To be able to lock through the MacArthur or Poe Lock a private boat must be motorized (no canoes, kayaks, peddle boats, etc), have 75 feet of line and coordinate with the Chief Lockmaster to receive permission. Private vessel owners should realize there is a set priority hierarchy for use of the locks starting with government vessels, freight vessels, commercial vessels and finally private vessels. During busy times there could be long waits for the locks and the lockmaster may divert private watercraft to the Canadian Lock on the north shore of the river.