Dutch or any other locks for that matter

[pjf]

Hi, (just realised I posted this on the wrong thread prviously)

I am soon going to have to navigate some Dutch locks and as the day draws nearer I am growing increasingly anxious. The reason for for my anxiety is because I have never done or even seen this done before.

Could some none lock virgins, please let me know what the best techniques are. How to make fast, adjust as necessary and let go. I will likely be shorthanded, if not singlehanded.

This is not so much to avoid embarrassment (which I am fairly familiar with) but rather damage to self and others

All advice as always appreciated.

 

[sailorman]

we use a midships line first, get that on & the helm can control the ship with the gear shift, then aft or forrard wind dependent.
DONT go all the way down to the closed gate if you can avoid it.
have your lines at the ready & take it easy
The best way is let others go first then raft up to them

 

[aluijten]

Fist of all, keep your calm!

Next, prepare everything before entering the lock! That means put all lines ready for deployment and all fenders out. Do not assume you will need to prepare one side of the boat only.
So three fenders per side on a 38ft boat as a guideline. Make sure the boathook is ready-for-grabs as well. Notice the wind direction as well.
Most lock-wells are deep enough to have no real problems with the wind, but it can influence your stopping speed.

With two persons on board and no suitable other boat before you that you can use as "pontoon" :
first mate holds the stern-line in a loop while standing mid-ships.
When entering the lock decide on bollard you are going to use as the aft-bollard. Make sure both persons know. Keep close to wall and go slowly
When passing the aforementioned bollard attach the line. Helmsman takes up the slack and first mate goes to bow, picks up forward line and uses boat-hook to extend reach.
When stern passes the bollard with line give it a few meters (so stern passes the bollard) and stop off boat whilst pointing bow towards wall.
Now use boathook to attach forward line to forward bollard (performed by first mate).
If first mate cannot reach the bollard, put engine in forward, hold (NO slipping!) back line via cleat or winch and steer towards wall. Apply a little throttle if needed. This will force bow towards wall enabling first mate to reach bollard in wall (using the fenders as pivot point).
When 'landed' do NOT tie off lines but keep them in hands as you boat will rise or fall depending on the lock, direction and tide.

Single handed
Use mooring line on middle cleat on boat.
Take a loop of the line aft.
When entering the lock pick a bollard you want to attach to.
Go dead slow. As soon as bollard reachable put line around and stop off boat.
Keep engine in idle forward. Rudder slightly pointing to wall. Eventually use line on bow to stabilize boat so you can turn off the engine.

There is one catch that can make life difficult. There are a few locks that have rings instead of bollards. Try to avoid these until gained some experience. Don't use the route via Vlissingen (Flushing) to the Veerse Meer for example. Also the lock towards the Grevelingen is equipped with rings.

Keep in mind there is always one time that things will go wrong. Been there, done that....
As long as you go slow and keep calm potential damage will be minimal.

 

[sailorman]

Hi, (just realised I posted this on the wrong thread prviously)

I am soon going to have to navigate some Dutch locks and as the day draws nearer I am growing increasingly anxious. The reason for for my anxiety is because I have never done or even seen this done before.

Could some none lock virgins, please let me know what the best techniques are. How to make fast, adjust as necessary and let go. I will likely be shorthanded, if not singlehanded.

This is not so much to avoid embarrassment (which I am fairly familiar with) but rather damage to self and others

All advice as always appreciated.

More advise here

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...er-lock-for-that-matter&p=4626197#post4626197

 

[Aeolus]

Others have said it already but as someone who has navigated locks single handed, I would strongly reinforce the message: go as slowly as you possibly can as you enter the lock. Agree with others that you must have both sides of the boat prepared with fenders and mooring ropes. Single-handed, I always have long mooring ropes that are attached front and aft with a bit of slack so I can jump ashore and control both ends of the boat. These are in addition to separate bow and stern lines for tying up to the pontoon or adjacent boat or whatever. Also you may be able to ask the lock-keeper, or the crew of another boat that enters ahead of you to lend a hand.

My experience in the Netherlands on the Noordzee canal a few years ago was that the lock keepers did not respond to VHF calls - don't know whether this is normal or just my bad luck.

