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.