Welland Canal terms and references

[NS9710]

I hear the term “Be governed by lights”, I’m a railfan so that means a signal guides you.

Also, how does the canal operator know how full the locks are, and how do they control them?

I hear the term “Downbound”, I am presuming this to the southbound move?

And lastly “Turn back” where are said people turning back to?

Still kinda new to this, as I’m still learning aircraft.

 

[kirk5056]

I am not familiar with the Welland area but in the Great Lakes "downbound" means moving toward the Atlantic Ocean. So "downbound" in Lake Superior is generally East bound. In Lake Michigan it means generally northbound. Lake Huron it is generally southbound, etc.

 

[technoweenie]

To answer your questions:

“Be governed by lights”: means to follow the signal light board approaching each lock. It indicates the time remaining until the lock is available and shows green when able to enter.

"Downbound" is north in the Welland Canal. It refers to going downstream in the St. Lawrence Seaway system (towards the Atlantic Ocean).

"Turnback" refers to the lock turning back from having processed a vessel ahead of you. If upbound (heading south up the system), it means the lock is full from a previous vessel and is preparing to dump water to lower the lock and be ready for you. This is also why the signal board lights are there. It indicated aprox minutes until the lock is ready.

The locks and bridges on the St. Lawrence Seaway are remotely operated from a Traffic Control Center in each region. The lock has water level sensors and PLCs to monitor and control the equipment. It also has an extensive CCTV system for monitoring vessel traffic movement and for Marine Security.

Hope this helps!

 

[NS9710]

You sir have been a major help and makes sense of what I am hearing.

Again, thank you so much!

To answer your questions:

“Be governed by lights”: means to follow the signal light board approaching each lock. It indicates the time remaining until the lock is available and shows green when able to enter.

"Downbound" is north in the Welland Canal. It refers to going downstream in the St. Lawrence Seaway system (towards the Atlantic Ocean).

"Turnback" refers to the lock turning back from having processed a vessel ahead of you. If upbound (heading south up the system), it means the lock is full from a previous vessel and is preparing to dump water to lower the lock and be ready for you. This is also why the signal board lights are there. It indicated aprox minutes until the lock is ready.

The locks and bridges on the St. Lawrence Seaway are remotely operated from a Traffic Control Center in each region. The lock has water level sensors and PLCs to monitor and control the equipment. It also has an extensive CCTV system for monitoring vessel traffic movement and for Marine Security.

Hope this helps!