Lock Procedure

1. Stay between red and green buoys. They mark the river’s navigable channel.
2. When approaching a lock, wait for the lockman to signal that you may enter. Crafts going upstream and downstream should stay clear 400 feet from the end of the lock walls until a signal to enter is received. This is particularly true if large crafts are about to leave the lock and are headed in your direction.
3. Vessels, which carry a whistle and desire lockage, shall signal one long blast of the whistle (4 to 6 seconds),  at a distance of not more than 1/2 mile from the lock.
4. Small boats without a whistle may signal for lockage by using the small boat signal located near the end of the upper and lower lock walls.
5. Traffic signal lights and horns guide you at the locks.
     
   

   Flashing Red	Stand Clear, Do Not Enter
   Flashing Amber	Lock is Being Made Ready
   Flashing Green	Enter Lock
   Flashing Green / Amber	Enter Lock with Caution
   One Long Blast	Enter Landward Lock
   Two Long Blasts	Enter Riverward Lock
   One Short Blast	Leave Landward Lock
   Two Short Blasts	Leave Riverward Lock

6.  Carry aboard at least 50′ of mooring line. You will need it during lockage to tie your craft safely to the lock wall. Do NOT tie up to the ladders along the wall.
7.  Stand by to pay out or take in mooring line as the water level in the lock rises or falls.
8. Make sure there is a mooring ring or similar device on your boat to which a mooring line can be tied.
9.  Use fenders to save damage to your boat and to lock walls. 
10.  Turbulent water is created during lockage. Passengers should remain seated in your boat. DO NOT leave motor of craft running during lockage.
11.  Always wear a life jacket. 
12.  The lockman have been give the same authority over your boat as traffic policemen have over your car at intersections. For your own safety you must obey their instructions. 
13.  Wait for the lockman’s signal before untying mooring lines to leave the lock. Travel at reduced speed on entering and leaving the lock. Fast speeds endanger your own boat, other crafts and lock gates.
14.  Lockage Priority:
    1.  Vessels owned by United States
    2.  Passenger Vessels
    3.  Comercial Vessels
    4.  Rafts
    5.  Pleasure Crafts
15.  Know your location on the river with regard to the proximity of each dam and lock. Note Coast Guard mile markers to determine your location. Approach dam and lock next to the lock and at reduced speed. “No Boating” areas have been established immediately upstream and downstream of the dam. These areas are extremely hazardous. Loss of boats and lives has occurred by boater’s carelessness. Boats have been pulled in the dam by downstream currents as well as upstream currents. 

 STAY SAFE. KNOW YOUR PROCEDURE.

Lock & Dams