About Us

The Chicago Harbor Safety Committee (CHSC) was established on July 15th, 2013 as a group of private and public stakeholders dedicated to the safety, security, and success of the Chicago Area Waterways (CAWS) which includes the Chicago River, Sanitary and Ship Canal, Calumet River, and the Chicago-adjacent areas of Lake Michigan. Since the CHSC’s inception, we have organized and implemented several initiatives to promote and sustain the goals of marine and environmental safety on the Chicago Area Waterways.

​

The CHSC was established, at the request of the US Coast Guard, to provide a broad-based proactive stakeholder’s forum; and to form a partnership between the private sector and government agencies, for identifying, assessing, planning, communicating, and implementing operational and environmental measures that ensure the safe, secure, efficient and balanced management, operation, and development of Chicago area waterways, including the waters of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

​

The CHSC is comprised of waterways stakeholder organizations from the following CAWS sectors: Commercial Vessel Operators/Passenger, Commercial Vessel Operators/Barge & Towing, Bareboat Charter Operations, Merchant Mariners/Passenger, Barge & Towing, Recreational Boating (Powerboat & Sailing) Organizations ,Human-Powered Craft (Paddling & Rowing) Organizations, Civic/Neighborhood/Environmental Advocacy Organizations, Shoreline Facility Operators/Business Owners/Developers.