Note: The above freeflow status is not yet live and may change randomly while testing. HMA will advise when it is launched.

The lock is the entrance to the marina and is manned 24hrs a day, 365 days a year.

Navigating the lock for the first time might seem daunting – however it has been made as easy as possible even if single handed.

The lock has been built to work across the widest possible range of tides, however, if the tide height is very low the lock may not have sufficient water for larger yachts, please check the depth if in any doubt with the marina.

Prior to entering the lock you must contact Hythe Marina on channel 80 to request access. They will provide instructions on what to do. Observe the lights and only ever enter the lock with a green light.

You will be told port or starboard side to and should fender accordingly – it is always a good idea to have fenders on the other side of your boat as there may be another vessel alongside you in the lock.

The lock has lines hanging down from the quay wall every two meters or so. There is a black rope and a white plastic covered “pipe.” You can either simply hold onto the black ropes by hand (have a boathook handy) or you can pass a line from your boat round the back of the plastic pipe and secure back on board (this makes a loop round the pipe that can slide up and down).

You should never tie off the black hanging ropes to your boat, only ever keep these in hand.

Once the boat(s) are secure the lock gates will be closed and the lock flooded/emptied. This does create some current in the lock so hold onto the ropes securely. If using the black ropes it can help if you lead one slightly forward and the other slightly aft so you have some control forwards and backwards.

On large tides the level change can be as much as 3m so might take a few minutes to fill or empty.

Once the levels have equalised then the other lock gate will be opened and you will be able to proceed. If there are boats alongside you in the lock it is worth a quick conversation with the other boat skipper to agree who is leading off first.

For some of the tide cycle it is possible for the lock to be in “Freeflow” – in this situation the marina is open to the sea and both lock gates are opened. This makes navigating the lock very simple – but it is still essential that you call Hythe Marina on Channel 80 to gain permission and that you observe the traffic lights.

The times of freeflow depend on the tide and the level of the water in the marina.

The indicator above (and on the home page of myhma.org) is live and shows when freeflow is operating.