New York Codes, Rules and Regulations › Title 21 - Miscellaneous › Chapter III - New York State Thruway Authority › Subchapter D - Canal System › Part 151 - Navigational Rules › Section 151.19 - Locks

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 28, July 10, 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.