The Boat Floats

Guide

Canal Lock Working Skills

Working a lock looks complicated the first time and becomes second nature by the third. This guide explains how a lock works, what each crew member does, and th

4 min read · Updated 2026-01-30

Canal Lock Working Skills

Working a lock looks complicated the first time and becomes second nature by the third. This guide explains how a lock works, what each crew member does, and the skills that make a flight of locks pleasant rather than exhausting.

How a lock works

A canal lock is a watertight chamber with gates at each end and small openings (paddles) that let water in or out. Cruise in at one level, close the gates, raise or drop the water, open the gates at the new level, cruise out. Simple in principle.

Two kinds:

  • Narrow lock: holds one narrowboat (about 7ft beam)
  • Broad lock: holds two narrowboats side by side, or one wide-beam

There are also staircase locks, where chambers share a common gate and you go straight from one to the next.

The crew roles

Two-person crew is the minimum; three or four is comfortable.

  • Steerer: stays on the boat, controls the engine, keeps the boat away from the gate cill.
  • Lock-worker: off the boat, operates the gates and paddles.
  • Spotter (optional, useful): walks ahead, sets the next lock, opens gates.

Children can help with paddles under supervision; older children can run a lock with adult oversight.

The basic sequence (going up)

  1. Approach the lock slowly. The lock is "set" if the gates at the lower end are open.
  2. The steerer brings the boat into the chamber, stops in the centre, holds with the engine in slow forward.
  3. The lock-worker closes the lower gates behind the boat.
  4. The lock-worker walks to the upper end, raises the upper paddles slowly to fill the chamber.
  5. As water rises, the boat rises. The steerer adjusts.
  6. Once full, the lock-worker opens the upper gates.
  7. The steerer cruises out gently.
  8. The lock-worker closes the upper gates and lowers the paddles.

Going down

The reverse:

  1. Boat enters with upper gates open
  2. Close upper gates behind
  3. Open lower paddles slowly to drain
  4. Open lower gates
  5. Cruise out
  6. Close gates and drop paddles

Key technique points

  • Always raise paddles slowly. Fast paddle-raising pushes the boat hard against the cill or the upper gates and can swamp the bow.
  • Watch the cill (the underwater ledge at the upper end). When going down, keep the boat's stern well clear or the rudder will sit on the cill as the water drops.
  • Use the centre line if you can't keep the boat in position with the engine alone. A line from the boat's centre cleat held loosely round a bollard keeps the boat in the chamber.
  • Close gates and drop paddles after every lock. It saves water and is good towpath etiquette.
  • Don't rush. Hurrying causes most lock injuries.

Working a flight

A flight is a series of locks close together (Hatton, Caen Hill, Tardebigge, Foxton). Tips:

  • Send a spotter ahead to set the next lock
  • Pace yourself; flights are tiring
  • Hand the windlass to a different person every few locks
  • Take a water break at the top or bottom
  • Help oncoming boats by leaving gates set for them

Lock etiquette

  • If a boat is approaching the lock from the other direction, wait and share if it's a broad lock
  • If the lock is full and you're going up, you can either wait or empty it (announces "going up" to anyone watching)
  • If a boat is in the lock, don't touch any paddles
  • Never moor on the lock landing (the short stretch immediately below or above the lock)
  • Help other crews who look new; you were one once

Common mistakes

  • Opening paddles too fast and flooding the bow
  • Forgetting to close gates behind
  • Sitting on a balance beam while it moves
  • Standing where a windlass can spin off and hit you (always release the load before walking away)
  • Wearing flip-flops or smooth-soled shoes on lock-side stones

The windlass

The windlass is the lock-key, an L-shaped handle that fits onto a paddle gear. Hold it firmly; never leave it on a paddle without a hand on it (a falling weight will spin the windlass dangerously). When you're done, drop the paddle gently rather than letting the gear free-wheel.

A lock-working checklist

  • Sturdy shoes with grip
  • Gardening gloves
  • Windlass from the boat
  • Steerer briefed
  • Lock-worker has watched once before doing it solo
  • Paddles raised slowly, dropped gently
  • Gates closed and paddles dropped after every lock
  • No one on a moving balance beam
  • Children supervised; dogs on board or on a lead

Conclusion

Lock-working is a craft that becomes a pleasure once you've done your first flight. Slow paddles, closed gates, decent shoes and a windlass with a firm grip are the four habits that turn locks from a chore into the most satisfying part of the holiday.