Pass a lock with a houseboat
Most of the skippers know: a lock will never be routine. You will not be the first or the last one who will be afraid in front of the gates and would like to turn around. But you will be pleased, when the lockage went well and without damages on the boat, without losing a fender and without panic. Nevertheless, there will always be a little heartthrob.
Lock in Alsace-Lorraine
Passing a lock is a memorable experience on a boat trip. You have the chance to get to know locals or other travellers. In France the lock-keepers often offer local products. They are always pleased about a little tip, though it is not obligatory. You are responsible to handle your lines while locking and to support the lock-keeper if necessary. One crew member should be dropt of on the bank. That way the lines can be taken properly and the person ashore can support the lock-keeper better.
In most locks several boats will pass together. The aim is to save water. If you arrive and the gates are closed, wait and tie up the boat if necessary. You can inform yourself about the operation hours at the base. The operation hours of the locks in Germany can be found in the waterway guide Törnplaner which was send together with the Captain’s Manual. Do not hesitate to help other crews while passing a lock, you might be thankful to get a little help too.
Locking downwards
1
Please enter the lock slowly. Stop the boat with the engine. Belay the front and the back cleat with lines, throw the lines over a bollard of the lock and take the lines back on the boat. Direct the lines via a cleat on board and hold them tight. But never tie the lines up.
2
Now you need to shut the upper gate unless a lock-keeper is there to do it and open the grafters of the lower gate. At least one crew member on board is responsible for the lines.
3
Loosen the lines while going down. Attention: while locking down the lines can get jammed on the cleat or bollard. Leave space between the stern of your boat and the look gate! Be aware of the sill of the look gate. Usually it is marked with a line on the wall of the lock.
4
Once the act of lowering is terminated, the person ashore opens the lower gate and gives the lines back on board. Make sure that no lines get into the water and get caught in the propeller. Afterwards your crew member climbs back on board or you pick him up after the lock.
Locking upwards
1
Please enter the lock slowly. One crew member should get ashore – in front of the lock or via the ladder in the lock.
2
The skipper throws the lines, the man ashore places the lines around the bollards and hands the ends back to the crew on the boat. In case of a too short line you can also use a bowline hitch around the bollards.
3
Close the lower gate.
4
The person ashore now has to open the grafters of the upper gate or help the lock-keeper. One person on board takes the front and one the back lines on the way up, keeping the boat close to the wall. Be aware of the current.
5
As soon as the lock is full, you can open the gate or the lock-keeper will do so. Pull in the lines and slowly leave the lock.
