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Tips for passing locks on a river cruise

How do you get through a lock? The advice of our team!

When you set off on a river cruise, passing through the locks is an essential stage because many canals have them. In France, they can be found on the Canal du Midi (those of Fonseranes are undoubtedly the best known), in Brittany, on the Garonne, in the East or in Burgundy. The more hilly a landscape is, the more they are numerous in short. Automatic or manual, they require manoeuvres. Nevertheless, rest assured, while they can be quite impressive, their passage is easy and does not require any specific experience or skills. In fact, it's a rather pleasant moment since it allows you to meet other boaters and talk with them.

 

The basic rules to follow at each passage

The locks were built to make it easier for boats to cross gradients safely. Part of the reason they cause apprehension is their narrowness. But by booking your barge without a licence on our site, you can be sure that the size of your boat is adapted to these structures. To pass them serenely, here are a few tips. First of all, don't moor your boat and don't enter drifting. If your propeller turns, you will be unable to manoeuvre. Next, prepare your crew by asking the children to put on their life jackets or go inside during the manoeuvre. Then, when you enter, take it easy. Rushing in is the best way to damage the boat. Also be aware of the eddies that can be significant near the doors. And don't use your hands and feet when doing this manoeuvre as you could get hurt. Finally, to get through, it is necessary to wait until the doors are wide open.

 

What do you need to know about them?

Locks are navigational structures that act as a "lift" for unlicensed boats and barges on canals and waterways. In the past, they were manual, whereas today they are mostly automatic. All of them include a sluice in which the water level rises or falls. This device, which is energy-efficient because it uses hydraulic pressure, is operated by a lock operator when it is not automatic. In fact, if you are present, remember to let the lock-keeper know of your arrival and your wish to pass through. Normally, he watches you and sees you, but if this is not the case, report to him by phone or go down and see him.
Also, don't worry about passing through the locks. Our team will explain how to do this before you leave. Most importantly, you'll soon find that it's not as difficult as you might think. And after passing through a few of them, you'll be reassured and more comfortable.

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