Helena Frye
Going through a boat lock can be a daunting experience for beginner boaters, but the procedure is fairly simple. A boat lock is a device used for raising and lowering boats between stretches of water of different levels on river or canal waterways. To go through a boat lock, you must first approach the lock when the gates are open and the green light is on. You can then tie up or idle to the side of the channel until the lock staff signals you in. Once you are in the lock, wrap your lines around the bollard, cleat or rail. Do not cleat them off, just take a wrap so you can loosen or tension the line as you raise or lower in the lock.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to approach the lock | When the gates are open and the green light is on |
| How to alert the lock operator | Call them, use marine radio (Channel 13) or signal with three horn or whistle blasts |
| What to do when you reach the lock | Follow the directions of the lock operator |
| Where to position your boat | Along the lock wall as directed |
| What to do with the rope line | Hold it for stability, but don't tie your boat to it |
| How to protect your boat | Make sure you have your fenders out and ready so you don't scratch your boat on the lock walls |
| What to do with the lines | Wrap them around the bollard/cleat/rail (or your own cleat if using their line)> |
| How to adjust the lines | Don't cleat them off, just take a wrap so you can loosen or tension the line as you raise or lower in the lock |
| When to leave the lock | When the staff let you know it's ok to head out |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare your boat for a lock
Before you enter a lock, make sure you have your fenders out and ready to prevent your boat from scratching the lock walls. You should also put on your PFDs (personal flotation devices). If the lock gate isn't open, find somewhere nearby to tie up or idle to the side of the channel until the lock staff signals you in.
While you're waiting, figure out which side of your vessel you will secure to the lock and put out fenders on that side. The lockmaster will sound a long whistle blast when it's time to enter the lock. For a twin lock, the lockmaster gives two long blasts for riverside and one long blast for landside. Enter the lock at no-wake speed and pull forward to allow other boats to fall in behind you. Usually, lock personnel will show you where to pull up and give you the lines. Secure your vessel by taking the line to an outside cleat. Take a turn around the cleat so you can loosen or tighten the line as needed.
If you have a gasoline engine, it's a good idea to turn off your engine and turn on your blowers. Keep your hands and feet clear of the boat and wall. Use a boat hook or paddle to fend off if necessary. Your crew handling the lines will have to adjust them as the water level rises or falls. Your lines should be at least twice the depth of the lock. Once secure in the lock, shut off your engine.
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How to enter the lock
Going through a boat lock can be daunting, but the procedure is fairly simple. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to enter a boat lock:
First, make sure the lock gate is open and the green light is on. If the lock gate isn't open, find somewhere nearby to tie up or just idle to the side of the channel until the lock staff signals you in. Make sure you have your fenders out and ready so you don't scratch your boat on the lock walls.
Once you are in the lock, position yourself along the lock wall as directed by the lock operator. Hold the rope line for stability, but do not tie your boat to it. Wrap your lines (or theirs) around the bollard/cleat/rail (or your own cleat if using their line). Do not cleat them off, just take a wrap so you can loosen or tension the line as you raise or lower in the lock.
Wait until you have completely locked up or down, then generally, the staff will let you know when it is ok to head out of the lock. Lastly, thank the staff for letting you through!
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What to do while in the lock
Once you're in the lock, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you have your fenders out and ready to avoid scratching your boat on the lock walls. Wrap the lines around the bollard, cleat or rail, but don't cleat them off. This way, you can adjust the tension as you raise or lower the boat in the lock. Hold the rope line for stability, but don't tie your boat to it. Wait for the lock staff to signal that it's okay to head out of the lock. Finally, remember to thank the staff for letting you through.
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How to exit the lock
Once you have entered the lock, wrap your lines (or the lock's) around the bollard/cleat/rail (or your own cleat if using their line). Do not cleat them off, just take a wrap so you can loosen or tension the line as you raise or lower in the lock. Wait until you have completely locked up or down, then generally the staff will let you know when it is ok to head out of the lock. Make sure you thank the staff for letting you through.
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How to thank the lock staff
When going through a boat lock, it's important to thank the lock staff for their help. Here are some ways to do this:
- Make sure you follow their directions and position your boat along the lock wall as they instruct.
- Hold the rope line for stability, but don't tie your boat to it. This will make it easier for them to assist you.
- If you're approaching a lock, look out for a green light and an open gate. This means you can enter, and you can thank the staff by following their instructions and entering safely.
- If you're waiting for the lock staff to signal you in, make sure you have your fenders out and ready to protect your boat from scratches.
- Once you're in the lock, wrap the lines around the bollard, cleat, or rail, but don't cleat them off. This will give you more control over your boat's position and make it easier for the staff to assist you.
- After you've locked up or down, thank the staff for their help and let them know you appreciate their work in keeping the waterway safe and accessible.
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Frequently asked questions
A boat lock is a device used for raising and lowering boats between stretches of water of different levels on river/canal waterways.
Approach the lock when the gates are open and the green light is on. You may also need to call ahead to alert operators of your arrival time.
Make sure you have your fenders out and ready so you don’t scratch your boat on the lock walls. Once you are in the lock, wrap your lines (or theirs) around the bollard/cleat/rail (or your own cleat if using their line).
Wait until you have completely locked up or down, then generally the staff will let you know when it is ok to head out the lock. Lastly, thank the staff for letting you through.
