Here’s the run down of what to do:
- Call the Lock operator on the radio and let them know who you are and which direction you are coming from (i.e. East bound vessel Abeona). We also made sure to tell the first Lock it was our first time and they were very helpful.
- Operator will tell you which side to tie up to, so get Port or Starboard lines and bumpers set up accordingly
- ALL passengers need life vests on.
- Next, all engines need to be shut down. If you have kids on board, you can always let the Operator know and ask if you can leave your generator on. All the lock Operators were accommodating and let us do this.
- The operator will comes out and throw you their lines that you tie up to your cleats (usually just 2 depending on the size of your boat). You have to monitor them though, because the water level has to lower/rise and you may need to keep them moving through the cleat (instead of tying off tight). We kept the kids safely inside so we both could man each line.
- The doors of the Lock open slowly to allow water in/out. Takes only about 15 mins, but allow 20-25 mins for the whole process.
- Once the lock is fully open, wait for the all clear from the Operator to untie their lines.
Two of the 5 Locks we went through were Open. When you call the Operator, they will tell you to drive on through if they are. Also, keep in mind you may have to wait for the Lock. A few times, we had a West bound vessel in the Lock so we had to wait for them to come out, about 20-30 mins.
Locks from West to East:
Franklin
Ortona
Moore Haven
Port Mayaca
St. Lucie
*See “Our Adventures” in main menu to come along our whole journey through Crossing the Okeechobee with us*