SABOT Standardized Auxiliary Boat Operations Training Ninth District - Eastern Region COMO. Lew Wargo, Sr. DSO-OP/CQEC 15 April 2014 LOCKING

SABOT LOCKING

REFERENCES Boat Crew Seamanship Manual, COMDTINST M (series) Chapter 14 Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualification Guide, COMDTINST M & 52(series) SABOT Job Aid (Section D)

LOCKING Locks are not located in all areas. They are used for boats to transit between bodies of water having different water levels. Most locks operate using gravity for the water to flow from a higher pool to a lower pool.

LOCKING Locks are under the control of a “Lock-Master” who controls the lock and the boating traffic using the lock.

LOCKS The priority for locking is: – 1.U.S. military craft – 2.Vessels carrying U.S. mail – 3.Commercial passenger vessels – 4.Commercial tows – 5.Commercial fishermen – 6.Recreational craft

LOCKING PROCEDURES 1.Before locking the coxswain shall brief the crew on the locking evolution. 2.The coxswain shall assign jobs to the crew including preparation for locking. 3. Facility is properly fendered and boat hooks are kept ready fore and aft.

LOCKING PROCEDURES 4. Lock is contacted on the proper radio channel and arrangements for locking are made or follow visual signals. 5.Lock gate is not approached closer than 400 feet until the lockmaster signals to enter. 6. Allow traffic to exit the lock before entering.

LOCKING PROCEDURES 7. Proper sound signals are used 8. Rules of the Road are observed. 9. Notify the controlling unit that you are entering the lock (Radio communications may be lost while in the lock chamber). 10. Enter at slow speed.

LOCKING PROCEDURES 11. Watch for debris floating in the area of the lock gate. 12. Follow the directions of the lockmaster. If no directions are given position yourself behind the boat ahead or as far into the lock chamber as possible to allow room for additional boats.

LOCKING PROCEDURES 14. Proper lines are used (or provided if lock does not provide). Should be at least 50’ long with at least a 12” eye spliced in one end. 15. No line is secured to the vessel. Held by hand. 16. Some locks have a lot of turbulence in the area that water flows into the chamber.

LOCKING PROCEDURES 17. Do not exit the lock until signaled by the lockmaster (air horn). 18. Exit the lock in the same order as you entered. 19. Exit the lock at slow speed. 20. Watch for debris floating in the area of the lock gate.

LOCKING PROCEDURES 21. Debrief crew on the locking procedure: a. Crew communicated effectively b. Crew was aware of each others position c. Coxswain provided appropriate guidance

LOCKING PROCEDURES d. No one jeopardized the crew safety e. Kept the controlling unit informed.