Inland Waterways

In my work as a marine engineer at Tooley’s boatyard in Banbury, I see many different mechanical issues throughout the year, but during 2023 we have been seeing a massive increase in diesel fuel related breakdowns due to sticky diesel.  At present, we have four boats requiring attention because of fuel issues. This is not ‘diesel bug’ but something else entirely.  With this particular sticky diesel scenario, the fuel goes dark, smells different and leaves sticky tar-like deposits in the fuel system. Continue reading “Sticky diesel is causing multiple fuel problems on the UK inland waterways”

The Boater Report 2023 summarises the work undertaken to keep the canal network open and available for navigation and sets out how the Canal & River Trust (CRT) generates the income needed to support boating and the wider use of the waterways.

Covering the period from April 2022 to March 2023, The Boater Report 2023 illustrates how navigation is the core of the CRTs day-to-day spending and objectives. A link to the Report will be included with new boat licences and boat licence renewals.

In a challenging year which illustrated the vulnerability of the ageing canal network and its exposure to extreme and more frequent weather events brought about by climate change, Continue reading “Boater Report 2023 by published by CRT”

River Canal Rescue (RCR) is calling upon boaters to be aware of the fire risks on their vessels, after finding more and more cases of poor electrical wiring, including under-sized wiring, overloaded circuits, and sub-standard connections and cable routing, which can rapidly turn into a loom meltdown or a fire.

Managing director Stephanie Horton says with BSS certification failing many boaters, RCR is having to report regularly on boats that are dangerous or at risk.

If you are leaving your vessel for a period of time, it’s important to isolate the batteries and disconnect your shore power if you have it. Continue reading “Fire safety warning issued by RCR”

A new series of animated films designed to help first-time boaters navigate the UK’s inland waterways safely has been jointly launched by the Canal & River Trust and the Environment Agency.

The five short, animated videos, available on YouTube, are designed primarily for those who are new to the waterways, including hire boaters. They give straightforward guidance on staying safe when boating, mooring, and using locks. There is also information about bridges, tunnels, weirs and sluices, and advice to help boaters protect the waterway network’s unique heritage and wildlife. Continue reading “New safety films to benefit first-time boaters on UK inland waterways”

Over the past year, River Canal Rescue, says it’s witnessed an uncharacteristic peak in fuel-related component breakdowns due to a new problem callled ‘sticky fuel’. RCR said its marine engineers now respond to two-three cases per week on the inland waterways and managing director, Stephanie Horton, is keen to alert the wider marine community to the issue.

“We first became aware of sticky fuel when we had two identical jobs where fuel injectors were diagnosed as needing an overhaul, yet their replacements stopped working within a week, and the injection pumps were found to have failed even though the diesel was clear and bright,” she said. Continue reading “Boat owners beware of sticky fuel”