My knowledge of cruising inland water ways in the US or Canada is rather limited (NIL). I have commanded a container vessel up the Mississipi River to New Orleans and a Large bulk carrier into the St. Lawrence River to Sept Iles, to pick up some 100.000 metric tons of coal (with pilot of course). Thats about it. Question: Could a foreign boater like me (unlimited commercial ticket), take a German flagged (80 ft LOA / 75 metric tons displacement / airdraft 12 to 14 feet) non commercial pleasure boat up the St. Lawrence River, through the lakes and canals up to for example Chicago. Do I need a pilot or even a native (licenced) skipper. Cheers