Lock edicate

[POINTER94]

A couple of times a year I run the Mississippi river. There are many locks and there is frequently a long wait time as the locks pass through large barge traffic. When this happens there can be a large number of boats that accumulate waiting for the lock to recieve them.<br /><br />I have always thought that the area directly in front of the lock is for the traffic to exit, and the proper waiting area is off to the side. <br /><br />Had to wait for a barge this weekend (I was headed south, the barge was headed south, the barge exited, the lock took on recreational boats headed north, and then recieved the southbound (myself) traffic) and had over 30 boats waiting to get into the lock, and they created a virtual gauntlet for the boats exiting the lock to navigate, then when we entered those who had crated the mess went zipping in and left those of us who waited in what I thought was the correct location, in a strange position and made entry into the lock very difficult and at times a little heated. I had some difficulty squeezing my way into a position, and exchanged a dirty look with a guy who would not yield even though I had right of way. No biggie, but would like to know what is the correct procedure for waiting and entering a lock. I would like to know if I am part of the problem or doing the right thing. <br /><br />Thanks.

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: Lock edicate

It has been my experience that when common sense and courtesy are lacking, the lockmaster will communicate his desires to those in error. Around here I think they monitor Channel 13 on the VHF...or use a bullhorn if necessary. NEVER mess with the lockmaster I agree with you, those waiting to enter the lock should wait well back and off to the side. I have seen instances where those who had "problems" were stopped on the way out and handed a booklet on how to properly lock through.

 

[kcole683]

Re: Lock edicate

Sounds like a bunch of rude people who think they are more important than everyone else.<br />Just like the idiots who drive on the freeways around here.<br /><br />It sounds to me that you are doing it right and the lockmaster should give em hell for blocking the entry and exit of the lock.<br />The lockmaster should let them wait for the next opening when they do that.<br /><br />Most important thing is enjoy yourself and don't sweat the little things.

 

[rochester]

Re: Lock edicate

Pointer94,<br />You were in the right. Those people were either just rudely trying to make sure that they got locked through, or they didn't know any better. Check this out:<br /> http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PA_brochure3651/PA3651_01.htm

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Lock edicate

rochester,<br /><br />Thanks for the answer, complete with pictures. I just like to know exactly what the correct way to do things are. Even if it just boils down to being polite. (A recent lost quality on todays crowded lakes and ramps) <br /><br />This cleans things up completely, Thanks!!!!<br /><br /><br />relentless, <br /><br />Yep the lock master started issueing verbal warnings but you know that without a cattle prod and the like, it just won't sink in for some folks. They had their 38ft cuisers and were flying the Canadian Flag above the American on the flag standards. Sometimes you just have to shake your head and grab a handful of peanuts, and forget about the little things.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Lock edicate

Pointer94: There you go. Common sense and routine coutesey make everyone's life easier. I had two uncles who were lockmasters and they always wanted problems reported on the radio. Sometimes they can't see small boats down in the lockpit. A true story: One of my uncles was locking a tow through and talking to them on the radio. All of a sudden, the lower lock gates failed, breached open and the tow started going out of the lock on a wall of water. The immediate radio problem reported by the captain " HEY! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS DOING UP THERE?"

 

[steam_mill]

Re: Lock edicate

Up here in Canada where I see many American boats and cottage owners fly the U.S. flag above the canadian (or german flags, or french flags etc. etc. I hate improper flag etiquette..) I am on a canal system.<br /><br />We have a 100 ft (?) long blue area before lockage. If you want to go through, you dock at that location. Lockmaster opens locks when appropriate. They also monitor chanel 13, but no need...<br /><br />I think you did the right thing, don't assume that all us canucks don't understand flat etiquette.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Lock edicate

steam-mill,<br /><br />Not a shot at the Canadians, just this one in particular. When it comes to flag etiquette many people have not a clue. To those that know it is offensive, but this guy was clearly a checkbook captain and carried an attitude with his seamanship, personal demeanor, as well as his visual displays. Best to let that guy go ahead, I figured I would pass him later when he ran up on a wing dam, or crossed paths with one of the old river rats who would not be as accomidating.<br /><br />You should have seen the jail break after the lock opened..... I grabbed another handful of peanuts, was the last out of the lock, and waited for the wakes to clear. Cost me 2 minutes. Next lock was like 9 miles down river. what were these folks thinking???????