The Western Great Lakes Pilots Association, held its annual election of officers.
The new officers include Capt. Robert Krause, president; Capt. Mark Lavalley, first vice president; Capt. Steve Vandercook, second vice president; Capt. John Swartout, secretary; and Capt. Duane Rumpca, treasurer.
The group of American Master Mariners operating under the authority of the U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security is responsible for safely guiding foreign flagged vessels that bring import goods in, and American and Canadian products out for export to the world. Great Lakes District III is one of the largest pilotage districts in the world, encompassing every port from Detroit northward and westward in Lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior, including Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Sault St. Marie, Thunder Bay and Duluth-Superior.
Unlike other pilotage districts, the Great Lakes pilots not only handle the challenging trans-Great Lakes routes, but also the docking, undocking, handling multiple locks and maneuvering in ice. While most pilot groups have specialists that take over when these complicated navigational tasks arise, the Great Lake's pilots do it all. As a result, these captains are particularly respected for their skill by other professional mariners worldwide, according to Capt. Edward Montgomery.
