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.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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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.
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