 

[Gwylan]

Hi, (just realised I posted this on the wrong thread prviously)

I am soon going to have to navigate some Dutch locks and as the day draws nearer I am growing increasingly anxious. The reason for for my anxiety is because I have never done or even seen this done before.

Could some none lock virgins, please let me know what the best techniques are. How to make fast, adjust as necessary and let go. I will likely be shorthanded, if not singlehanded.

This is not so much to avoid embarrassment (which I am fairly familiar with) but rather damage to self and others

All advice as always appreciated.

After some years experience at the hands of the cloggies there are a few things to remember.

Single handing will be a challenge!

First chance you have buy the ANWB almanac which gives the details of lock opening times - be prepared for some anomalies.

There is always a sort of 'Le Mans' style start and queuing is not something that comes naturally to the Netherlanders. Victory goes to the fastest. Do not be too surprised to be passed by faster, probably bigger boat as you enter the lock.

Do not be bullied into going right to the front of the lock - can be a lot of water, very quickly.

Do not expect them to manoeuvre slowly into the lock, or endure you whilst you do. Some of them are exemplary boat operators and the others are total knobs.

Have long lines, more than 10m available - bit of a sickener to find that you are going up or down and running out of line.

Definitely go for getting the centre line on, at least that way you'll only swing about and not career about in the lock. Usually rings or bars set in the walls - can be a challenge finding them spaced for large barges and not smaller boats.

Set fenders quite high

Make sure you have your sea cocks shut and 'secured' with a cable tie if necessary. Illegal to be caught discharging black water anywhere inside the Netherlands territorial waters [12 mile limit]. Yellow water is another matter and had not been clarified the last time I was there.

Make sure you have a current Almanac and up to date reasonable scale chart on board. Also the inland waterways regulations can be requested by Henk Jobsworth, if you happen to meet him.
Do not be surprised to be approached by armed officials in dry suits on serious looking jet ski's, in fast ribs or robust boats that can mean business. Generally a bit nicer than our Border Force.

You may be interrogated by radio, have it on and on 16 and answer for sure. Regarding your boat details, home port, SSR, call sign and anything else that they might want to know. This includes last port, next port, movements, crew on board, number, age nationality, hat size, granny's maiden name etc.....

Expect to file a crew manifest, since we [UK] are non Schengen and have to do this. Or pretend to have stopped recently in France, but that could have other consequences. They may have watched your track.
If necessary p.m. me with an email address and I'll send you what was up to date 3 years ago.
You can ask the marina to fax it to the local office, they will laugh, but if you are stopped later you may rely on the proof of faxing slip. Probably can file it on line now, but not sure. Or phone the local office and ask how you should check in - more laughter, ask for a rank and name.

Keep a crew log, of who joins, when and leaves where etc - again p.m. if you'd like a copy of mine
Keep the sailing log up to date, especially arrivals and departures along with diesel purchases and engine hours run.

Have receipts for the diesel on board - do not have diesel [red] in cans!
Note in your log when you leave the UK the amount of diesel in the tank and the hours on the engine hours meter. Or not any times that you put the engine on.

Make sure you know how your depth sounder is set up so you can believe it.

Trust me!

 

[sailorman]

After some years experience at the hands of the cloggies there are a few things to remember.

Single handing will be a challenge!

First chance you have buy the ANWB almanac which gives the details of lock opening times - be prepared for some anomalies.

There is always a sort of 'Le Mans' style start and queuing is not something that comes naturally to the Netherlanders. Victory goes to the fastest. Do not be too surprised to be passed by faster, probably bigger boat as you enter the lock.

Do not be bullied into going right to the front of the lock - can be a lot of water, very quickly.

Do not expect them to manoeuvre slowly into the lock, or endure you whilst you do. Some of them are exemplary boat operators and the others are total knobs.

Have long lines, more than 10m available - bit of a sickener to find that you are going up or down and running out of line.

Definitely go for getting the centre line on, at least that way you'll only swing about and not career about in the lock. Usually rings or bars set in the walls - can be a challenge finding them spaced for large barges and not smaller boats.

Set fenders quite high

Make sure you have your sea cocks shut and 'secured' with a cable tie if necessary. Illegal to be caught discharging black water anywhere inside the Netherlands territorial waters [12 mile limit]. Yellow water is another matter and had not been clarified the last time I was there.

