Virtual Field Trips
Dell Quay to Chichester Marina
6. Marina Lock Gates
Boats are able to enter and leave the marina
through double gates forming a lock. This is
able to hold up to 4 boats and is operated
electronically.
The water level in the marina stays about the
same all the time but outside the water level
goes up and down with the tide.
Shortcut across the lock gates to rejoin the walk at the canal.
View Panorama of the Marina
Marina Lock Gates
Opening the Gates
By opening and shutting the gates the lock can be filled or emptied to alter the water level and provide a way for the boats to move between the harbour and the marina. The channel is dredged deep enough so that boats can use it 24 hours a day, even at low tide. If there was no lock, the gates could only be opened at high tide to let boats through when the water level was the same both sides.
Click here to find out why we need locks
Marker Posts
Boat Stuck in the Mud
Marker Posts
There are posts marking the deep water channel from the marina to where it joins the Fishbourne channel so boats do not stray into shallow water and get stuck on the mud.
Marina Office
Marina Office
The marina office arranges the order that boats come and go through the lock by keeping in radio contact with the boat owners. It also provides weather and tide information.
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