Locks might seem like a Victorian relic in these days of boating, but if you do any long-distance cruising, you're likely to encounter a lock system. Whether it's the Erie Canal, Tennessee River system or Lake Okeechobee, knowing how to lock through could save your boat from some nasty scratches or other potential mishaps. By following these four steps, you'll be able to pass through the next lock you encounter with confidence.


Hurry Up And Wait
Although some lock systems are 24/7, other locks have changing hours. Most cruising guides have the telephone numbers of the lockkeepers, so you should call ahead and make sure that the published times are still up to date. Some of the locks also operate on demand, depending on the traffic or on set alternating schedules for vessels that are going in opposite directions. It's best to get to the lock well in advance, especially if it's a crowded weekend day. It often takes 45 to 60 minutes to lock through, so you should plan to get to the lock ahead of schedule on busy boating days. Also, commercial traffic has priority at locks, so you can also expect to wait if there are a lot of barges in the area. When you get within VHF range, always check with the lockkeeper on Channel 16 about the times and any specific rules before proceeding.



Be Ready
Once you make sure the lockkeeper knows of your intent to lock through, you should go ahead and prepare your line and fenders before attempting to enter the lock. All boats that go through should have at least 50 feet of line that can be used to fasten the boat to the floating mooring bits (posts) on the lock chamber wall. Other locks have static posts or handles along the wall that don't move, which means you must feed out or pull in the lines as the boat falls or rises with the changing water levels. Always stay within the navigation channels that are clearly marked by buoys since the locks and dams have areas that may be hazardous. The massive outflow or influx of water from the lock could suck your boat into a danger zone or throw it into the rocks near the shore, so pay attention to the warning signs.




Green Means Go
A number of locking systems are equipped with traffic signals. A red flashing signal means the lock is not available. Amber means the lock is being made ready, and you can slowly approach but not enter the lock. The green light means that you can enter. Besides using the traffic signals, the lockkeeper will generally signal with a series of horn blasts. One long blast means you can enter the lock, and one short blast means it's time to exit the lock. The lockkeeper is the boss. He'll position you wherever he feels it's the safest - even if you're looking up at the underbelly of a barge. Be sure to enter the lock at no-wake speed; there are too many cases of bumper boats occuring when coming into the lock too fast. Make sure your fenders are out - both bow and stern - and on the outside of the boat if it's packed inside.



Locking Through
Approach the wall at a gentle angle, stop the boat, and have two people tie off to the lock's mooring posts at the forward and aft cleats. You want it to be tied so you don't have to exert pressure to keep it fast, but you also want to be able to loosen the line quickly. A pair of gloves might come in handy because the lock walls can often be filled with barnacles or slime. Engines should be shut down, and while the water rises or falls, the crew positioned at the bow and stern should watch the lines (but keep all hands away from the boat sides and the walls). Other passengers should remain seated, and if the helmsperson isn't working a line, he or she should remain positioned at the helm. Remain tied up until the lockkeeper signals that you can depart. Exit at no-wake speed.