Safe lock journeys

Expect some delay, especially at Vrangfoss. The highest speed is 5 knots on the Canal.

If the lock is occupied when you arrive, moor at the waiting pier on the starboard side of the gate. Otherwise you can wait a short distance out in the river. Skien lock has only one chamber, so passage is quick. There is seldom any delay. Waiting at the wall on the port side of the lock gate is not recommended. There are strong whirlpool currents here as the chamber is emptied.

Usually it is not necessary to moor the boat and go up and ask for lock passage. But if you are the first boat on the Canal and unsure about the actual lock operation, it can be useful to go up and see how the locks work.
By all means ask for advice from the lock keepers. Tickets are first purchased when you go through the lock in Skien. Payment must be made by Norwegian cheque/currency. At Skien lock it is also possible to use VISA and Eurocard. In Skien lock you can also purchase the boat sport map for the Canal.

Maintain low speeds when you sail into the lock. Hang fenders out before you sail into the lock, or wait until you have received the ropes from the lock keepers. It can be an advantage to carry two large round fenders for lock passages. The boat owner/navigator is responsible for carrying sufficient fenders on board. Boats with towing dinghies should lie at the rear of the chamber. If the dinghy has an outboard motor, this must be removed before lock passage begins. Thread the ropes you receive from the lock keepers through pulleys on the boat. The lock keepers fasten the ropes on land. Hold the ropes taught, and take in the slack as the water and boat rise. With downward passages, release the ropes as the boat sinks. It is best to use gloves when you hold the ropes during lock passage. The ropes that are used for passage can be found in the locks. Ask the lock keepers if you are in doubt, and follow their advice carefully.

It can be hard to hold the rope at the front of the boat sufficiently taught during upward passages. Therefore, children should not be allowed to do this.

These safety rules must be followed:

• Turn off the engine as soon as the boat is in position in the lock chamber
• Smoking is forbidden and/or the use of open flame on board during lock passage
• All on board the boat should have life jackets during lock passage