Notice to Mariners
Erie Canal – Waterford Harbor
August 1, 2023
Mariners are advised that Dragon Boat Races will be held on Saturday, August 5th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Use of Waterford Harbor floating docks will be restricted to participating vessels. During this time and an hour before and after the event, alternative docking for commercial and pleasure craft will be available between Locks E-3 and E-4 in the Waterford Flight, as directed by the Lock Operator who can be reached at (518) 237-0810. No services are available in this area. The area will remain open to through-traffic, but commercial traffic requiring clearance through the event must call (518) 461-0942, at least 24 hours in advance. Docking space on the terminal wall, which offers no services, will not be available on Friday, August 4th. Mariners are also advised of practice sessions held on Friday, and Saturday that could cause minor delays to vessels passing through the event area. There will be breaks in between heats during which traffic may pass through as directed. Safety fire department boats and sheriff’s patrol boats will be present to monitor traffic.
Mariners are also advised that any vessels with more than 6 feet of draft must contact Jeff Cleary, Waterford Harbor Master, on VHF Channel 13, before entering the event area.
Boaters should plan their itineraries accordingly.
Additionally, mariners are advised that the Waterford floating docks will be closed from Thursday, August 3rd at noon through Sunday, August 6th until 5:00 pm.
Details about the event can be found at
Dragon Boat Festival - Town of Waterford, NY
A chart covering the affected area can be found at
http://www.canals.ny.gov/navinfo/charts/14786e40.png.
Features along the eastern portion of the Erie Canal are listed by mileage http://www.canals.ny.gov/wwwapps/navinfo/navinfo.aspx?waterway=erieeastern
The Canal Corporation urges all users and stakeholders to register to receive updates through the Notice to Mariners notification program by clicking here.
For general news, please visit www.canals.ny.gov or follow the Canal Corporation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
In case of emergencies, please call the Canal Corporation’s Emergency Call Center at 833-538-1042.