Coast Guard to Increase Rates for Pilotage on Great Lakes

DHS Final rule summary: The Coast Guard is increasing the rates for pilotage service on the Great Lakes by an average of 10.77% over the rates that took effect February 4, 2009. This increase reflects an August 1, 2009, increase in benchmark contractual wages and benefits, as well as an increase in the ratio of pilots to ‘‘bridge hours.’’

The Coast Guard intends the final rule to generate sufficient revenue to cover allowable expenses, target pilot compensation, and returns on investment. The final rule promotes the Coast Guard strategic goal of maritime safety.

DATES: This final rule is effective August 1, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Comments and material received from the public, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, are part of docket USCG–2008–1126 and are available for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M–30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also find this docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions on this final rule, please call Mr. Paul Wasserman, Chief, Great Lakes Pilotage Branch, Commandant (CG–54122), U.S. Coast Guard, at 202–372– 535, by fax 202–372–1929, or e-mail [email protected] For questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Chief, Dockets, Department of Transportation, telephone 202–493–0402.

Access the CFR entry by clicking HERE.