I recall a related topic of operating unmanned locks was discussed a few days ago. The general consensus was not to worry and to read the instructions. So, having got the knocking off time of the lock keeper wrong on Sunday, I was unexpectedly introduced to my first "own operated locking".
Bolstered by the general nonchalance from the previous forum thread on the process, I was confident of my ability to read and follow clear instructions. As I was travelling upstream, the lock was empty , so my first operation was to open the gate, secure the boat in the lock, close the gate and move onto the upstream gate, open sluices etc.
As we were the only boat in the lock, I'd even remebered to leave plenty of space from the upstream gate so I could open the sluices fully. Water rushed in, everything seemingly going well, piece of cake. As it was a deep lock (Temple), I was expecting a short wait, but 25 minutes on and the lock level still being too low, seemed a bit excessive. At this point, lock keeper (off duty) passed by and with big grin, indicated the down stream sluices were still open. 
After closing said sluice, amazing how quickly the lock filled 
Lesson learnt: check sluice is closed before opening gate, even if the lock appears to be "ready".
Finally, why is the lock required to be left empty? I can't see any logical reason, bcause if you're travelling upstream, you then have to empty the lock behind you, but there is as much chance of the next vessel passing through going downstream as well as upstream. So why not just leave the lock closed up (with both sets of sluices closed!) and leave it to chance that the next boat is travelling in the right direction?  This would at least avoid having to wait around to close the sluice on the downstream gate - or is the protocol just to leave the sluice open, so you don't have to hang around and assume the next boat will close the sluice as part of their process (this isn't that clear on the instructions).
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