Crinan Canal Skipper's Guide

At peak times, such as summer season, we aim to provide assistance to boaters moving through the inland locks from Lock 5 to 13 as these are manually operated, requiring physical effort to push lock gates and wind sluices.  It can take at least two people to open and close lock gates and sluices from Lock 5 to Lock 13.  

Boaters should have sufficient crew on board to handle ropes on the bow and stern, as well as operating the lock gates and sluices in the event that Scottish Canals' staff are delayed or unavailable at a specific location..

Customers may wish to consider the use of additional support crew if they are short-handed, are in a rush to transit or have never transited the canal before. 

There are several operators locally who offer 'assisted passage' to boaters - their details can be found via web search or on boater forums. 

Please note that use of external individuals is not mandatory on the Crinan Canal. 

Please note that it is the boat owner / operator’s responsibility to ensure that your chosen individual is appropriately qualified and that your insurance covers you adequately.  

Please ensure radar scanners are switched off while craft are within or approaching locks.

Please remember to allow 30 minutes before closedown to complete lockings, in particular at sea locks.

Rafting of boats is normal on the Crinan Canal, in particular during events or busy periods.

Please assist us by following staff instructions to ensure that we can make best use of the space available.

Refuse should be disposed of in the skips located at Ardrishaig, Cairnbaan, Bellanoch Bay and Crinan. Please help us to keep the Crinan Canal tidy by disposing of rubbish in a thoughtful manner. Please only use the dry recycle bins for waste as described on the lid and avoid putting domestic waste into these bins. Remember, plastic bags thrown overboard could block your water intake, or foul the prop of your craft.

While pets are welcome, it would be much appreciated if owners could take care to prevent animal fouling on the banks. Animal waste bins are located along the canal for disposal. Particular care should be taken at main lock flights and mown areas as these have heavy foot traffic.

The canal may look inviting, but please do not swim in it. This is very dangerous as there may be an underwater obstruction or sudden current, and the banks are very steep.

Limited shore power is available at key points along the canal, mainly for use by long term customers. Please make contact with the lock staff regarding availability and charges for power. Payment should be made to the appropriate Sea Lock Office. Power may be available at pontoons in Ardrishaig Basin, above Lock 4, Oakfield, Cairnbaan or Crinan.

Toilets and showers are available free of charge to licence holders, at various locations. Further information can be obtained from the sea lock staff.

Please help us to maintain a pleasant environment by making use of shore facilities and not using sea toilets whilst your vessel is in the canal.

Certain sections of the canal are narrow, in particular towards Crinan, and for this reason we may require to traffic manage vessels with a wide beam. Therefore, owners should expect a slight delay while Scottish Canals staff ensure the reach is either clear of other vessels or a large craft transits the section. Your patience to ensure a trouble free passage is much appreciated.

Scottish Canals has produced Port Waste Management Plans which are now agreed with the Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA) and must be complied with at all times. It is an offence to discharge oil or bilge water into the canal or its adjacent waters, and any contravention of this ruling will result in notification to the MCA and SEPA.

Emergency discharge facilities can be arranged through specialist contractors at additional cost.

Oil disposal can be arranged by contacting the Canal Office in advance of arrival.

Customers from outside EU waters transiting or staying in the Crinan Canal, who wish to dispose of meat or animal by-products which were purchased outwith the EU, must bag the waste and inform the Crinan Canal Office.

All craft berthing within the canal system in excess of 30 days must obtain a Boat Safety Certificate. Owners using the canal for less than 30 days may be subject to spot checks to ensure their craft meet the minimum standards of safety required under the scheme. Checks will cover the gas and electrical systems, and will be visual, or in the case of the gas test, carried out by use of a leak detector.