Boater operated tidal lock

Am I wrong in assuming that West Stockwith Lock on the tidal Trent must be operated by a designated lock keeper at all times, if so can anyone tell me what does this extract from an email from Canal & River Trust mean, asks Keith Gudgin.

I was under the impression that only CaRT designated lock keepers could operate tidal locks as a safety/security measure. Can't have tidal lock paddles etc. left open can we? So how come—'Boaters are asked to proceed with caution through the lock during this time.'?

The notice

West Stockwith Lock

Monday 21 January 2013 until further notice
Due to the current weather conditions, West Stockwith Lock will be temporarily without a Lock Keeper.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Boaters are asked to proceed with caution through the lock during this time.

LATEST:

Keith relates that someone at Cart obviously saw the above, as an amended notice suddenly appeared stating:

'Boaters will not be able to travel though the lock until further notice'...