Ethanol in the United States is a big problem for our rescue water craft engines.
The problems with ethanol in other countries may not exist due to the corn based fuel we are using here in the USA.
Ethanol is a big concern for us as it acts as a solvent, is not good for long term fuel storage and gums up breather vent hoses for our fuel tanks. Inspections have increased and so have expenses.
Now we must purchase of marine grade fuel additive. One more problem to manage!
Storage needs to be limited of fuel for a period of 14 days in storage cans.
Make sure you are using a Marine Grade Fuel conditioner.
Fuel pumps can easily be destroyed, fuel filters clogged with the toothpaste looking ethanol.
Gaskets, rubber and the interior of fuel lines and storage cans are problematic.
No matter what it boils down to, it’s money. You need to update your RWC annual budget and calculate how many gallons of estimate fuel burn to expect. Then do the math for fuel additive to fuel use and determine what your budget will require.
More time and money to manage, inspect and maintain hourly logs.
Most importantly this becomes a safety issue and a liability issue.
This is one action your department cannot afford to ignore.
Be careful with gummed up fuel ventilation hoses, the fuel tank needs to expand and contract with atmopspheric changes, such as heat or cold. Make sure you remove the seats prior to starting your Rescue Water Craft and allowing any low lying fumes to ventilate prior to engine start.
You are going to have to add in additional budgetary needs to cover the expense of a fuel stabilizer.
Add this check on your department inspection logs and make sure that you maintain efficiency with proper use and care.
These suggestions are to help you maintain a safe operation of your Marine Unit. However, please conduct your own research and update annually your program to compliment any changes in our Rescue Water Craft community.
Have any questions? Join the Rescue Water Craft Association
and discover what your community is doing to modernize standards, safety and reduce liability!
Content Creator – Shawn Alladio cares most about her community and the culture surrounding the safety of event service providers and Rescue Water Craft operators, working hard and dedicated towards protecting their reputation, distributing safety information and continuing to train these amazing individuals to the highest standards of care.