Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 39, September 25, 2024
(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.
