The Large Locks!
The large locks are on the north side. This is where it gets a little tricky but if you're ready, it's pretty easy.
In the large locks it LARGE VESSELS FIRST! Look around and if there is a larger vessels, let them in. The large locks are just that so don't worry about getting in. Besides, if you're smaller, you've got a good shoot to raft off.
As you enter, assume you're going on the wall. This is where you need you 50 foot lines becuase there is no sliding wall. When entering to tie, it's pretty much the same as the small locks. Entering for the lake side , assume you'll tie up on the starboard side. From Puget Sound, the port side. Again, be prepared for anything and everything. Once your vessel is secure, be ready for others to raft off you.
From The Lake Heading to Puget Sound -
In this situattion you'll be going down. If you tie up on the wall you'll hand your lines to the lock attendents eye first. They will secure it around the "button" and hand the rest back to you. Tie down both lines asap. Once secured, be ready for another vessel to raft off you.
Once everyone is in and secured, they'll close the door and will anounce for everyone to "Man Your Lines". This means you need to untie and let line out as the water level goes down.
Be sure the stern is in tight as possible. This will keep your bow from hitting the wall and you'll have better control of the situation.
The best way to let line out is to the feed the line throught the hole of the cleat. It will be easier to control and in case you drop the line, it won't fly off the boat. It also allows you to apply more muscle. Just one thing... Some lock attendents don't like this and might tell you something different. What ever works for you...
Once you've reached the bottom, you will be instructed to tie down your lines. Even though your lines are secured and tied down, you must stay alert. The current will pull you around as the doors open so stay on top of things.
From The Sound Heading to the Lake -
From this direction you will be going up. When entering, the locks attentents will throw down a line. You'll take that line and the "eye end" of your rope and tie them together. They will pull it up and secure it. Once secured up top, you'll tie your end down to the vessel. Again, once secured, be ready for others to raft off and stay aleart. This is why you need to give other vessels space to manuver. It takes some time to tie up in this situation.
When you hear the chime, the Locks Master will tell everyone to man your lines. On your way up, it's important to keep the stern in tight as possible. If you float off the wall a little it'll be o.k. You'll be able to pull it back however the person manning the bow must be sure to watch the stern. Pulling the bow in to tight will screw everything up. You must work together!
Once you get to the top, you'll be told to tie down your lines. Eeverything will be the same as above but here's the important part. DO NOT UNTIE until you're told to do so. The water needs to equalize and there is a strong current. Even if it looks like you're about to untie, a lock attendent will stop you and it can be a little imbaracing.
Now this is all assuming you're on the wall. If you raft to another vessel, it'll be easy. (other than not paying attention to your surroundings). When leaving from another vessel, give yourself a little push off so you don't rub up on their vessel and it's a good idea to do so when you're on the wall so you don't scratch up your own.
So there ya have it, you've made it through the large locks. Remember, taking it slow, giving each other space and listen. The lock attentents are there tol make your experience a good one. Also know, you will screw up once in awhile. Everyone does at some point but that's all part of learning... And boating!