Illinois Waterway Locks

[StratPlan61]

I'm confused which forum to post this on - Some months ago while transiting the Illinois Waterway I noticed the locking-through procedures were inconsistent from lock-to-lock (also different than the previous 8 rivers I had navigated). As I queried Lockmasters regarding my use of their floating bollards I received several different answers and with only one exception I was not allowed to use the floating bollards and directed to use two undersized lines to secure my vessel while locking through.
Based on what I believe are inconsistent policies, unsafe procedures and confusing guidance to the recreational boating public - I wrote to the Corps of Engineers to express my concerns and viewpoint. After what appears to be much 'passing my email around the Mississippi Region' I have received an answer to my questions, albeit the answers are vague and mostly open-ended. They did however ask if I had any concerns I wanted shared/expressed at the forthcoming Lockmasters Conference conducted by the COE. They also extended an invitation to me to attend their convention and make a presentation if I desired.
My email messages included the fact I was a member of this forum and I believed numerous Hatteras Yacht owners used their vessels on America's river systems and I would share the COE answers with forum members. OK, I know everyone would like to see my questions and the COE answers - I just have to figure out how to cut/paste my emails/answers to this forum. So I will try to present my email history here ASAP. Meanwhile, do you forum members have any thoughts/comments about Lock procedures/operations/policies I should share with the COE and what do you think about me taking any issues to the Lockmaster's Conference?

Bear'
1984 61' MY Strategic Plan

 

[REBrueckner]

Interesting Post.

Try posting the same message at Trawlers and Trawlering. It's a good forum of about 1600 boat owners and surely some use the Illinois locks. There are many questions and psots about cruising different areas..it will fit right in...

You might also query the NYS Barge Canal System (upstate NY canals and locks) between Hudson River, Lake Champlain (Vermont) and the Great Lakes and see what information they provide that would address your questions/concerns. I have a canal guide book my Dad got probably 50 years ago..lots of good info....maybe they still have one...

 

[yachtsmanbill]

I couldnt agree with you more. Even the Canadian side at the soo are the same as Mcartur and Poe locks. I am a frequenter on the Ill. system and few locks use floating pins. The stationary locks are only about 20' or less.
From Mobile to Iuka they were very consistent with a one pin - one cleat belayment. The very first one was confusing until we were lifted and spoke face to face with the lockmaster. ALL the locks on this system use that procedure.
That made it nice and simple, and expedient. We kept a hand ax on deck just in case Post 911 they want a call in with name, doc no. and hailing port. Any line handlers on deck must have a PFD on and fastened. I wonder if Illinois will follow suit.
Make a heading like " NOTICE TO HATTERAS MARINERS " and you will have a following. That stuff is kinda hard to keep up on unless its under your nose.
ws

 

[Freebird]

I've locked through many locks on the Tennessee on multiple occasions. These are also controlled by the Army Corp of Engineers.

I must say, I am confused over your direction NOT to use the floating bollards. Unless those locks drop/raise a lot shorter distance than those I use, I cannot imagine how the heck you are supposed to keep up with the variations. Up here, you could never keep up!

I was told by a couple of members in the Cocoa area that they too are told not to use the floating bollards. But that lock only varies a couple of feet.

I watch with amazement how many lines some folks use to lock through with. I use one line which I tie the loop end on one horn of the center cleat, loop the line over/around the bollard, and cinch it tightly on the same cleat after crossing over the tied end as to make an X to reduce slack in the line. This after hanging two fenders, one fore and one aft. Takes about two minutes for the whole deal.

As to PFD use, my understanding is that this is required only on commercial vessels. No lockmaster has ever told me to wear one. Never heard of the post 9/11 stuff.

 

[yachtsmanbill]

At the O'Brien L&D and Chicago Harbor L&D there are no bollards-A fore and aft line and a 4 foot lift. I think Peoria or LaGrange L&D are similar. I personally like the floating system. Of course I can lay the sub right on the bollard and toss the single line out the PH window and never hafta set my coffee down. Its not necessarily skill, but talent
Iffen I cant dazzle 'em with my brilliance, I baffle 'em with my bullshoot. ws

 

[yachtsmanbill]

EVERY L&D on the TennTom wants jackets, numbers and home port. Toy boats need a state reg. number. I aint worried about outrunnin' motorola, that old sub can hardly outrun her own bad self ws

 

[Freebird]

EVERY L&D on the TennTom wants jackets, numbers and home port. Toy boats need a state reg. number. I aint worried about outrunnin' motorola, that old sub can hardly outrun her own bad self ws

Never done TN/TOM, just Tennessee. As stated, they don't require PFD's (although I have heard of one "extremist" who requires it at Nickajack, but not when I have locked), and no boat info is required other than to state your intentions of up/down.

TN/TOM must be different because of massive commercial traffic, and possibly fear of problems with no auxilliary locks to handle things if somebody does something stupid. Speaking of stupid, what can it accomplish to ask for all this info as it can not possibly be confirmed? Maybe just an english/accent test?

Maybe I can accompany you on the return when the sub has gen, heat/ac, mattresses, etc. etc. etc. etc...........

 

[yachtsmanbill]

Maybe if I was a rag head the CG would stop and verify. If not, no one questioned my info / intent.
If you go with in April, I'll put in a nice 2X bidet with hot water, just for yoohoo. Just bought 6 sets of bunkbed futons for the salon and an oil lamp for heat. If you sell freebird gimme yer generator. We can trade and no one will be the wiser. No rods a knockin' in that one is there? Somebody here said you had it cranked up for 440 /3phase and it smoked
Speakin' of-- I gotta go !! ws

 

[egaito]

Maybe if I was a rag head the CG would stop and verify. If not, no one questioned my info / intent.
If you go with in April, I'll put in a nice 2X bidet with hot water, just for yoohoo. Just bought 6 sets of bunkbed futons for the salon and an oil lamp for heat. If you sell freebird gimme yer generator. We can trade and no one will be the wiser. No rods a knockin' in that one is there? Somebody here said you had it cranked up for 440 /3phase and it smoked
Speakin' of-- I gotta go !! ws

In today's world, wearing a rag on your head, an AK on your shoulder, A Koran in your hand, and yelling Alla Akbar would speed you through the locks rather than slow you down. We can't be profilin' now can we? They'll ruff up Ma and Pa Kettle in that little GB behind you. They look much more "random".