New York State Boater's Guide - 2020 - 58

Approaching the lock. When approaching the lock, boaters
should stop at a safe distance from the lock and follow the specified
signals. Boaters without VHF radio may give three distinct blasts
on the horn, whistle, or other signalling device. Lock operators will
respond with lights in the following manner:
* Green-lock is ready, you may advance
* Red-lock not ready, hold your position and wait
* No light-wait, tie up to the approach wall
* Six flashes of red or green-remain stopped and await instructions
Be Aware of the wake your boat creates, excessive wake can
erode the shoreline and damage docked boats as well as the lock
itself. Keep the channel near the lock gates clear and allow boats
departing or entering the lock a safe and easy passage. Be patient
if lock staff are not ready to lock you through immediately since they
may have other water management duties.
Entering the Lock. Upon entering the lock chamber, vessels must
proceed under control at a safe reduced speed. All boats must be
equipped with adequate mooring lines or fenders. Lock operators
are not required to handle or furnish lines. Although nearly every lock
has weighted lines hanging from the sides of the lock chamber for
boater's convenience. As you near the walls of the lock chamber,
have your crew ready to loop lines around snubbing posts, lock wall
ladders, and tie lines; be sure to loop and not tie your lines or your
boat may be left hanging or damaged as the water level changes.
Be alert to other boats entering the chamber and move ahead if
necessary. Serious injury may result from using you hands or feet
to fend off the chamber wall. Use a boat hook, oar, or paddle. Line
handlers should wear life jackets. Passengers not involved in the
locking process should remain seated out of the way.
In the Lock Chamber. Always follow the directions of the lock
operator. Once you are safely positioned against the chamber wall
with lines looped, turn off the engine but leave your blower running.
Never smoke or operate flame appliances. Never leave your boat
unattended in the lock.
Exiting the Lock. As soon as the water in the lock chamber
reaches the desired level, the gates in front of you will open. Boaters

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58
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New York State Boater's Guide - 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of New York State Boater's Guide - 2020
