⚓Proposed Changes to Great Lakes Pilotage Rates for 2026
The Coast Guard is proposing new base Great Lakes pilotage rates for the 2026 shipping season while facilitating commerce and supply chains. The Coast Guard estimates that this proposed rule would result in an approximately 7-percent decrease in operating costs compared to the 2025 season. The Coast Guard is also proposing one change to the ratemaking methodology: the removal of Step 5 regarding the working capital fund. In accordance with the requirement to conduct a full ratemaking at least every 5 years, we are conducting a full ratemaking for 2026 and accepting comments on the Great Lakes pilotage ratemaking methodology.
Learn More🚤Coast Guard Enforces Special Local Regulations for Women Swimmin' Event
The Coast Guard will enforce special local regulations for the Women Swimmin' for Hospicare on August 9, 2025, to provide for the safety of life on navigable waterways during this event. Our regulation for marine events within the Great Lakes Coast Guard District identifies the regulated area for this event in Ithaca, New York. During the enforcement periods, the operator of any vessel in the regulated area must comply with directions from the Patrol Commander or any Official Patrol displaying a Coast Guard ensign.
Learn More🚤Coast Guard Enforces Safety Zone for Sylvan Beach Ski Show
The Coast Guard will enforce special local regulations for the Ski Show Sylvan Beach on August 10, 2025, to provide for the safety of life on navigable waterways during this event. Our regulation for marine events within the Great Lakes Coast Guard District identifies the regulated area for this event in Sylvan Beach, NY. During the enforcement periods, the operator of any vessel in the regulated area must comply with directions from the Patrol Commander or any Official Patrol displaying a Coast Guard ensign.
Learn More⚓️Enforcement of Safety Zones for Marine Events in Great Lakes
The Coast Guard will enforce multiple safety zones for recurring marine events taking place in the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes zone. This action is necessary and intended for the safety of life and property on navigable waters during these events. During the enforcement periods, no person or vessel may enter the respective safety zone without the permission of the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes or a designated representative.
Learn More⚓Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee Meeting Notice
The Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee (Committee) will meet in Port Huron, Michigan to discuss matters relating to Great Lakes Pilotage, including the review of proposed Great Lakes Pilotage regulations and policies. The meeting will be open to the public.
Learn More⛵Temporary Safety Zones Established for Tall Ships Challenge 2025
The Coast Guard is establishing temporary safety zones around each tall ship visiting the Great Lakes during the Tall Ships Challenge 2025 race series beginning on July 10, 2025 through October 1, 2025. These safety zones will provide for the regulation of vessel traffic in the vicinity of each tall ship in the navigable waters of the United States. The Coast Guard is taking this action to safeguard participants and spectators from the hazards associated with the limited maneuverability of these tall ships and to ensure public safety during tall ships events.
Learn More⛵Proposed Safety Zones for Tall Ships Challenge 2025 in Great Lakes
The Coast Guard is proposing to establish temporary safety zones around each tall ship visiting the Great Lakes during the Tall Ships Challenge 2025 race series beginning on July 10, 2025 through October 1, 2025. These safety zones will provide for the regulation of vessel traffic in the vicinity of each tall ship in the navigable waters of the United States. The Coast Guard is taking this action to safeguard participants and spectators from the hazards associated with the limited maneuverability of these tall ships and to ensure public safety during tall ships events. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.
Learn More🚢Temporary Safety Zone for Underwater Survey in Straits of Mackinac
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters within a 500-yard radius of the vessels Ugle Duckling and Streak. The safety zone is necessary to protect vessels while a HAUV/ROV survey is conducting underwater surveys. Entry of vessels into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Northern Great Lakes (COTP).
Learn More🚢Coast Guard Seeks Applicants for Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee
The U.S. Coast Guard is accepting applications to fill one vacancy on the Great Lakes Pilotage Advisory Committee (Committee). The Committee provides advice and makes recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security via the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard on matters relating to Great Lakes pilotage, including review of proposed Great Lakes pilotage regulations and policies.
Learn More🏗️Great Lakes Seaway Development Corporation Public Meeting Announced
This notice announces the public meeting of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation Advisory Board.
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