Make sure you have a current Almanac and up to date reasonable scale chart on board. Also the inland waterways regulations can be requested by Henk Jobsworth, if you happen to meet him.
Do not be surprised to be approached by armed officials in dry suits on serious looking jet ski's, in fast ribs or robust boats that can mean business. Generally a bit nicer than our Border Force.

You may be interrogated by radio, have it on and on 16 and answer for sure. Regarding your boat details, home port, SSR, call sign and anything else that they might want to know. This includes last port, next port, movements, crew on board, number, age nationality, hat size, granny's maiden name etc.....

Expect to file a crew manifest, since we [UK] are non Schengen and have to do this. Or pretend to have stopped recently in France, but that could have other consequences. They may have watched your track.
If necessary p.m. me with an email address and I'll send you what was up to date 3 years ago.
You can ask the marina to fax it to the local office, they will laugh, but if you are stopped later you may rely on the proof of faxing slip. Probably can file it on line now, but not sure. Or phone the local office and ask how you should check in - more laughter, ask for a rank and name.

Keep a crew log, of who joins, when and leaves where etc - again p.m. if you'd like a copy of mine
Keep the sailing log up to date, especially arrivals and departures along with diesel purchases and engine hours run.

Have receipts for the diesel on board - do not have diesel [red] in cans!
Note in your log when you leave the UK the amount of diesel in the tank and the hours on the engine hours meter. Or not any times that you put the engine on.

Make sure you know how your depth sounder is set up so you can believe it.

Trust me!

The almanak is a download but cant remember the site @ present as are all the dutch charts a free download to use on Open CPN

 

[sailorman]

http://www.sporttaco.com/uk.rec.sailing/Cruising_to_Holland_3488.html

http://www.vaarweginformatie.nl/fdd/main/infra/enc

 

[davidej]

I would add a couple of points

Know which way you prop-walk goes and, if possible tie up on that side. It is much easier if, when you put the boat in reverse to stop, the stern swings in rather than out.

It is often easier to raft up to a boat that has already tied up to the side rather than do so yourself

(a) they will take your lines rather than you having to lassoo a mooring point

(b) you don't have to worry about shortening/ lengthening lines as the water level changes

best of luck

 

[AliM]

It depends crucially on when you are there. We passed through the NL at the end of the school holidays and start of term last year. In the holidays, there was a scrummage for every lock - made it easy - just don't be bullied, but at least you will be able to raft up to someone, or the lock will be so full that you hardly have to do anything because you will be wedged in! Just two days later in school term, we were the only boat in several locks.

To add to others:
Don't get too stressed about it - even the experts often get it wrong, and mostly everyone is helpful and nice about sorting you out, when you do get it wrong. You will probably have to help sort them out when it is their turn to mess it up.
We seldom had to radio or contact the locks in any way. Usually the lock keeper sees you coming, and often will shout out instructions (in Dutch) or use a loudspeaker, or wave or something. We usually ask another boat for a translation and get an answer "we don't understand either, we are German".! It is generally very good natured and efficient.

remember that it is usually better to get the stern or mid ships line attached first, because you can then motor against it to sort out your bows.

I hope it goes well - take all the advice, but work out the way which works best for you - practice by mooring up alongside to a quay or bit of canal bank.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Take more fenders than you think you will need, and then some more on top of that. Don't tie them all on. Have a couple of roving ones ready for immediate insertion between your boat and something hard. It's much better than trying to push off with a pole or a bit of your body, and safer as well. If the boat starts going where it shouldn't and you casually wander over to lower a roving fender in the gap before the crunch it can even look like the manoeuvre was intended. I'm an expert on this Machiavellian fendering technique of boat manoeuvering competence deception subterfuge.

