The U.S. Coast Guard's Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship Directorate announced publication in the Federal Register of the final rule amending the Great Lakes Pilotage Rates for 2009. Pilotage rates on the Great Lakes will increase by 10.77 percent when the final rule takes effect Aug. 1. The increase is an effort to align compensation levels between Great Lakes pilots and industry. The rate amendment was made in accordance with regulations relating to the annual review of pilotage rates. This rule reflects an increase in the American Maritime Officer Union's benchmark contractual wages and benefits. The Coast Guard also published a notice requesting public comment on the Coast Guard's Great Lakes Pilotage Ratemaking Methodology…