How do they match: Bridge and Lock Tenders

  • Operate and tend bridges, canal locks, and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways, near shores, and at danger points in waterway passages. May supervise such operations. Includes drawbridge operators, lock operators, and slip bridge operators.

  • Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
  • Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
  • Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.
  • Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
  • Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
  • Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
  • Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic or lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
  • Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
  • Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.

  • Secure watercraft to docks, wharves or other vessels.