QHRRP 6000-235

Entering the Lagoon and Lock Operations

 

Review/update responsibility
 Marina and Harbor
Revision
 13 Oct 2025 (CH1)
Reference
 CCRE Article XII

Navigation Rules, International – Inland (USCGM16672.2)
Scope
 Unless specifically modified by the Harbormaster, the provisions of Navigation Rules, International – Inland will govern users of Queen’s Harbor …

  • lagoon
  • lock, and
  • approaches
Lagoon access
 No watercraft may be launched into or removed from the lagoon except through the Lock.  A lagoon lot owner may, however, launch such a vessel through his own lot provided that no motorized vehicle is used in the launch or retrieval.  No person may trespass across a private lot to place a vessel in the lagoon.  Boat owners who are authorized to use the marina will enter from the Lock.

Kayaks, canoes and row boats may transit the lagoon though the lock system upon approval of the Harbormaster.  Occupants must wear approved USCG personal floatation devises.
Lock operator
 The lock is designed to be operated by qualified Queen’s Harbor personnel and/or others that have been qualified by the Harbormaster.

Anyone other than the authorized personnel found operating the lock is subject to immediate suspension of any privileges and other such penalties as the Harbormaster deems in his absolute discretion to be necessary to protect the lagoon system, its owners, tenants, and guests, and liable for all damages or expenses resulting from such unauthorized use.
Lock operator contact required
 Vessels preparing to enter or exit the Queen’s Harbor lock must first contact the lock operator no more than 15 minutes prior to entrance/exit by means of VHF radio Channel 78A, using proper VHF radiotelephone procedures.  A typical radio conversation would be initiated on channel 78A as follows:

  • “Queen’s Harbor, this is the motor yacht Karol K.”
  • “Karol K, this is Queen’s Harbor.”
  • “Queen’s Harbor, this is the Karol K, requesting permission to lock in.”  “Karol K, this is Queen’s Harbor, there is no outward-bound traffic; you are cleared to enter the lock.”

 Note:  The lock operator will attempt to maximize the lock space on a first arrival basis, however consideration will be given to the size of the vessels waiting, when determining the order of vessels entering or exiting the lock.
Allowable vessel draft
 The allowable vessel draft is dictated by the level of the low tide in relation to the fixed concrete bottom of the lock entrance.   As a point of reference, a minus 2 reading on the marked piling which is part of the floating dock at the lock entrance indicates that a maximum draft of five feet can be carried into the lock.  Therefore, when entering or exiting the lock, boat owners are solely responsible for recognizing the tide conditions compared to the draft requirements of their vessels and must plan their entry and exit accordingly.
Right of way
 Operators will not allow their craft to obstruct the lock or the approaches to the lock at any time.  Vessels leaving the lock and proceeding down the channel will have right of way over any other vessel.

If an inbound vessel sights another vessel outward bound from the lock, the inbound vessel must yield to the outward-bound vessel.
Entering the lock
 Vessels using the lock will experience the following sequence of events:

  1. The lock will be activated following a request by radio.
  2. The water will be equalized, and the nearest gate opened.
  3. The vessel enters the lock, and the gate will close behind it.
  4. The water again will be equalized up or down with the mooring lines secured to the cleats.
  5. The gate ahead is opened, and the vessel moves out of the lock.
  6. The gate is closed, and the lock deactivated.
Safe speed
 All vessels (including personal watercraft) transiting the lagoon system lock and entrance channel will maintain “no wake/dead idle speed.”
Channel maintenance
 The POA performs periodic entry channel maintenance dredging as permitted by the Submerged Land Easement granted by the State of Florida. However, the POA does not guarantee a specific depth for the entry channel and this depth will deteriorate over time.