Associate Member Profile

Lakes Pilots Association

Providing safe navigation across the Great Lakes’ most critical waterways.

Lakes Pilots Association provides federally regulated pilotage services for Great Lakes District 2, covering Lake Erie and the St. Clair and Detroit river systems. Established in 1960 following the opening of the Saint Lawrence Seaway, the organization supports safe navigation across nearly 270 nautical miles of waterways spanning four U.S. states, one Canadian province, and 12 ports.

With specialized vessel-handling expertise and deep local knowledge, Lakes Pilots guides ships through some of the region’s busiest and most complex waterways. Its pilots serve vessels entering the Great Lakes from the Atlantic and calling on regional ports, helping ensure safe passage while protecting critical infrastructure and the surrounding environment.

Through its work, Lakes Pilots plays a vital role in maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable maritime commerce across Lake Erie and the connecting river systems, supporting both regional economies and the broader binational Great Lakes transportation network.