Locking
Locking Procedure
Upon entering the tidal harbour the marina's purpose-built twin 50m locks will be clearly visible.
These are in operation 24 hours a day, closing on the hour and half-hour.
Monitor VHF Ch17 for broadcasts about the status of the locks.
Always follow the lock traffic signals.
Light Sequence
- Red - Vessels must not proceed. Vessels inbound to the lock should heave to or give way to outward bound vessels
- Green - Vessels may enter the lock.
- Green/White/Green - Caution
Vessels may proceed only when specific instructions to do so have been received.
Obey the directions of the lock-keeper.
Approach the locks with fenders rigged on both sides of your vessel and mooring lines on deck.
Tie up as far forward into the lock as possible, or alongside other vessels.
Always move as far forward in the lock as possible and when secure, switch off your engines and radar.
Help others coming alongside after you.
We recommend springs are used where possible, although even when the locks are sluicing there is very little water movement in the area where the boats are moored.
A lock keeper will greet you on-board, take basic details of your vessel and allocate a suitable berth via a computerised management system. Once you are secured in your berth, please call at the marina office to register.
The basins behind the lock need occasional "top-ups" which we do during high tide. At this time we operate a single lock. Regular broadcasts on Ch17 announce the status of the locks and timings of any closures.
Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne
