Inconsistent Water Temperatures?

If you're experiencing fluctuating water temperatures in your RSW system, it can negatively impact the quality of your catch, leading to potential spoilage or inefficient chilling. Here are some common causes and solutions to help you troubleshoot this issue:

Cause: Poor Water Circulation

When water isn't circulating properly through your RSW system, or when your heat exchanger is clogged, the system struggles to maintain consistent temperatures. Blockages or fouling in the heat exchanger reduce heat transfer efficiency, resulting in uneven cooling and higher operating pressures.

Solution:

• Inspect the Pump for Obstructions: Start by checking the pump intake for debris or marine growth that might be restricting the flow of seawater. Even small obstructions can cause a drop in performance. Clear any blockages and make sure the pump is operating at full capacity.

• Check the Seawater Strainers: It’s crucial to ensure that your seawater strainers are clean and free from debris, such as seaweed or fish. Over time, marine life or sediment can accumulate, reducing the flow of water into the system and leading to inconsistent cooling.

• Monitor Water Flow Rates: Keep an eye on the system’s water flow rate to ensure it is within the manufacturer’s recommended range. Low flow rates can lead to inefficient heat transfer and fluctuating temperatures.

Pro Tip: Implement a maintenance routine that includes regular inspections of water flow components and cleanings of the seawater strainers during peak fishing season to ensure smooth operation.

We will have the schedule of class dates at the Pacific Marine Expo - stop by our booth and sign up there!

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.

This year, we at Integrated Marine Systems (IMS) are proud to celebrate 30 years of serving the fishing industry. What started as a small idea in 1994 has grown into a trusted partnership with fishermen, boat builders, and processors across Alaska and beyond.

30 years of trust
From our humble beginnings, we’ve been committed to one goal: helping you succeed. We’ve worked tirelessly to deliver reliable refrigeration solutions that ensure your catch stays fresh and your operations stay efficient. Over these three decades, we’ve continuously adapted to industry changes and evolving needs, always with your success in mind.

30 years of partnership
At IMS, our customers aren’t just clients – you’re partners. Whether you’re a small family-run boat or a large fishing operation, we value every conversation, every challenge, and every success we’ve shared. Your resilience and passion inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

As we celebrate this milestone, we want to thank you, the people who make this journey possible. Every project, every system, and every innovation is thanks to your support and trust in IMS.

We look forward to many more years of working together to navigate the challenges of the fishing industry. Here’s to another 30 years of innovation, reliability, and partnership!

Thank you for being part of the IMS story.

We are thrilled to welcome Mats Cook to the IMS team as our new Outside Sales Manager. Mats is no stranger to the commercial fishing industry, particularly the Bristol Bay fleet. His connection to fishing runs deep—so much so that he was named after the crew of a gillnetter while his father, Hal, was fishing on Kvichak Bay on the very day Mats was born.

Mats began fishing in Bristol Bay in 1997, and by 2004, he was captaining his family’s gillnetter. In 2007, he ventured to Dutch Harbor, where he fished for crab and cod until 2013. For over 25 years, Mats has remained closely involved in Bristol Bay, including participating in the 2024 season as a relief captain for his family’s boat.

Throughout his career, Mats has worked with several well-known companies such as Redden Marine Supply, Kvichak Marine Industries, Grundens, and LFS where he served as Naknek Manager from 2020 to 2023. His relationship with IMS began in 2010, when he first used our systems as a fisherman, and later expanded to roles as an installer, Dealer Representative, and now as Outside Sales Manager.

An avid outdoorsman, Mats enjoys camping, hunting, and fishing with his two sons near their home on the Olympic Peninsula. His deep knowledge of fishing systems design and applications, paired with his hands-on experience, make him an invaluable addition to the IMS team.

Welcome to the team, Mats!