngineers?feat=directlink

RCR on a mission!

2009-03-25T19:27:00.005Z

River Canal Rescue, the organisation which provides National Breakdown and Recovery for boat owners on the UK inland waterways, today revealed that it has embarked on a mission. Their aim is to increase the boating communities awareness of water safety and boating maintenance issues on the UK waterways.

A recent Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) review, which looked at incidents and issues faced by organisations like the RYA and the RLNI, revealed that the general lack of awareness about water safety needed to be addressed urgently. The RNLI also reported that the number of preventable incidents, where poor maintenance and mechanical breakdown resulted in a 'rescue' situation, were increasing, thus putting added strain on an important emergency resource.

Through their network of engineers RCR will be launching a program of practical demonstrations and presentations to highlight some of these important issues. All across the UK their engineers will give presentations on lifesaving safety information, essential boat maintenance tips and provide guidance on the best tools to carry aboard. This network of engineers has also been expanded with the addition of a number of new young faces to the team. Being aware of the lack of training opportunities for youngsters to obtain qualifications in the marine industry, RCR embarked on a training program which includes two years at college and four with a senior engineer, proving it’s not just Sir Alan Sugar who’s looking for an apprentice!

The information provided to course attendees is also available in note format and a special feature will be available each month on the RCR web site. Stephanie Horton, managing Director of RCR said recently "Ignorance is no excuse, lives are being put at risk and RCR is doing everything in its power to increase awareness and ease the pressure on such an essential emergency service".

To book a talk, receive a free information booklet or find out more please contact RCR head office on 0870 2078021.

Ever Wondered How Your Engine Works?

2009-03-04T14:01:00.004Z

Are you familiar with the basics of your engine? Have you spent a lot of money having broken due to something quite simple? Would you like to feel confident enough to carry out your own basic engine maintenance?
Then look no further...

River Canal Rescue are now offering two day courses in diesel engine and boat maintenance. For nearly five years RCR have worked closely with Tony Brooks, the dedicated lecturer and writer on the canals and waterways of the UK. Together RCR and Tony have travelled the length and breadth of the country delivering this practical, beginner friendly course.

During these two day courses you will be offered the chance to learn using a combination of theory and hands on experience. The course content teaches basic engine maintenance and provides practical advice. Topics include engine operations, steering gear, gearbox types, fuel systems, cooling systems, electrics, alternators and battery charging. All aspects of the course are demonstrated on three different engine makes. By the end of the course, students should be able to bleed their own systems and carry out a basic service.

As we all know, River Canal Rescue is always here for boaters in need, however they do believe in empowering boaters with knowledge of how their engine works. This knowledge can only lead to providing further piece of mind, as well as helping to keep our waterways moving, which is good for all of us!

All courses are run over a Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm and the courses on offer include,

Engine courses.
Boat Electrics.
One to one tuition.
One day engine familiarisation.

Discounted rates are also available for group bookings and courses can be run at clubs specifically for club members.

RCR are continuously looking for new locations and are proud to announce a new venue at the prestigious Preston Marina. The aim of adding this venue is to provide boaters, in the north west of the country, with easy local access to our courses and we hope to be able to add more venues over the coming months.

Please feel free to make any enquiries about any course or make a booking. You can call RCR's friendly staff on 0871 200 8021 or email enquiries@rivercanalrescue.co.uk. For details on course dates and venues visit www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk and click on courses.

Harral Brokerage Services and River Canal Rescue - a major new collaboration

2009-03-03T10:44:00.002Z

As a result of a major new collaboration, Harral Brokerage Service and River Canal Rescue are now working together with the aim to provide safe and comfortable cruising.

These two major names in the boating world have gone into partnership to ensure that the top quality boats, sold at Harral brokerages, are covered by RCR Bronze memberships. As a result this will ensure boaters, who make a purchase from Harral Brokerages, not only receive a high quality boat to sail away, but also have peace of mind should anything unexpected occur. In addition people who choose to sell their boat with Harral Brokerages will not only receive a professional, friendly service, but also an extra selling point for their vessel.

With RCR membership, gone will be the days when things like a fouled propeller will stop you in your tracks. Instead of waiting around trying to find someone who can help, then having to pay call out fees, hourly rates and travel time, you will make one free phone call. All arrangements will be made for you and there will be no call out charges, hourly or travel rates. River Canal Rescue’s aim is to be at all breakdowns within three hours. In 96% of cases they are able to get you moving within two hours. If a problem turns out to be terminal they are able to organise for a registered contractor to take on the work. In the event of the vessel needing to be recovered they will arrange for you to be towed to the nearest safe haven within two hours.

With a beautiful boat from Harral Brokerage Services, the gorgeous scenery of our British waterways and the peace of mind knowing you and your boat are in good hands, how can you go wrong?

For more information please contact Lauren McCabe, Marketing Coordinator on 0871 200 8021 or email lauren@rivercanalrescue.co.uk

Waterwasy Mapping Software - 50% Discount for RCR members

2009-02-11T14:17:00.008Z

RCR and eureauweb have teamed up to offer RCR members a fantastic deal on the new Waterways mapping software. As a new or current member of RCR you can purchase a copy of the software at an unbelivable price of £80 .... thats 50% discount on the RRP of £159.

This offer is only available until July 09 and orders are taken by phone
Call us NOW on 0871 8021

Water-Way is Europe's first satellite navigation solution for inland waterways providing up-to-date waterways, navigation and tourist information - an essential cruising guide showing both waterways facilities and nearby tourist attractions.

Water-Way allows you to:

Easily find out where you are and what is available to you in you area .

Get detailed POI data - Quickly view basic information on each POI and then double-click to get more details .
Move round the map - Zoom in and out, pan round the map to see as much or as little information as you choose .
Track your route - as well as showing your actual position, the GPS function allows you to track and record your journey. .
Plan your journey - (PC Version only) our simple to use, interactive route planning tool allows you simply to click on the map to select your start and finish points and any intermediate stopovers.
Calculate distances - use the distance tool to quickly calculate how far it is from where you are or want to moor to the nearest POI (such as the pub!) .
Quick searches - use the quick search tool to find individual POIs, bridges or locks, towns, waterways or boat services and closures in your area.

RCR Representatives out on the waterways

2009-02-11T12:39:00.004Z

Today RCR welcomed a number of our members in to the RCR team.

This group of indiviuals will be representing RCR out on the waterways, letting boaters know about our services and the benifits of membership, and working to ensure that everyone knows about our unique service.

So if you have any questions and you see them out on the waterways feel free to approach them, they will also be able to offer discounts on memberships and free gifts.