(a) The owner of or agency controlling the lock shall not be required to operate the navigation lock except from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the period of February 15 through October 15 each year, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the remaining months of the year. During the above hours and periods the lock shall be opened upon demand for the passage of vessels. The hours of operation are based on local time.

(b) The owner of or agency controlling the lock shall place signs of such size and description as may be designated by the District Engineer, U.S. Army Engineer District, Jacksonville, Fla., at each side of the lock indicating the nature of the regulations of this section.