Operating locks
Locks are used to raise or lower boats from one level to another. Operating locks is very simple and part of the fun of a boating trip. However, care must be taken around locks and your hire boat centre will brief you fully when you collect your boat.
The lock consists of a chamber into which your boat passes, plus a gate or gates at either end. The lock has openings (paddles or sluices) at the top and bottom to allow water in and out of the chamber. This raises or lowers the water level and the boat. The paddles are opened and closed by the crew using a lock handle (windlass) on the winding gear at the top and bottom of each lock.
On major rivers and waterways such as the River Thames and River Severn, the locks are manned and operated for you during the summer. On the canals, the locks are much smaller and are mostly operated by you and your crew. Many of the longer lock flights have Canal & River Trust lock keepers there to help.
Going Up
- Close all gates and ensure the top paddles are shut
- Open the bottom paddles to empty the lock
- Open the doors and enter
- Close the doors and the bottom paddles
- Open the top paddles to fill the lock
- As the boat rises, make sure the bow does not snag on the forward lock gate
- Open the top gates and exit
Going Down
- Close all gates and ensure the bottom paddles are shut
- Open the top paddles to fill the lock
- Open the doors and enter
- Close the doors and top paddles
- Open the bottom paddles to empty the lock
- There is a cill (step) behind you under the top gate. As the boat falls, stay forward in the lock or your boat may strike it as the water level falls.
- Open the bottom gates and exit
Lock etiquette & safety
- Always share a lock with other boats where possible to save water.
- Make sure all gates and paddles are closed when you leave a lock, unless you see another boat approaching.
- Before opening the sluices fully, first check how much water is coming in by opening one paddle half-way, as you could flood a boat if you open them too quickly.
- Keep the boat forward of the top lock gate cill (step) – the word ‘Cill’ and white lines are marked on the lock walls and warning signs are placed on lock gates.
- Never dangle your arms and legs over the side of the boat or the lock as they can get crushed between the boat and lock side.