Boat Locks on the Great Loop

Locking Through

In all cases, you will want to approach the lock slowly - not because you are a

novice, but

because you are a pro. Near the lock's gate there will be an official (or

unofficial) waiting

or staging area - In some cases you can tie up along a wall and

wait, and in other cases

you just keep your boat steady in place. If you are alone, or

the first to arrive, you can

indicate your intention to lock through to the Lock Master

on your VHF. If there are

already a boats waiting with VHF radios, you don't need to

call the Lock Master again.

rush, as you will have to wait until everyone is in the lock and secure. Remember that

you

will be inside the lock with all your fellow adventurers, so patience, and courtesy

will be

appreciated by all, and don't forget, you will most likely meet up with these

same boaters

again at the next lock, so be nice (even if it hurts).

Sometimes, if your timing and arrival at the lock is great, you will be able to drive

when the

lock has just emptied the load of boats heading in the opposite direction of

you. Whatever

the conditions, always make sure you have received confirmation

from the Lock Master, or

have a green light, before entering a lock. In most locks, on

busy days, the Lock Master

(or staff) will communicate with you with hand gestures

or with the use of a speaker horn.

In all cases, when approaching the lock, you need

to keep a sharp eye out for, and on the

Lock Master or staff. Always approach and

enter the lock DEAD SLOW. If your boat

approaches too fast, your wake will follow -

and possibly heave you and any other boats

smashing into the lock wall.

Have your fenders in place and your lines ready before you enter the lock, As you

arrive

at your chosen or designated spot on the wall, and have come to a stop,

simply loop your

dock line around the vertical guide wires or wall cleats.

Do not ever "tie" your vessel to anything in a lock - even the guide straps. Remember

your line, and more importantly - your boat - has to rise or fall with the changing

water

level in the lock. One dock line near the bow and one at near the stern will do

nicely.

How to Lock through the Locks

See how easy that is...

Sure... The first time, you will feel a bit intimidated, and nervous.
But by the third time - You'll be a pro...

A WORD TO THE WISE
Don't assume that just because a boat is bigger, newer, or more expensive
then yours, that the Skipper knows what he is doing.
Remember the Exxon Valdez ?

The Lock doors close, and the water b

egin

to rise (going up) or fall (going down). All the

while, you simply keep a hand on the line

you have looped around the guide wire,

watching to make sure it (or your boat) moves up or

down as the water level begins to fill

or drain. If your boat or line gets caught or snagged, It

could create a major disaster.

stop, or stay put. Normally, the first boat in is the first boat out, but this is not true in all

cases.

In some cases the Lock Master will send the smaller boats out first if any are at

the rear going

in. So pay attention - and don't be in a hurry. Also, in some cases, you

may be in a lock with a

small fishing boat, rowboat, dinghy, or even a canoe; in which

case - even a small wake made

between two steep vertical walls can return and capsize

somebody.

If it's your first time through, and you're a bit apprehensive, don't be shy about letting the

Lock

Master know - they will gladly offer whatever help you might need to get you

through without

incident.

The only time this formula will vary slightly is at the two "lift" locks and marine railway. At

the

Peterborough and Kirkfield lift locks, one can tie off their boat, as the whole lock

chamber

moves up and down. As well, at the Big Chute marine railway, the lines are

simply handed to

the staff who ride along with the boats on the carriage.

Up bound traffic in the Kingston Mills Locks on the Rideau Waterway

These two boats are headed
up river and the lock chamber
is about half full of water.

bow of the white boat. He is
holding both ends of a line that
is looped around the vertical
guide straps that extend from
the top of the lock to the very
bottom. This is so he can hold
his vessel in place (against the
wall) while his boat is allowed
to be raised or lowered.

At right, the lock chamber
is full. The man on the
bow is still holding the two
ends of his line. Now you
can see the wall that hold
the vertical guide straps.
(which I really like) has just
started to move forward
out of the lock. It really is
easy - as it should be.

Speaking of exceptions to the rule... This is the entrance to the Peterborough "lift" lock.
Here, you can tie your boat off - as the entire lock chamber moves up and down - kinda
like an elevator full of water. LOL - Floor please?

Notice the vertical
"Guide Straps"
these are what you loop
your line around
to hold your vessel in
place.

How unfortunate it is... That most people believe "sailing
off to Paradise" means you have to cross an ocean.

ALSO:
Remember that extra 150 feet (or so) of dock line all the boat
safety articles and Coast Guard recommend? Well... You're
going to need it. More than once, you will find yourself in a lock
with no guide straps available. Either they are all taken, or there
just aren't any. So don't panic! Instead - simply pull out that 150'
of dock line and lay the approximate middle of it over a cleat or
piling atop the lock's wall. If you are up-bound, and the top of the
wall is 40' above you, the Lock Master or Lock staff will take your
line and do it for you. That, or your First Mate may have to climb
a flight of stairs.
Just remember, when the gate opens, that's your line your
holding to, and you will want to pull one end until you get in ALL
in your boat - before starting your engine - that way if 30' or so,
falls in the water, it won't end up tangled in your props.

THE PERFECT GIFT
FOR DAD
WHO NOW...
(THANKS TO YOU)
HAS MUCH MORE TIME
THEN MONEY!

Seeing
the world
from the water
then one heart
can hold.
So
be sure
you see it
with someone
you love.
Capt John

Capt John's America's Great Loop