Forth and Clyde Canal Carron Sealock 1
Sealock 1 entrance to the Forth and Clyde Canal.
Updated: September 3, 2025
Description
Helix Sealock 1 entrance to the Forth and Clyde Canal, accessed from the South side of the River Carron.
Sealock 1 is downstream of a series of bridges which restrict the air draft of vessels wishing to navigate towards the other entrance (Sealock 2) of the Forth and Clyde Canal.
Local guidance states that passage must be booked in advance with the Sealock Keeper, but there are canal licences available to purchase at this entrance.
The lock operates from HW-4 to HW+2.5 between 0800-2000 and during daylight hours.
Prior to entry to the Scottish Canals system, there will be safety checks by staff.
Dimension limits at this entrance are 1.8m draft, 5.0m beam, and 3.0m air draft. To comply with the air draft limits, there is a mast unstepping crane available with a capacity of 500kg.
On approach to the Sealock, there is a waiting pontoon available, but there are no other facilities. Further facilities are available after entering the canal and transiting 0.5M towards the Kelpies.
Contact Details
Coordinates: 56.021603, -3.742124
Phone: 01324483034
E-Mail: enquiries@scottishcanals.co.uk
VHF Channels: CH74 / CH71
Hours: HW-4 to HW+2.5 between 0800-2000 and during daylight hours.
Facilities
Limited facilities available at the Sea Lock, but 0.5M up the canal you will reach the Kelpies.
Navigational Information
Tides & Currents
High currents of up to 4kn on the spring flood can be experienced in the River Carron.
Approach
Approach from the River Carron, following the buoyed channel. Pontoons available outside the entrance to the canal locks.
VHF Reporting
VHF Channels: CH74 / CH71
Craft on passage can call the Sea Lock, callsign “Carron Sea Lock”, on CH74. Forth Ports commercial traffic will be working on CH71.
Locks
Charges
See Scottish Canals passage fees
Lock Size
Vessel Size Limit – 5m beam, 3m air draft, 1.8m draft.
Visitor Information
Contact Scottish Canals as this is the entrance lock for the Forth & Clyde Canal operated by Scottish Canals.