Question 1

Be able to give the order in which boats have precedence (priority) over the others.

Accepted Answer

US owned vessels
commercial passenger
commercial cargo
recreational

Question 2

Study, ask, and learn about reverse hydrostatic pressure? How can you prevent it?

Accepted Answer

What it is: Reverse hydrostatic loading occurs when full pool pressure is mistakenly applied to the downstream (wrong) side of a valve, which can cause catastrophic structural failure. 

How to prevent it: When an upstream bulkhead of a filling valve has been set for unwatering, if the downstream bulkhead is not placed, the valve must be secured in the open position.

Question 3

Be able to give the location of the traffic signals, their function, and proper use at your assigned lock.

Accepted Answer

Flashing signal lights are located on or near each end of the land wall to control a single lock 

a.	RED: Lock cannot be made ready immediately; vessel must stand clear and do not enter. 
b.	AMBER: Lock is being made ready; approach the lock under full control, but do not enter. 
c.	GREEN: Lock is ready for entrance; permission to enter. 
d.	GREEN & AMBER: Lock is ready for entrance, but the gates cannot be recessed completely; enter under full control using extreme caution

Question 4

Name some things that you would do if you received a bomb threat by phone while the caller is still on the line?

Accepted Answer

•	Try to make a mental record of everything the caller says. 
•	Listen closely to the voice and voice quality 
•	Listen for background noises 
•	Ask the caller where the bomb is located 
•	Try to impress on the caller that detonation could result in death or injury to innocent people. 
•	Immediately after the call: Contact the Lockmaster or Operations Manager

Question 5

Study and know what kind of signal is given to attract attention, or to indicate caution, or signal danger?

Accepted Answer

five or more short blasts of the lock whistle (or whistle/horn delivered in rapid succession).

Question 6

Understand, what is the purpose of putting a head on the lock gates? When is the lock not expected to be used for some time?

Accepted Answer

To protect the structural integrity of the gates and prevent icing or structural damage, putting a head on the gates ensures they stay firmly seated and stabilized against unexpected river surges or pooling pressures.

Question 7

What is a lock outage/stall/stoppage?

Accepted Answer

period of time a lock is completely inoperative and cannot pass river traffic. These stoppages can be caused by mechanical breakdowns, structural repairs, high river discharges, adverse wind conditions, or necessary routine equipment maintenance.

Question 8

Know what the minimum draft is in navigable channels, by the Corps of Engineers?

Accepted Answer

9 feet

Question 9

You must know what the minimum clearance a vessel must have over the miter sill before entering the lock chamber.

Accepted Answer

3 inches and 12 inches at KY Lock

Question 10

When using the marine radio, what is the recommended procedure after contact has been established on channel 13?

Accepted Answer

•	Channel 13 is the designated "Bridge-to-Bridge" frequency continuously monitored by commercial vessels. should immediately switch to either Channel 12 or Channel 14

Question 11

You'll need to be able to name at least four things that are required in reporting navigation accidents.

Accepted Answer

ENG Form 3394 (Accident Investigation Report). 

Name of the vessel along with the owner's official name and address. 
Name of the captain or pilot, directly involved crewmen, and exactly how long they had been on duty prior to the accident. 
The exact date and time of the accident. 
The number of barges in the

Question 12

Understand why either do or don't, and what instructions operators are to give to commercial towboat pilots on how to maneuver his tow to get in the upper or lower approaches of the lock?

Accepted Answer

Lock operators do not give maneuvering or steering commands to commercial pilots .

the sole responsibility of the vessel's pilot and deck crew

Question 13

Be able to give some releasable data on commercial tows passing through your lock and some non-releasable data.

Accepted Answer

•	Releasable Data (Public information):
1.	Name of the boat. 
2.	Direction of travel. 
3.	Exact time of arrival and/or departure. 
4.	Total number of barges in the tow. 
5.	Whether the barges are loaded or empty. 
•	Non-Releasable Data (Confidential information—requires District Office clearance):
1.	Specific barge numbers or names. 
2.	Specific commodity classifications being carried. 
3.	Exact tonnage metrics of the cargo.

Question 14

You need to be able to name four conditions a lock operator should keep abreast of during high water and flooding conditions at their project.

Accepted Answer

1.	Rainfall totals and anticipated river flows c
2.	Flood conditions developing in local communities,
3.	Prediction crest timelines and how fast water elevations
4.	Tailwater proximity to the top of lower walls,

Question 15

What will you do if a vessel violates the regulations concerning the use of rubber fenders?

Accepted Answer

Enter the violation details into the LPMS system remarks section and formally report the craft to the Lockmaster via an email or memorandum

Question 16

Is it permissible for a small craft to enter or exit the lock fastened to a towboat or tow?

Accepted Answer

No. Small recreational craft will not be permitted to enter or exit the lock fastened to a towboat or tow, nor are they allowed to tie off or moor directly to a commercial towboat or its barges while inside the lock

Question 17

Barges carrying rock or similar material with sideboards on one side can only be turned which way and why?

Accepted Answer

These barges can only be turned so that the sideboards are positioned toward the outside of the tow. 

This configuration ensures that the open, unprotected edge of the cargo load faces inward, safely shielded.

Question 18

What is the prime responsibility of the lockmaster and the lock operator and the authority of the lockmaster from the Blue Book?

