Locks

A lock is a chamber of water with gates at either end. By emptying or filling the chamber, your boat can move up or downhill. The Boaters’ Handbook covers the principles of lock operation:

Safety in locks

There are a few basic things to remember about the procedure in order to keep you safe.

Skipper

Approach the lock slowly and moor up to check if another boat is coming through towards you.

You can hold the boat on the centre line while your crew disembarks.

Crew

The crew member can then walk along and liaise with any other boaters who might be waiting at the other side to come through.

To raise the paddle and allow water in and out, the crew needs to use the smallest appeture on the windlass and wind it in a controlled manner.

The windlass should then be removed and carried with you.

Skipper

The boat needs to enter the lock very slowly.

Position the boat as far forward on the way down because the back (stern) can catch on the cill.

Position the boat as far back on the way up because water gushing in from the raised paddles can flood it and sink the boat.

Don’t use ropes to tie the boat. The engine should remain on and the skipper should use forward and reverse to keep control in the lock chamber.

If anyone falls in, pull up the Engine Shut-off lever, drop the paddles quickly and throw a buoyancy aid.

Crew

To close the paddles, the crew member needs to lift the safety catch first and use the windlass to lower the paddles in a controlled manner.

Leave the lock with all paddles closed.

Shut gates if no boats approaching.