Sec. 151.19. Locks

(a) Passage.

(1) When approaching a lock, operators must stop at a safe distance and follow specified signals provided by the lock operator. Operators of floats intending to enter a lock can contact the lock operator via marine band radio channel 13, or by three distinct blasts or soundings of a horn, whistle, or other signaling device. Lock operators will reply with navigation lights. Green indicates that the lock is ready and the float may advance. Red indicates that the float must wait.

(2) A float approaching a lock which is not ready to receive it shall come to a full stop at a safe distance from the lock and await the signal of the lock operator to approach. If the lock is ready to receive the float, the float shall slow down at a proper distance from the lock to avoid damaging the lock structure or equipment.

(3) If no light is shown, the float shall stop, stay in place or tie up immediately to the approach wall, and await further instructions from the lock operator.

(4) A float which arrives at a lock and does not employ the first opportunity of passing through same, shall lose its preference if there is any other float ready to pass through the lock.

(5) No owner or operator of a float shall unnecessarily or unreasonably delay, hinder or detain its entry into, passage through, or exit from a lock or the passage through a lock of any other float awaiting locking. The lock operator may order any float engaging in such delay removed from the lock and the owner thereof shall pay all expenses involved in such towing or removal.

(6) Fenders shall be used as required to prevent damage to the lock structure. Floats leaving the lock shall navigate at a reduced speed until the stern of such float has reached a point of at least 150 feet beyond the lock chamber.

(7) Every float operator shall comply strictly with directions or orders of the lock operator as to management of the float while awaiting locking, during locking or on entering or leaving a lock.

(8)

(i) At Lockport operators of double-locking tows: eastbound, are required to have the power unit remain on the upper level until the first locking is complete; when westbound, the power unit shall enter the lock with the first locking of its double-locking tow, so as to provide power on the upper level for the floats comprising the first locking.

(ii) At the Waterford flight of locks double-locking tows are not allowed in either direction without special permission of the Canal Corporation or its representative.

(9)

(i) No operator of a float shall allow the float to leave an approach wall, enter a lock, or leave a lock until the lock gates are fully open, and no red light is shown by the traffic control device on the lock, or operator of a float is directed by a lock operator to proceed.

(ii) Every operator of a float waiting to enter a lock shall give way to floats leaving the lock.

(iii) No operator of a float shall allow the float to pass through a lock unless the float is equipped with good and sufficient mooring lines and securely attached fenders; the float and any goods or equipment on the float are in a condition that permits passage through the lock in a safe and controlled manner; and the float is of a dimension, configuration or draft that permits safe passage.

(10) No person shall, while on a float that is passing through a lock of the canal, smoke or have or maintain an open flame, including a pilot light.

(11) The lock operator may require the removal of persons or perishable property from canoes, rowboats or personal watercraft during locking. The lock operator may prohibit the passage of such float through the lock if, in the discretion of the lock operator, such passage would create a hazardous condition or obstruction to navigation.

(b) Floats under control.

To prevent any damage to the lock structure or its equipment, floats shall, at all times, enter each lock squarely and under proper control at a speed that is consistent with navigation safety under the weather and water conditions prevailing in the vicinity of the lock at that time. Float personnel shall execute all specified and required navigation and safety measures to bring the float safely into the lock and to insure a full stop in the lock chamber without touching, hitting or damaging lock gates or any other vulnerable part of the lock structure or equipment. Lines shall be put out from the float to slow its final drift speed, bring it to a stop and hold it safely in the lock during locking operation.

(c) Penalties.

Any operator of a float violating this section shall be subject to a penalty not to exceed $100 for each offense and the lock operator may refuse the float passage violation through the lock for a period of not more than six hours.