Tennessee Valley Authority
Locking Through
Moving from one TVA-managed reservoir to another by water requires using the navigation lock, or “locking through,” a free service used by thousands of recreational boats every year. The lock facilities are owned by TVA and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
With two exceptions, all locks in the Tennessee River system are open for use by recreational and commercial vessels 24 hours a day. The exceptions are the lock at Fort Loudoun Dam on the upper end of the Tennessee River (open between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily) and the lock at Melton Hill Dam on the Clinch River (open only by prior arrangement with the lock operator at Fort Loudoun Dam).
It usually takes 45 to 60 minutes to lock through, though it may take longer if there are multiple vessels. Commercial traffic has priority at the locks, but the lock operators try to get the recreational craft through on every third lockage when traffic is heavy. The operator also may wait until there are several boats gathered at the lock approach so that they can lock through together.
Be prepared
All boats going through a lock should be equipped with at least 50 feet of rope or line that can be used to moor the boat to the floating mooring bits (posts) on the lock chamber wall. The floating mooring bits move up and down as the water level in the lock changes. Make sure fenders are available to put over the side of your boat once you’ve entered the chamber to avoid damage from scraping the lock wall or another boat.
Nearing the lock
Stay in the navigation channel as marked by the buoys. (Be aware that some areas near locks and dams are dangerous, and stay clear of those areas. Obey all posted safety regulations and warnings. Learn more about dangerous areas near dams and locks.)
You will need to let the lock operator know that you wish to lock through. There are three ways to do this:
- Use marine radio channel 16 to identify yourself and your intentions.
- If you don’t have a radio onboard, you can use your cell phone to call the lock operator at one of the phone numbers provided on this page.
- If you have no cell phone or cell service is not available, you can pull the small-craft signal cord located in the ladder recess near the end of the upper and lower lock approach walls.
Once notified, the lock operator will tell you how to proceed via radio, phone, or loudspeaker. Be sure to pay attention and obey the traffic signals:
- A red flashing signal means the lock is not available. It may already be in use.
- Amber flashing indicates the lock is being made ready. You may approach the lock guide wall, but do not attempt to enter the lock.
- Green flashing means the lock is ready and you may enter the lock chamber.
In addition to traffic signals, the lock operator will signal with horn blasts. One long blast means enter the lock; one short blast means exit the lock.
Keep in mind that, for safety reasons, the lock operator has full authority over the movement and placement of vessels in the lock and its approaches. Failure to follow the lock operator’s instructions will not only delay the lockage, it could be very dangerous.
In the lock chamber
Enter the lock at a no-wake speed. Make sure you tie off to the floating mooring posts inside the lock chamber with your rope. Do not tie off to the ladder or any other fixed point as the water level will change during the lockage. In a crowded lock chamber, you may be asked to tie off to another boat.
Engines should be shut down during the lockage, passengers should remain seated, and everyone on board should be wearing a personal flotation device during the lock-through.
Exiting the lock
Remain moored until the lockage is complete, the gate is fully opened, and the lockmaster signals you to depart. Exit at a no-wake speed, and do not pass any other exiting vessels in the lock approach area.
