Coast Guard Hikes Great Lakes Ship Pilot Rates 10 Percent
Published Date: 9/21/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is proposing new pilotage rates for the Great Lakes shipping season in 2027, including a new rate for the Straits of Mackinac. These changes could raise operating costs by about 10% compared to 2026. Pilots, shipping companies, and anyone involved in Great Lakes shipping should weigh in by October 21, 2026, to help shape the final rates and rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Hourly Pilotage Rates Rise for 2027
The Coast Guard proposes hourly pilotage rates for the 2027 Great Lakes season that range from $445 to $1,002 per Pilot hour, payable by shippers to pilotage associations. The agency estimates the proposed rates would raise operating costs by about 10 percent (an estimated $3,977,204 increase) versus 2026 and would affect owners/operators of about 247 oceangoing vessels that transit the Great Lakes.
Pilot Pay Benchmark Raised
The Coast Guard proposes a 2027 individual target Pilot compensation benchmark of $496,674 per Pilot (a $15,032 increase, or 3.12 percent, over 2026). The proposed Apprentice Pilot wage benchmark is set at 36 percent of a Pilot's benchmark, equal to $178,803 for 2027.
Staffing Increase: +4 Pilots, +1 Apprentice
To meet projected needs for 2027, the Coast Guard's proposed ratemaking supports adding four Pilots and one Apprentice Pilot. The Coast Guard says this staffing increase accounts for about 53 percent of the projected $3,977,204 increase in revenue needed for 2027.
Straits of Mackinac Designation Clarified
The Coast Guard proposes to list the Straits of Mackinac as designated waters in the 2027 pilotage rate schedule and to apply the same Area 6 pilotage rate used for the adjacent undesignated waters. The agency states this statutory designation will not materially change costs, staffing, or require additional Pilot services and that bridge hours in the Straits will continue to be averaged into Area 6 calculations.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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