The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has finalized U.S. Great Lakes pilotage rates for the 2024 shipping season.

The new rates seek to generate revenue for each of the three U.S. Great Lakes pilot associations by implementing hourly charges for pilotage services according to geographic area. Pilotage rates are paid by vessel operators serving Great Lakes ports.
 
Although pilotage is a necessary service for safe navigation, Great Lakes ports have historically criticized the Coast Guard for being insensitive to high pilotage costs, which can negatively impact the competitiveness of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system.
 
The Coast Guard proposes to increase the overall cost of U.S. Great Lakes pilotage in 2024 compared to 2023 by $2.6 million or 7 percent. In 2024, the USCG is proposing a total workforce of 58 fully registered pilots and 6  apprentice pilots. The Coast Guard will be increasing annual individual pilot compensation from $424,318 to a new high of $440,658 – a 3.8 percent increase.
 
To view a copy of the Federal Register notice, please click here.