Canal Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1564)

• 77.16 (1) The hand lines of every vessel shall

  • (a) be made of manilla or other material acceptable to the Superintendent; and

  • (b) have a minimum diameter of 12.7 mm and a minimum length of 30.48 m.

• (2) Knotted or weighted hand lines shall not be used in the lock chamber.

• 77.17 (1) The maximum speed over the bottom for a vessel of more than 12.19 m in overall length in the Sault Ste. Marie (Canada) Canal channel shall be so regulated as not to adversely affect other vessels or shore property and in no event shall such a vessel proceed at a maximum speed in excess of 6.1 knots (11 km/h).

• (2) Every vessel under way shall proceed at a reasonable speed so as not to cause undue delay to other vessels.

• 77.18 (1) The meeting and passing of vessels shall be governed by the Rules of the Road for the Great Lakes.

• (2) No vessel shall meet another vessel within the limit of approach signs at bridges or within any area that is designated as a “no meeting area” by signs erected by the Superintendent at that area.

• (3) Except as instructed by the vessel traffic controller, no vessel shall overtake and pass or attempt to overtake and pass another vessel

  • (a) within 609.6 m of the Sault Ste. Marie (Canada) Canal entrance;

  • (b) after the order of passing through has been established by the vessel traffic controller; or

  • (c) between the western end of the Vidal Shoal Cut and the upper entrance of the lock.

77.19 No vessel that is not self-propelled shall be underway in the canal unless it is securely tied to an adequate tug or tugs in accordance with special instructions given by the Superintendent.

77.20 No tug shall be fastened alongside a vessel in the canal so that the aggregate of the beams exceeds 16.76 m.

77.21 Every vessel shall advance to the lock in the order instructed by the vessel traffic controller.

77.22 Every vessel with draught in excess of 4.5 m shall clear their transit in the canal with the vessel traffic controller by radiotelephone on reaching C.I.P. No. 17 or C.I.P. No. 18.

77.23 Where the master of a vessel wishes to tie up the vessel to a lock wall or tie-up wall, he shall request permission to do so from the officer in charge of the wall and, unless otherwise directed by the officer, shall tie up the vessel as set out in the table to this section.