Under the Great Lakes Pilotage Act of 1960, the USCG has proposed new base pilotage rates and surcharges for the 2019 shipping season. This rule would adjust the pilotage rates to account for anticipated traffic, an increase in the number of pilots, anticipated inflation, and surcharges for applicant pilots. The result is an increase in pilotage rates, due to adjustment for inflation and the addition of two pilots.
In line with the Act, USCG regulates pilotage for oceangoing vessels on the Great Lakes -including setting the rates for pilotage services and adjusting them on an annual basis. The rates, which currently range from $271 to $653 per pilot hour (depending on the specific area where pilotage service is provided), are paid by shippers to pilot associations.
The three pilot associations, which are the exclusive US source of registered pilots on the Great Lakes, use this revenue to cover operating expenses, maintain infrastructure, compensate working pilots, and train new pilots.
This process is currently effected through a 10-step methodology and supplemented with surcharges, which are presented herebelow:
USCG accepts public comments until 16 November through the Federal eRulemaking Portal.
