“Lockage isn’t all that difficult.”

That’s what Lasse Genberg from “Vi Båtägare” [We Boat Owners] magazine said not long ago. Lockage is easy, fun and enough of a challenge to make you proud of yourself. We’ve collected information on lockage here. Read our about lockage or see a video on how our locks work. 

And don’t worry – of course you can ask our lock keepers for instructions on site!

Lockage up

• Boats with winches should be in front of those being held by hand.
• Secure the boat with a short stern line both on land and in the boat.
• The stern of the boat should be directly below the ring the stern line secured to.
• The bow line should be one or two rings in front of the bow
• All lines must be taut throughout lockage - haul in the bow line!
• Sailing boats can use their winch for the bow line.
• The boat must remain very close to the lock wall.
• Never relax your attention - even if it seems quiet at the moment!

Lockage down

• Stay ahead of the yellow line to ensure that the boat is clear of the lock threshold when the water is released.
• Pull the bow and stern lines through suitable rings on the lock edge, but never secure the lines on both the quay and the boat.
• Release the lines continuously.
• In a double lock or flight of locks one person should remain on land to move the lines. However, before lockage begins in the final lock chamber, everyone should be on board.

Here's some advice for your lockage.

Always wear a life jacket and always ask lock keeper for advice if you are unsure. The boat should have engine off and at least one person on land who take care of lines.

Lockage Guide

Ask us if you want to know more about lockage

We’re always on site managing the locks.

Safety first

The basic at lockage are:
• Always wear your life vest during lockage.
• Switch off the motor during lockage.
• Always listen to the lock keeper.
• Put out plenty of fenders.

Basic equipment

The most basic equipment you need is
• Stern line 8-10 m.
• Bow line 12 m.
• Plenty of fenders, both high and low.

Tips when locking

• Always have one person go ashore to catch the lines which is the boater’s responsibility.
• Ask the lock keeper for advice if you are unsure.
• Let the lock keeper know if you are locking for the first time.
• Take it slow and be mindfull on the situation.

Lockage clip

Lockage in the Göta Canal

This video shows you just how lockage works in the Göta Canal. Among other things, it shows how long the lines need to be and how to handle them during lockage.