Enter slowly and stop as far as possible from the upstream
gates. Moor fore and aft, passing the mooring lines around
the lock bollards and back to the boat so that they can be
recovered easily when you leave. Do not make fast or you
run the risk of hanging your boat up in the lock.
WATERWAY STRUCTURES
Going down
One crew member closes one gate on the upstream side.
He must then wait until the two gates are completely shut
before opening the downstream sluice gate, otherwise the
current will close them violently.
As the boat goes down, one person on each line holds the
boat tight against the lock wall. If there are only two of you
aboard, the stern line can be handled from the lock surface.
Once the lock is empty, the crew member opens one of the
gates and the lock-keeper the other. Wait until the water has
reached its level and do not force the gates. Once the gates
are open, go slowly out of the lock. The crew member on
shore can rejoin the boat via the ladder in the lock chamber
or, preferably via the pontoon downstream from the lock.
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