Seaway Regulations Receive Annual Clarity and Update Boost
Published Date: 3/17/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting March 17, 2026, new updates to the Seaway rules will make things clearer for ships and companies using the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway. These changes affect vessel conditions, navigation, dangerous cargo, tolls, and reporting, helping everyone follow the rules better. If you operate or work with ships in this area, expect smoother sailing with no surprise costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
11 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 10 costs, 0 mixed.
7 cm Extra Draft With DIS
A vessel equipped with a Draught Information System (DIS) may load up to 7 cm above the maximum permissible draught (DIS draught). Vessels already approved must email a completed DIS Confirmation Checklist once per navigation season at least 96 hours before their initial transit of the season.
Mandatory e‑business Transit Declarations
Representatives of vessels with approved preclearance (except non-cargo vessels) must complete and submit a Seaway e-business Transit Declaration (Cargo) via www.greatlakes-seaway.com within 14 days after the vessel enters the Seaway. Use of Harmonized System (HS) Codes and UN Location Codes is mandatory, the loaded or manifest weight must be shown (with a specified exception for petroleum when gallonage meters are not available), and submitted declarations are used to assess fees under the St. Lawrence Seaway Schedule of Tolls.
Inspection Notices and Frequency Rules
Foreign-flagged vessels are subject to Enhanced Ship Inspections (ESI) once every two navigation seasons; agents must provide an initial 120 hours' notice before arrival at CIP2 and an additional 24 hours' notice for a physical ESI. Self-inspection reports must be submitted 120 hours prior for vessels permitted to self-inspect. Inland domestic vessels in the Self-Inspection Program must submit the Seaway Ship Inspection Report every 2 navigation seasons and not later than 30 days after 'fit out'. The ESI or self-inspection is required on the first transit of the navigation season.
Two VHF Radios Required
If you operate a self-propelled vessel (not a pleasure craft under 20.0 m), the rule requires the vessel to be equipped with two VHF (very high frequency) radios. This applies starting March 17, 2026.
Manning Requirement for Towed Vessels
Every vessel in tow transiting the Seaway must be adequately manned for transit, effective March 17, 2026. This standard applies to towed vessels during Seaway transit.
Bridge Team Must Know Engine Shift
For vessels that can shift upward the main engine limitation from the engine control station, all members of the bridge team must know this functionality and be able to activate it on request. The pilot must be advised of the system's existence and function.
Synthetic Mooring Lines at Canadian Locks
If Seaway personnel provide a tie-up at an approach wall at the Canadian Locks, synthetic mooring lines should be used. This guidance is effective as part of the March 17, 2026 rule changes.
Vessel Self Spotting Liability Clarified
Vessel Self Spotting (VSS) displays at the Canadian Locks are only an aid and do not relieve the Master of the vessel from ensuring the vessel's stem does not pass the stop symbol; Masters must still use their own spotting methods.
Anchor Dropping Restricted; Rigging Required
Except in an emergency, vessels may not drop anchor in any canal or tie to a canal bank without authorization by the traffic controller; if anchor is dropped the Master must immediately report it. Every anchor must be suitably rigged for immediate release, holding and efficient retrieval.
Hot Work Requires 24‑Hour Request
Before any hot work (work using flame or producing an ignition source) on designated SLSMC approach walls or specified wharves, a written request must be sent to SLSMC preferably 24 hours before arrival and hot work cannot start until accepted and acknowledged by the SLSMC Traffic Control Centre.
Foreign Vessels Bear Most Costs
The agency certifies that the Regulations and Rules primarily relate to commercial users of the Seaway, the vast majority of whom are foreign vessel operators, and that any resulting costs will be borne mostly by foreign vessels.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-05162 — Tariff of Tolls
Starting March 17, 2026, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway is updating its toll fees to match new charges set by Canada’s side for the 2026 navigation season. This change affects all ships and cargo passing through the Seaway, making sure fees are fair and up-to-date on both sides of the border. If you’re moving goods through these waters, expect the new tolls to kick in this season!
2026-07975 — Advisory Board; Notice of Public Meeting
The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation is hosting a virtual public meeting on June 3, 2026, to discuss important updates and plans. Anyone interested can join, speak, or send in materials by mid-May, making it a great chance to have your voice heard. This meeting affects businesses and communities connected to the Seaway and helps guide future decisions—no money changes announced, just open conversation and planning.
2026-03992 — Meeting of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) Advisory Board
The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation is hosting a virtual public meeting on March 26, 2026, to discuss important updates and plans for the Seaway. Anyone interested, especially businesses and communities relying on the Seaway, can join, speak, or submit materials by early March. This meeting helps shape future decisions that could impact shipping and regional economies.
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-08144 — Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures
The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.
2026-08058 — Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas Transmission Pipelines: MAOP Reconfirmation, Expansion of Assessment Requirements, and Other Related Amendments; Correction
This update fixes a numbering mistake in the rules for checking the maximum safe pressure of gas pipelines. Pipeline operators must follow the corrected list to avoid confusion, but no new costs or deadlines are added. The fix takes effect on August 3, 2026, making safety rules clearer and easier to follow.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05160 — Amendment Reinstating “Grandfather” Exceptions to Restrictions on Private Transfer Fee Covenants
The Federal Housing Finance Agency just brought back special 'grandfather' rules that let Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Federal Home Loan Banks deal with certain private transfer fees on homes—rules that were accidentally removed in 2024. These exceptions apply retroactively all the way back to July 16, 2012, so no one misses out. If you’re involved in mortgages or home sales, this means smoother transactions and clearer rules starting March 17, 2026.
Next: 2026-05162 — Tariff of Tolls
Starting March 17, 2026, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway is updating its toll fees to match new charges set by Canada’s side for the 2026 navigation season. This change affects all ships and cargo passing through the Seaway, making sure fees are fair and up-to-date on both sides of the border. If you’re moving goods through these waters, expect the new tolls to kick in this season!