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Commercial Vessel Passes
Information on where and how to buy commercial vessel passes, commercial vessel pass prices and fees, and where to obtain additional information about navigating the Erie, Champlain, Cayuga-Seneca and Oswego canals.
Commercial Vessels Using the Canals
All commercial vessels must obtain a pass from the Canal Corporation to navigate the Canal System. The Canal Corporation may, at its discretion, issue a special revocable permit to commercial operators authorizing the use of the Canal System outside of the established Navigation Season.
Contact Information
Information may be obtained by contacting Ted Westerling, Canals Navigation Program Manager, at (518) 449-6024 or ted.westerling@canals.ny.gov.
Passes and Fees
All commercial vessels (shippers and tour operators) navigating the Canal System must obtain a Pass by filing the application below with the Canal Corporation and by mailing it in or faxing it. If you have questions please call (518) 449-6000 .
The annual fees for commercial operators to navigate the Canal System are:
- $750 tug and barges;
- $300 per hire boat;
- $30 per passenger capacity, for tour vessels with overnight accommodations;
- $10 per passenger capacity, for hour dayliners.