How to go through a lock with a boat: your complete guide 

Passing through locks is as much a part of a houseboat holiday as sunshine is to summer. It’s a typical manoeuvre whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. The number and type of locks vary depending on the cruising region and are an integral part of the houseboating adventure.

Why do locks exist?

Transporting goods over land has always been a laborious task. The breakthrough idea was to make use of flowing waterways. Natural rivers were especially popular for this purpose. But how do you reach places that aren’t directly located along a river? Exactly, you build a canal with locks.
A lock is a technical hydraulic structure that connects two bodies of water, such as rivers and lakes, that lie at different levels.

During the Middle Ages, various canals were constructed to open up routes to the world and thus stimulate trade. A classic example is the Canal du Midi, built in the 17th century, which still today connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea.

The number of locks depends on the cruising region

When looking for a suitable houseboating region for your first or next holiday, it is important to pay attention to the local conditions. First-time houseboaters often want to familiarise themselves with the boat and therefore choose a region with few locks, for example the Camargue in France or Germany. More experienced houseboaters often enjoy navigating locks and tend to rent a boat in France, such as in Alsace, Burgundy or along the Canal du Midi.

Consult our brochure or visit our cruising regions to learn about the waterways in your chosen area before booking your licence-free boating holiday. Our staff at the Le Boat bases will be happy to provide information about the locks, locations and harbours before your departure. You can also refer to the detailed regional guides for even more information.

What types of locks exist?

Each lock is unique and sometimes a genuine work of art. The basic principle of lock operation is always the same, although there are different types: manual, electric or automatic locks.

Despite progress in automation, manually operated locks still exist. There are still self-service locks on less frequented waterways. Most manual locks, however, are operated by lock keepers. But that should not stop lock enthusiasts from giving them a hand. They are always happy to support you and usually have a tip to share about mooring options or a good local restaurant.

Locks have gradually been modernised and replaced by electric locks, especially on major waterways. This reduces the physical workload of the lock keeper, whose responsibility often extends to two or three locks. So if you have to wait a few minutes longer at a lock, do not be surprised. The lock keeper will come as soon as possible.

Electric locks without lock keepers, also known as automatic locks, are found mainly on large rivers. They can be activated either by a signalling device in the form of a rod on a cable above the waterway or by a signalling system on the riverbank.

What should you pay attention to when passing through locks?

To enter a lock, the gates must be fully open and the signal lights must be green if traffic lights are present. When the lock is ready, approach slowly and moor as far away from the gates as possible. If you are the only boat, it is best to stay in the middle of the lock. When mooring inside the lock, step ashore briefly, place the ropes around the bollards, and return to the boat. Please keep the boat close to the lock wall during the process. Do not tie the ropes in knots so the boat does not get caught.

When passing through a lock, one crew member should step off the boat before the lock. This person takes the ropes inside the lock while remaining on land, places them around the bollards, and throws them back onto the boat. The crew members on board keep the lines tight until they reach the top.

Some sections of the route include a series of consecutive locks. Your boat will be registered when you arrive at the first lock. The following locks will then be prepared accordingly. If you wish to leave the sequence to take a break or visit a harbour, please inform the lock staff.

Tips for first-timers

Many first-time boaters feel nervous about locks, but there is no need to worry. After the first one, you will see how easy it is. As soon as the lights are green (if traffic lights are present), approach the lock slowly. Lock keepers and crew members from other boats are always happy to help.

Boating holidays, and lock navigation in particular, are all about teamwork. Each crew member has a task. Assign these tasks in advance and use the locks as places to connect. Exchange ideas with other crews and boats, ask the lock keeper for tips, or try regional specialities often offered at lock stops.