Accepted Answer

Lockmaster and the Lock Operator is to safely and speedily transfer river traffic from one pool level to another. 

Lockmaster is legally charged with the immediate control and management of the lock and the entire designated lock area, including approach channels and federally constructed mooring facilities. He/she has total authority to give all necessary orders and directions to any person within these limits.

Question	Answer
Be able to give the order in which boats have precedence (priority) over the others.	US owned vessels commercial passenger commercial cargo recreational
Study, ask, and learn about reverse hydrostatic pressure? How can you prevent it?	What it is: Reverse hydrostatic loading occurs when full pool pressure is mistakenly applied to the downstream (wrong) side of a valve, which can cause catastrophic structural failure. How to prevent it: When an upstream bulkhead of a filling valve has been set for unwatering, if the downstream bulkhead is not placed, the valve must be secured in the open position.
Be able to give the location of the traffic signals, their function, and proper use at your assigned lock.	Flashing signal lights are located on or near each end of the land wall to control a single lock a. RED: Lock cannot be made ready immediately; vessel must stand clear and do not enter. b. AMBER: Lock is being made ready; approach the lock under full control, but do not enter. c. GREEN: Lock is ready for entrance; permission to enter. d. GREEN & AMBER: Lock is ready for entrance, but the gates cannot be recessed completely; enter under full control using extreme caution
Name some things that you would do if you received a bomb threat by phone while the caller is still on the line?	• Try to make a mental record of everything the caller says. • Listen closely to the voice and voice quality • Listen for background noises • Ask the caller where the bomb is located • Try to impress on the caller that detonation could result in death or injury to innocent people. • Immediately after the call: Contact the Lockmaster or Operations Manager
Study and know what kind of signal is given to attract attention, or to indicate caution, or signal danger?	five or more short blasts of the lock whistle (or whistle/horn delivered in rapid succession).
Understand, what is the purpose of putting a head on the lock gates? When is the lock not expected to be used for some time?	To protect the structural integrity of the gates and prevent icing or structural damage, putting a head on the gates ensures they stay firmly seated and stabilized against unexpected river surges or pooling pressures.
What is a lock outage/stall/stoppage?	period of time a lock is completely inoperative and cannot pass river traffic. These stoppages can be caused by mechanical breakdowns, structural repairs, high river discharges, adverse wind conditions, or necessary routine equipment maintenance.
Know what the minimum draft is in navigable channels, by the Corps of Engineers?	9 feet
You must know what the minimum clearance a vessel must have over the miter sill before entering the lock chamber.	3 inches and 12 inches at KY Lock
When using the marine radio, what is the recommended procedure after contact has been established on channel 13?	• Channel 13 is the designated "Bridge-to-Bridge" frequency continuously monitored by commercial vessels. should immediately switch to either Channel 12 or Channel 14
You'll need to be able to name at least four things that are required in reporting navigation accidents.	ENG Form 3394 (Accident Investigation Report). Name of the vessel along with the owner's official name and address. Name of the captain or pilot, directly involved crewmen, and exactly how long they had been on duty prior to the accident. The exact date and time of the accident. The number of barges in the
Understand why either do or don't, and what instructions operators are to give to commercial towboat pilots on how to maneuver his tow to get in the upper or lower approaches of the lock?	Lock operators do not give maneuvering or steering commands to commercial pilots . the sole responsibility of the vessel's pilot and deck crew
Be able to give some releasable data on commercial tows passing through your lock and some non-releasable data.	• Releasable Data (Public information): 1. Name of the boat. 2. Direction of travel. 3. Exact time of arrival and/or departure. 4. Total number of barges in the tow. 5. Whether the barges are loaded or empty. • Non-Releasable Data (Confidential information—requires District Office clearance): 1. Specific barge numbers or names. 2. Specific commodity classifications being carried. 3. Exact tonnage metrics of the cargo.
You need to be able to name four conditions a lock operator should keep abreast of during high water and flooding conditions at their project.	1. Rainfall totals and anticipated river flows c 2. Flood conditions developing in local communities, 3. Prediction crest timelines and how fast water elevations 4. Tailwater proximity to the top of lower walls,
What will you do if a vessel violates the regulations concerning the use of rubber fenders?	Enter the violation details into the LPMS system remarks section and formally report the craft to the Lockmaster via an email or memorandum
Is it permissible for a small craft to enter or exit the lock fastened to a towboat or tow?	No. Small recreational craft will not be permitted to enter or exit the lock fastened to a towboat or tow, nor are they allowed to tie off or moor directly to a commercial towboat or its barges while inside the lock
Barges carrying rock or similar material with sideboards on one side can only be turned which way and why?	These barges can only be turned so that the sideboards are positioned toward the outside of the tow. This configuration ensures that the open, unprotected edge of the cargo load faces inward, safely shielded.
What is the prime responsibility of the lockmaster and the lock operator and the authority of the lockmaster from the Blue Book?	Lockmaster and the Lock Operator is to safely and speedily transfer river traffic from one pool level to another. Lockmaster is legally charged with the immediate control and management of the lock and the entire designated lock area, including approach channels and federally constructed mooring facilities. He/she has total authority to give all necessary orders and directions to any person within these limits.

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