Prepare To “Lock Out” To Sea
Check your vessel is sea worthy, remove springs. If single handed, this would be an ideal time to hang fenders on side of vessel and make ready mooring lines.
Good idea to have fenders on both sides for protection from others.
Radio Marina on VHF Channel 37 or 80 and request “Lock Out” to sea, before leaving your berth.
Prepare To “Lock In” From Sea
Hang fenders to port (recommend fenders are hung on starboard as well) and make ready mooring lines.
Radio the Marina on VHF Channel 37 or 80 (If no radio use mobile phone, do not enter the marina unannounced) and await conformation.
Entering The Lock
If there are other vessels awaiting to enter the Lock, you will probably be requested by the Lock Keeper to let the larger vessels enter first. (If you are not asked, it would be good practice to do this anyway)
The leading light when white will keep you in the channel, especially when nearing Low Water. If light shows Green or Red alter course accordingly.
In The Lock
Be considerate of others, go slow, move as far forward in the Lock as possible and have your stern and aft mooring lines at the ready.
If another vessel needs to moor up against you be ready to take his lines.
Leaving The Lock
Be patient wait your turn, allow vessels ahead of you to leave first.
Before casting off, check no one is behind you has been impatient.
Do not release your Lines until the Lock Gates are fully open and keep to the 4 Knot speed limit. (It Is There For A Reason)
Going To Your Berth
Please keep to the 4 Knot limit. Your wash could cause damage to other vessels.
Entering The Lock
Wait for Green light before entering Lock. It would not be wise to loiter around the Lock entrance as other vessels may need to exit the lock.
If there are other vessels waiting to enter the lock, you will probably be requested by the Lock Keeper to let the larger vessels enter first. (If you are not asked it would be good practice to do this anyway)
In The Lock
Be considerate of others, go slow, move as far forward in the lock as possible and have your stern and aft Mooring Lines at the ready.
Be aware your fenders may need adjusting; depending on if you are moored up against the Pontoon or another vessel.
If another vessel needs to moor up against you, be ready to take his Lines.
Visitors
Visitors should ensure all outstanding charges are paid up before exiting Lock to sea.
Please do not forget to return your key to the Marina Lock Office