Why Proper Winterization of Your RSW System Matters

As the fishing season winds down, taking time to properly winterize your RSW system is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure a smooth startup next season—and avoid costly damage.

RSW systems are engineered to deliver reliable performance in demanding environments, but prolonged idle periods, moisture intrusion, and freezing temps can cause serious harm if not properly addressed.

Common Issues From Incomplete Winterization

• Frozen Water Damage: Residual water in chillers, pumps, or condensers can freeze and rupture equipment.

• Sulfide Contamination: Leaving stagnant water in chillers can promote anaerobic bacteria growth, leading to corrosion and pitting.

• Refrigerant Leaks: Moisture left in the system can mix with refrigerant oil, creating acids that degrade seals and internal components.

• Compressor Failure: Moisture, air, or acidic oil left inside can corrode internals and cause electrical failures at startup.

Follow the procedure outlined in your IMS manual whenever your system will be shut down for more than two weeks.

• Circulate Clean Water: Fill the fish hold with fresh water and run the system to rinse out salt and debris.

• Pump Down the System: Close the King valve to allow the system to shut down on low pressure. Avoid pulling into a vacuum, as this can introduce air and moisture.

• Refrigerant Isolation: Close all necessary valves (King, Queen, suction, discharge) and tag them clearly.

• Lubricate Valve Stems: Prevent corrosion by oiling stems and caps with compressor or mineral oil.

• Backflush the Chiller: Reverse flow to flush buildup from the chiller and piping.

• Drain All Water Systems: Remove ALL residual water from piping, pumps, condenser, and chiller. Water left behind can freeze, expand, and cause cracking.

• Remove Zinc Anodes: Take out zincs from all applicable locations to prevent corrosion from continuing during lay-up.

• Inspect Condenser Tubes: Remove inlet/outlet piping and clean tubes as needed to prevent fouling buildup.

• Protect from Elements: Cover or shield components from weather and moisture exposure.

• Stock Up: Order critical spare parts now—so you're not left scrambling at startup.

Pro Tip:

Use this downtime to inspect worn parts, replace zincs, and address any nagging issues from the season. Scheduling off-season service or parts orders ensures you're not caught off guard in spring when lead times may increase.

Schedule your winterization with Tim now - A few hours now can save you thousands later! service@imspacific.com

Have questions? Call or email our support team—we’re here to help you protect your investment. 800·562·1945

Catch Us at Pacific Marine Expo 2025 Booth 1013!

We're thrilled to be back at Pacific Marine Expo, the West Coast’s largest and longest-running commercial marine trade show—November 20–22, 2025, at Lumen Field Event Center, Seattle

Stop by Booth 1013 to meet the IMS team and see why pros count on us season after season. Chat with our sales and technical team— we’re here to answer questions and provide you with your RSW solution.

Show Hours

Thursday (Nov 20): Exhibit Hall open 10:00 am–5:00 pm

Friday (Nov 21): Exhibit Hall open 10:00 am–5:00 pm

Saturday (Nov 22): Exhibit Hall open 10:00 am–2:00 pm

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re attending—or considering it—drop by Booth 1013. Whether you’re looking to prep for next season, upgrade your system, or just say hello, we’d love to see you there.

Stay tuned for show-exclusive updates and announcements. Until then—see you in Seattle!

The 2026 RSW:101 Schedule will be available at Pacific Marine Expo.

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.

The 2025 salmon season in Bristol Bay is showing strong numbers and renewed confidence for fishermen—including you.

• Run into the high 50s
  The preseason forecast from ADF&G predicted around 51.3 million sockeye (range: 37–66M), which is 38% above the long-term average.
  

  UW’s Fisheries Research Institute placed the final forecast at 54.1 million—about 8% above 20-year norms.

• Fish are bigger & healthier
  Following 2024’s record-low average weight (~4.5 lb), 2025 delivered a bounce-back. Early season trends and field numbers confirm stronger, healthier fish.

• Plenty of action early
  Catch-and-escapement tracking showed the season opening strong—almost matching early-season totals not seen since the 1980s.

Equipment Readiness is Key

You want your RSW system performing at its best—to capitalize on these good conditions from the first drift.

Fishermen who maintained or upgraded their RSW systems saw clear payoffs in price and product quality.

IMS Teaser: Big News Coming Soon

We’re cooking up something special: Our year-end sale—designed to help you lock in top-tier equipment at great rates. It’s all about getting you geared up for 2026 while 2025’s momentum is still fresh. Stay tuned for the announcement!

Stay sharp and ride this positive wave. The 2025 season is strong—and IMS is here to help you seize the opportunity and get ahead for next year.

With this year’s record catches and solid prices, there’s a renewed sense of optimism in Bristol Bay—and for good reason. After a few tough seasons, the tide is turning for Alaska’s fishermen.

At IMS, we’ve spent 30 years working side-by-side with hardworking captains and crews, and nothing makes us prouder than seeing boats return full and systems running strong. This year has shown that the investments you make—in your vessel, your crew, and your equipment—truly pay off.

You’ve worked hard this season. Let us help you protect that success—and set the stage for an even better 2026.

At Integrated Marine Systems, we’re proud to have a team that brings not just technical expertise, but also a deep connection to the fishing industry. This month, we’re highlighting Lloyd Josang—our experienced and refrigeration-savvy salesman who’s been part of the IMS family since 2009.

Lloyd began his journey in marine refrigeration back in February of 1989—just two weeks shy of his 21st birthday. When asked about his experience at the time, his honest reply was, “I know how to sweep the floor of the shop.” Luckily, that was enough to get his foot in the door—and it marked the start of a long and rewarding career in the industry.

Raised in a commercial fishing family, Lloyd was already familiar with the maritime world. With a natural mechanical aptitude, he quickly soaked up knowledge from mentors, supplemented by night classes and hands-on experience in service work. Eventually, health challenges led him to pivot into sales, where he found a new rhythm handling everything from small parts orders to large-scale Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) systems. One of his proudest projects? Designing and overseeing the build of a containerized ice flaking plant.

IMS is the fifth refrigeration company Lloyd has worked with, and he says it’s the one that truly feels like home. “The company’s mission to support fishermen and integrate refrigeration into real-world operations aligns perfectly with my values,” he shares. “From day one, I’ve been impressed with the team culture—everyone here genuinely works together to support our customers and keep IMS growing.”

Today, Lloyd wears many hats. He helps customers with part orders, manages complex stock shipments, assists with troubleshooting refrigeration issues, and help with technical specifications for IMS-manufactured systems. A self-proclaimed refrigeration geek, he enjoys diving into the science behind new refrigerants and equipment—always thinking ahead about how these changes will shape the future of the fishing industry.

When he’s not at work (which is rare, he jokes—“I’m a reluctant member of Workaholics Anonymous”), Lloyd enjoys spending time with his wife and their now-adult children, often tagging along on their latest adventure.

We’re fortunate to have Lloyd on the IMS team. His deep knowledge of refrigeration, steady approach to problem-solving, and commitment to helping customers make him an invaluable resource—both to our company and to the fishing operations we support.