RCR on a mission!

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?

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

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