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Lock Availability Data
Data Scope
The availability and reliability of the two U.S. Seaway locks in Massena,
New York, are critical to continuous commercial shipping during the navigation
season (late March to late December). System downtime due to any condition
(weather, vessel incidents, malfunctioning equipment) causes delays to
shipping, affecting international trade to and from the Great Lakes region
of North America. Downtime is measured in minutes/hours of delay for weather
(visibility, fog, snow, ice); vessel incidents (human error, electrical
and/or mechanical failure); water level and rate of flow regulation; and
lock equipment malfunction.
Data Collection and Limitations
As the agency responsible for the operation and maintenance of the U.S.
portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway, SLSDC’s lock operations unit gathers
primary data for all vessel transits through the two U.S. locks, including
any downtime in operations. Data is collected on site, at the U.S. locks,
as vessels are transiting or as operations are suspended. This information
measuring the System’s reliability is compiled and delivered to SLSDC senior
staff each month. In addition, SLSDC compiles annual System availability
data for comparison purposes. Since SLSDC gathers data directly from observation,
there are no limitations.
Verification and Validation
SLSDC verifies and validates the accuracy of the data through review
of 24-hour vessel traffic control computer records, radio communication
between the two Seaway entities and vessel operators; and video and audio
tapes of vessel incidents.
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