Why locks reward a calm, methodical approach

Locks are the beating heart of the canal network, and for many boaters they're the thing they worry about most. The good news is that a lock is simply a water-filled box with a set of rules, and once you understand those rules, the whole business becomes routine. The trick is to slow everything down. Rushing a lock is where scrapes, bruises and frayed tempers come from. Take your time, communicate clearly with your crew, and you'll find that even a busy flight on a summer weekend feels manageable.

Before you arrive at any lock, have a plan. Decide who is steering and who is working the paddles and gates. Brief your crew on what you expect them to do, especially if they're new to boating. A few minutes of conversation before you moor up saves a great deal of shouting later.

Approaching the lock and reading the signs

As you come towards a lock, look ahead for the tell-tale signs. Is the top gate open or closed? Is there a boat already inside? Is someone winding a paddle? A lock that is set against you may take ten or fifteen minutes to turn around, so it pays to spot this early.

If the lock is in your favour — gates open, chamber empty, or another boat just leaving — approach slowly and centrally. Aim for the middle of the chamber rather than hugging one side, because the water pushes back off the walls. Keep your speed just enough to maintain steerage; a gentle tick-over is usually plenty.

If the lock is against you, moor up on the bollards or rings a little short of the gates. Send your crew to close the bottom gates and paddles first, then raise the top paddles to fill the chamber. Watch the water carefully as it rises. Never leave a paddle wound up unattended, and always close paddles before opening gates.

Entering the chamber without drama

Once the gates are open and the water level matches the pound you're on, it's time to go in. Check that no boat is coming out — the "one out, one in" courtesy keeps things safe and orderly. Give way to boats leaving the lock, even if you've been waiting.

Steer in at a steady, slow pace and position your boat roughly one-third of the way along the chamber, away from the gates at either end. This leaves room for another boat to share the lock if there's space, which is both friendly and efficient on busy waterways.

Have your crew step ashore with the centre line — not the bow line — and take a turn around a bollard. Don't tie off hard. As the water level changes, your boat needs to rise or fall freely, and a tightly tied line can pull a boat sideways or even hang it up on the cill. A single turn around the bollard, held by hand, gives you control without risk.

Working the paddles and gates safely

Paddle technique is where most accidents and most damage happen. Follow these simple rules:

• Open paddles gradually. Crack them open a turn at a time and watch how your boat responds before opening further.
• Open the paddle on the same side as your boat last when going uphill, so the flow doesn't push you across the chamber.
• Never stand on a gate or balance on a paddle beam. Keep both feet on solid ground, and use the handrails.
• Keep hands, fingers and feet clear of the gate edges and paddle gear. Ropes and clothing can snag in seconds.
• Watch for the cill. At the top of the lock, the cill is a step in the chamber floor. If your boat drifts back onto it as the water drops, it can be lifted or flooded. Keep well forward of the bottom gates when descending.

If you're single-handing, take extra care. Set the lock, bring the boat in, step off with the centre line, and secure it loosely before touching any paddle. There's no shame in taking it slowly; the canal isn't going anywhere.

Leaving the lock and getting back underway

When the water level has settled, check that the gates ahead are fully open and that no boat is about to enter from the other side. Start the engine, cast off the centre line, and let the boat drift gently forward before engaging gear. Steer for the centre of the gap between the gates and give yourself room to straighten up.

Once clear, move well away from the lock mouth before stopping to let your crew back on board. Never ask someone to step onto a moving boat beside a lock gate — that's how people end up in the water.

Finally, remember the golden rule of lock etiquette: leave the lock set for the next boater where possible, close all gates and paddles behind you, and thank anyone who helped. A friendly wave costs nothing, and on a busy waterway it makes the whole day run more smoothly for everyone.