Yes...it is "automatic".
But they are not triggered by your presence or approach to the gates.
They are timed and the "clock" starts when the game starts. The gates operate on a synchronized 4-minute and 2-minute cycle. Approach and wait for the gates to open, they will remain open for 4 minutes (if you are using locks with signal flags, there will be a 2-minute warning flag hoisted before they close again); the opposing gate on that lock will open 2 minutes after the first set closes.
If you are in a good position when the near gates open, you will have plenty of time to enter the lock at 1/3 ahead (2/3 if you really feel the need...watch for that 2-minute warning flag, if present) and stop engines as you cross the sill. A short 1/3 backing bell will stop you close enough to the far gate without risk of hitting it. Except at Brunsbuettel...you need to keep moving for quite a while to get to a good waiting point at the far gates.
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