Lockage

Procedures

LOCKAGE PROCEDURES:

1. Approach the lock at a NO WAKE speed.

2. Let the lock know you wish to lock through by contacting them on marine radio channel 16 or by sounding your horn or whistle.

3. Wait north of the lock's approach channels to allow outbound vessel traffic to depart from the lock chamber.

4. Obey the lock's traffic signal lights and verbal instructions received from the lock operator. Vessels awaiting lockage will be allowed to enter the lock chamber in the following order of priority. No vessels shall enter the lock when the RED traffic signal light is on.

GOVERNMENT VESSELS - Entry permitted when the AMBER signal light is received.

COMMERCIAL PASSENGER VESSELS - Entry permitted when the AMBER signal light is received.

COMMERCIAL CARGO VESSELS - Entry permitted when the AMBER signal light is received.

RECREATIONAL CRAFT AND FISHING BOATS - Entry permitted when the GREEN signal light is received.

5. Enter the lock chamber at a NO WAKE speed and move your vessel as far forward as possible to allow vessels behind you to enter the lock. Personal Floatation Devices (a.k.a. PFD's or life jackets) must be worn by all recreational boaters while in the lock chamber.

6. Secure (DO NOT TIE OFF) your vessel to one of the lock walls using your own lines or the hanging lines that are provided. Adjust the lines as the water level in the lock chamber changes.

7. When the lockage cycle is complete the lock operator will signal permission to leave the lock by sounding one short horn blast.

8. Exit the lock at a NO WAKE speed and in an orderly manner. Do not pass the vessel ahead of you while in the lock chamber or in the lock's outbound navigation channel.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

1. Initial radio contact with the lock should be made using VHF channel 16. The lock will instruct you to switch to VHF channel 14 to receive further information. Remember VHF channel 16 is strictly for hailing and emergency use only - KEEP YOUR USE OF THIS CHANNEL TO AN ABSOLUTE MINIMUM.

2. All recreational boaters are required to wear PFD's during the lockage. This requirement applies to everyone onboard the boat. Lockage will be denied to all recreational boats that fail to comply.

3. Government vessels, commercial passenger and cargo carrying vessels have the right-of-way to enter the lock ahead of a recreational vessel even if the recreational vessel arrived first.

4. Vessels carrying dangerous, flammable, or hazardous cargos will be assigned a special "RED FLAG" lockage. No other vessels will be allowed in the lock chamber during this type of lockage.

5. All vessels in the lock chamber must be secured to the lock walls during the lockage.

6. Turn off loud engines and sound system while in the lock chamber.

7. For your safety, the lock will temporarily suspend operations 10 minutes before the start of all Navy Pier fireworks shows. No vessels will be locked through the lock until after the fireworks show has ended and the harbor area is determined safe by either the U.S. Coast Guard and/or the Chicago Police Marine Unit. For more information about Navy Pier's fireworks show schedule, visit www.navypier.com.

Page Last Updated: 25 August 2004