 

[Daydream believer]

I love locks particularly in Holland
I have been up & down the standing mast route at least 8 times & agree generally what has been said except for using the mid cleat
When i did it with my wife we always tied amidships first but if you have way on a bit too much - the stern kicks out & the bow bangs the wall. Pulling in a short line can put a lot of strain on the cleat. If it is too long the stern swings way out
Doing it single handed, I now always tie on the stern first & use a 25mm polypropelene 7 metre long line to allow for rise & fall in the lock. Any longer & you have a handful to control. Swop it if you have to once secured
The poly line floats & is less likely go round the prop in panic situation
The thicker line has less tendency to kink like say a 10mm braid & is better for lassoing bollards
You do need to have enough way on to steer so too slow is not good but it is not a race & depends on your boat
Watch the wind & tie up on the wall that the wind wants you to go on. It helps to pin you in
I always go well in as it avoids having to move if the lock is full. It is inconsiderate to stop half way down if there is room & boats following
Tie up by a Dutch boat- Unlike French etc they will often help if you are struggling. That goes for anywhere, marinas included
Once tied on leave the engine in gear & tickover it will normally stay close in. Dutch locks are not plagued by strong surge , infact on the 250 plus locks I have done I still think Eastbourne has one of the strongest surges apart from commercial French ones
In easy locks such as the Cally canal I often do not even bother to tie the bow on but just tend the stern with throttle to suit
Re fenders I have 6 - 3 each side plus one much larger round fender which I put under the stern when leaving the lock because as I motor away if I cannot push the bow off the stern always wants to rub the wall

Whatever you do try not to tie bow first .
You see loads of motor boats with bow thrusters tie bow first & immediately cancel out the benefit of the thruster, & the stern immediately drifts out. If they got the stern on first they could let the bow go anywhere & push it in once stern secured

 

[aluijten]

IOnce tied on leave the engine in gear & tickover it will normally stay close in.

Unless you are singlehanded that is considered ill-mannered by most Dutch persons I can tell you. With a crew you can tie the boat on both ends and you should switch off the engine. When single handed it is a different matter...

Arno

 

[sailorman]

a hint we learnd form some where was to get a steel coat hanger
straighten it out & work into an end of lenght of 12 m/m braid on braid & allow enough rope extending beyond the wire to make a bowline in the standing part to form a large loop.
approaching a bollard the loop is opened up & held by the wire hanger when placed over bollard it is then pulled tight when made off on a cleat & deforms the loop.
open when req for the nxt time

 

[pjf]

Brilliant everybody, thank you. First lock is going to be vlissingen, so rings it is. I will certainly press one or two crew for the first few times.

I will report my experience. Many thanks again.

 

[sailorman]

Brilliant everybody, thank you. First lock is going to be vlissingen, so rings it is. I will certainly press one or two crew for the first few times.

I will report my experience. Many thanks again.

the nxt lock after that (into the Veresemere) has a floating baulk of timber on your stbd hand as you enter from the canal. you have to go stbd to in this lock

 

[michael_w]

In my experience there is always at least one cloggie who approaches far too fast and is somewhat surprised to find his boat turns round as he desperately applies full astern. Along with another boat who has rigged only one grimy fender on the wrong side...

 

[sailorman]

be careful if you go in behind a barge, they go out first & try to drive you astern with their prop wash :disgust:

 

[aluijten]

Brilliant everybody, thank you. First lock is going to be vlissingen, so rings it is. I will certainly press one or two crew for the first few times.

I will report my experience. Many thanks again.

The lock at Vlissingen is not so bad. There is a separate yachts-lock that is pretty easy. It may have the floating pontoons in the lock, I forgot. I that case make sure have you fenders really low, basically floating on the water.
The one entering the Veerse Meer is a pig. Although from south to north it's better then the other way around.
Make sure you don't park near the doors. The water comes in at high speed in this lock.
I personally would consider the route via the Roompot (entrance of the Oosterschelde), but that depends on what your plans are. If you just want to go north then Roompot is quicker. For sightseening, Middelburg and Veere are very nice.

 

[Fossil]

Mainly good advice above.

Do not ever try to mix it with the commercial barges, let them go in first and out first if they need to. They are doing a job, you are having fun.

I agree with all that has been said about not worrying if you cock up an approach. If entering an otherwise empty lock, by all means go as far as you can, it will speed up your exit and the lock-keeper will like you. If following a lot of other boats, agreed, try to raft up to one of them, preferably one that is more or less the same size as you.

Lockies are usually too busy to chat - on VHF or directly - but if a fee is involved, you will see the traditional clog-on-a-string dangling down. Always put a bit more than the minimum in, you'll find your passages through locks further on will become a lot easier, Similarly, if you try and evade payment, you won't get far...

Have fun. The Dutch are the nicest, friendliest people you will ever meet and sailing is a mass-participation sport. Most speak passable English and will go out of their way to help you.