RCR opens new training facility
RIVER CANAL RESCUE is opening a new training facility at its Staffordshire HQ, offering maintenance and electrical courses for boaters and in-depth engineering-based sessions for marina and boat yard staff.
Available for booking from the end of January, the boat and engine maintenance course covers how to maintain diesel engines and the systems within a narrowboat, such as propulsion, cooling, engine servicing and fault finding; the electrical session looks at fault-finding, repairs and Boat Safety Scheme/legislative requirements.
First course 18/19 February
Both two-day courses will run during the week—maintenance sessions initially one a month, increasing to two as demand increases—and the electrical session, once monthly. The first maintenance course is scheduled for 18/19 February with other dates to follow. The first electrical session is scheduled for April.
RCR’s Kerry Horton and Dave Bull, both long-standing RCR employees with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field, will run the maintenance courses, and Kerry will also lead the electrical session with RCR senior engineers and electrical specialists, Andy Spencer or Kim Masters.
After putting the theory of their topics into practice, attendees will receive a RCR certificate and a copy of the company’s Narrow Boat Engine Maintenance and Repair book—a practical guide detailing how to keep engines operational and boats moving.
The courses cost £300, with an additional charge of £40 for materials on the electrical session. As a RYA-certified training centre, RYA certificates are available for £15. Tailored courses are also on offer to groups and clubs, with discounts for boat clubs keen to run sessions for members.
One-to-one tuition
RCR also offers a personal engine maintenance course with one-to-one tuition from an engineer/qualified trainer who will visit the boat and advise on how to undertake a basic service and help with engine familiarisation.
Instruction includes how to change the engine oil and filter, gearbox oil, air and fuel filters and water traps, check the alternator belt, raw-water pump impeller and stern gland, and top-up and test batteries, alternator performance, coolant and anti-freeze strength.
To ensure owners get the most from this experience, attendance on a maintenance course, prior to booking, is essential.
Sessions for marina and boat yard staff will focus on fault-finding and developing skills for electrical work, stripping and rebuilding gearboxes, understanding internal engine and gearbox components, and exposure to injection systems. Available upon request, they can be tailored to meet individual requirements and overall group objectives.
Contacted by customers
RCR managing director, Stephanie Horton, comments:
“As we’re frequently contacted by customers who are keen to learn more about their boats, we decided to make the resources and space available to meet this growing demand. Our new training facility will give boat owners confidence to be able to identify key components, locate faults and where possible, fix them.
“We additionally appreciate businesses face challenges when recruiting experienced staff, so to help them meet the changing needs of inland waterways’ users, it makes sense to share our wealth of experience gained over 25 years, which includes award-winning apprenticeship training and exposure to numerous scenarios.”
To register your interest or find out more, call 01785 785680 or email