The Importance of Proper Start-Up After Winterization

As the fishing season approaches, ensuring your Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) system is correctly started after winterization is crucial. Skipping or rushing through start-up procedures can lead to costly damage, inefficient cooling, or even system failure at sea.

Pre-Check: The First Line of Defense

Before powering up, always conduct a thorough refrigeration system pre-check:
✅ Check the compressor oil level—low oil can lead to damage, while excess refrigerant in the sight glass indicates a potential liquid slugging issue.
✅ Inspect all refrigeration valves to confirm they are fully open.
✅ Monitor system pressure—a zero reading on the Low-Pressure Controller could signal a refrigerant leak, requiring service before start-up.
✅ Replace zincs in the condenser and chiller to prevent corrosion.

Start-Up: Ensuring Smooth Operation

Once the system is pre-checked:
✔ Align seawater circulation for proper cooling flow.
✔ Gradually power up the control panel and pumps, ensuring water circulation is steady.
✔ Verify the temperature controller is correctly set and calibrated to prevent freezing issues.

Why It Matters

Proper start-up isn’t just about getting the system running—it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring optimal performance when you need it most. Taking the time to follow these critical steps will help keep your catch fresh and your operation running smoothly.

For detailed start-up instructions, refer to your IMS manual or contact Tim to schedule your start up in Naknek now: service@imspacific.com

Book Your Spot Now!

Naknek, AK - June 6, 2025

Register online through our website!

Who Should Attend

Anyone interested in prolonging the life of their refrigeration system and maintaining maximum efficiency. By the end of the class, students will feel confident in their ability to operate and maintain their system for years to come.

Class Description

Welcome to RSW:101, a training program for individuals seeking knowledge in operating and maintaining their IMS RSW systems. In this course, we will be covering essential aspects of marine refrigeration, system startup, plumbing recommendations, operation and maintenance techniques, winterization procedures, and effective troubleshooting strategies. We will cover the basics for hydraulic, electric and diesel systems.

Course Highlights

Understanding the Basics of Refrigeration · System Startup Procedures · Water and Hydraulic Plumbing Recommendations · Operation and Maintenance Practices · Winterization Techniques · Effective Troubleshooting Strategies

Visit our website www.imspacific.com and navigate to our RSW Insights blog page for articles on all things RSW and the fishing industry.

As the fishing season approaches, ensuring your RSW system is fully operational is crucial for maximizing efficiency and catch quality. At Integrated Marine Systems, we know that downtime is not an option when you're out on the water. That's why our Spare Parts Kits are an essential investment for every vessel.

With prices on the rise due to ongoing economic shifts, now is the perfect time to stock up on all the critical spare parts you need at today’s prices. By securing your kit now, you’ll not only save money but also gain peace of mind, knowing you have the necessary components to keep your system running smoothly when it matters most.

Our Spare Parts Kits are designed to include everything you need to tackle unexpected maintenance issues quickly. From essential gaskets and filters to critical replacement parts, having these on hand means fewer delays and more time fishing.

Don’t wait until you’re in a tough spot—be prepared and order your Spare Parts Kit today! Contact IMS to discuss the right kit for your system and ensure a successful and stress-free season ahead.

At Integrated Marine Systems, our success is built on the dedication and expertise of our team. This month, we’re featuring Candace, our Production & Purchasing Manager, a key player who ensures our projects stay on schedule and our operations run smoothly.

From the UK to IMS: A Journey in Manufacturing

Having joined IMS in 2008 after moving to the U.S., she brought with her years of experience in manufacturing and accounting from the UK. Though she initially knew little about U.S. accounting, IMS saw potential in her—and she’s been proving them right ever since! After a brief hiatus in 2013, she returned in 2019, drawn back by the company’s strong sense of teamwork and purpose.

Keeping IMS & Our Customers on Track

As Production & Purchasing Manager, she wears many hats—scheduling shop projects, managing procurement, and ensuring timely deliveries. Her goal? Helping customers meet their deadlines with efficient scheduling while keeping costs competitive through smart purchasing decisions. And what tools help her manage it all? A trusty to-do list, Microsoft Excel, and plenty of coffee!

Why IMS Feels Like Home

For her, IMS isn’t just a workplace—it’s family. The team’s mix of skills and expertise creates a collaborative (sometimes lively!) environment where everyone is heard and valued. Despite the hard work, the rewards of teamwork and shared success make it all worthwhile.

Beyond the Job: Fun Facts & Hobbies

When she’s not managing projects and purchases, you might find her on a tractor, digging out stumps—a hobby that surprises many. A lover of the underwater world, she’s preparing for her first trip to Alaska this year, though her most memorable dive adventure so far was in the Galapagos Islands.

If she could switch careers for a day? Funeral directing was once her dream, but after struggling with biology and chemistry, she took the business and accounting path instead.

Words to Live By

The best advice she’s ever received? “Pause when agitated or doubtful.” Simple, yet powerful.

As a key part of the IMS team, she helps keep everything running behind the scenes, ensuring smooth operations for our customers and crew. We’re lucky to have her on board!