Navigation Information

Explore vital information about water depths, navigation and rules on the New York State Canal System to enhance your boating experience.

Navigation Information with Water Depths

Hudson River (Albany to Waterford)
Champlain Canal (Waterford to Whitehall)
Eastern Erie Canal (Waterford to Three Rivers)
Oswego Canal (Three Rivers to Oswego)
Central Erie Canal (Three Rivers to Montezuma)
Cayuga-Seneca Canal (Montezuma to Cayuga)
Western Erie Canal (Montezuma to Tonawanda)

How to Lock Through The Canals

Step 1: Approaching the Lock

On approach, hail the Lock Operator on Marine Channel 13, call using your mobile phone, use the On the Canals Boater App (where available) or by sounding three blasts on your horn to signal that you are approaching and require service. A red light indicates that the lock is not ready. Maintain a safe distance and stand by for a green light. Before entering the lock, ensure that fenders are properly positioned. 

Step 2: Entering the Lock

A green light means that you are clear to proceed ahead. Enter the lock slowly and maintain line of approach. Once inside the lock chamber, station your vessel alongside the lock wall as directed by the Lock Operator.

Step 3: Inside the Lock Chamber

During the lockage, keep the bow and stern of your vessel close to the wall by looping line either to available holding apparatuses (pipes or cables, where available) or by holding the lines provided (except non-Canal-owned lock at Troy Federal, which only has pipes and cables). Do not tie lines. Serious injury can result from using your hands or feet to fend a moving boat off of a wall. Use a boat hook, paddle or oar. Do not wrap lines around hands or feet as lines may tighten and cause injury.

Step 4: Exiting the Lock

When the lock gates have fully open, take in your lines and shove off away from the wall. Proceed slowly out of the lock chamber. Maintain “lock limit” speed before increase to cruising speed. 

Mooring

Vessels may moor at Canal Corporation docks or terminals up to 48 hours during a calendar month. Mooring at these facilities is free, with services such as electric, water and pumpouts available for a fee. Vessels looking to moor longer than 48 hours must apply for a permit. These permits are typically reserved for commercial or non-recreational vehicles, barring extenuating circumstances. 

Lock Through Videos

View a time lapse video of Ascending in a Lock

View a time lapse video of Descending in a Lock

Navigational Aids and Rules


Aids to Navigation

Aids to Navigation on the New York State Canal System conform to the U.S. Coast Guard lateral system of buoyage (red right return). Note that buoyage reverses from red on starboard (right) to red on port (left), north of Champlain Canal Lock 12 at Whitehall, and on the entire length of the Oswego Canal.

Failures and displacements of navigational aids may occur. Please report discrepancies in navigational aids to the Canal Incident Call Center 24/7 at 833-538-1042.

Navigational Charts

The Canal Corporation recommends that boaters carry the latest edition of navigation charts on board - Chart #14786. Charts may be downloaded from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or through NOAA Certified Printers, and at some local bookstores, marinas and boat chandleries. Charts may also be downloaded from the rightmost column of the Navigation Information with Water Depths pages above. There are no NOAA charts available between mile 222 and 337 of the Erie Canal (including the Genesee River). Symbols, abbreviations and terms used on paper and electronic navigational charts can be found on U.S. Chart No. 1 and supplemental information difficult to portray in a nautical chart in Coast Pilot 6.

Rules, Regulations, Registration

All mariners must to adhere to the U.S.C.G. Inland Navigation Rules.

Recreational mariners should be aware that there are minor differences between state and federal boating regulations, the more stringent of which apply. Boater Safety Courses are listed on the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website.

No sewage may be discharged into the New York State Canal System. Additionally, no grey water may be discharged into Lake Champlain.

All mechanically propelled vessels - regardless of size or fuel type - operating on the waters of New York State must display numbers showing valid registration in the principal state or country of use, or, if in transfer, be able to produce U.S. Coast Guard documentation. Human powered vessels are exempt from registration requirements as well as Lock & Lift Bridge fees.

All vessel operators and visitors are advised to exercise extreme caution and stay well clear of all dams!

No Discharge Zone

The entire New York State Canal System is a "no discharge zone." Boats are banned from discharging sewage into the canals and must instead dispose of sewage at specially designated pump-out stations.

Discharges of sewage from boats can contain harmful levels of pathogens and chemicals such as formaldehyde, phenols, and chlorine, which have a negative impact on water quality, pose a risk to people's health, and impair marine life. View more information on marine sanitation devices and pump out stations.

Sailboat Mast Stepping

The minimum clearances of overhead structures (bridges, guard gates, and utilities) range from 15.5' to 21' for different sections along the canal; so sailboats need to de-mast prior to entering the system. Sailors looking to cruise within the canal system, as opposed to transiting through, may not want their masts and rigging with them (in order to conserve deck space), and so may leave them at select facilities. Below is a list of marinas that perform mast stepping, and additionally which ones store masts.

Listings of commercial and municipal enterprises are a courtesy to our audiences and provided for information purposes only. Identification or reference to any particular enterprise does not constitute or imply its endorsement, favoring or recommendation by the Canal Corporation. Contact enterprises directly for their most accurate information.

Hudson River – East end of Erie Canal / South end of Champlain Canal

Lake Champlain – North end of Champlain Canal

  • Chipman Point Marina, Orwell, VT (802) 558-4574, Mast storage.

Lake Ontario – North end of Oswego Canal

Cayuga Lake – Cayuga-Seneca Canal

  • Johnson Boat Yard, Ithaca, NY (607) 272-5191

Seneca Lake – Cayuga-Seneca Canal

Lake Erie – West end of Erie Canal

Customs

Masters of foreign flag vessels must report arrivals immediately to U.S. Customs at the first U.S. port of entry. Boaters entering Canadian waters must contact a reporting station at their first opportunity.

Detailed instructions can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Canada Border Services Agency websites or by calling:

  • U.S. Customs: (800) 827-2851
  • Canadian Customs: (888) 266-7277

Bridge Heights and Canal Speed Limits

Navigate safely on the New York State Canals by respecting speed limits and ensuring your vessel fits under bridges with proper clearances. View our detailed speed limits, safe boating practices, and bridge height information.

Listings for Locks, Lift Bridges, Guard Gates & More

Commercial Shipping and Towing

Explore commercial shipping and towing on the New York State Canal System.