A look at marine pilots on the river

May 25, 2023

Today we take a look at something that goes relatively unnoticed here on the river every day: the work of marine pilots on ships here on the Columbia River. They are part of a network of marine professionals who work behind the scenes to ensure safe transit of vessels from the ocean to ports and back again.

A look at marine pilots on the river

A look at marine pilots on the river

Today we take a look at something that goes relatively unnoticed here on the river every day: the work of marine pilots on ships here on the Columbia River. They are part of a network of marine professionals who work behind the scenes to ensure safe transit of vessels from the ocean to ports and back again.

The oft-misunderstood but essential lifejacket

May 24, 2023

In most drowning accidents, the victim was not wearing a PFD,  or lifejacket. It’s a sad and somewhat bewildering statistic that most people don’t wear a lifejacket when boating or otherwise in the water. Today we talk about some of the misconceptions about the lowly PFD. It’s an often-ignored piece of ordinary gear that could save your life.

The oft-misunderstood but essential lifejacket

The oft-misunderstood but essential lifejacket

In most drowning accidents, the victim was not wearing a PFD,  or lifejacket. It’s a sad and somewhat bewildering statistic that most people don’t wear a lifejacket when boating or otherwise in the water. Today we talk about some of the misconceptions about the lowly PFD. It’s an often-ignored piece of ordinary gear that could save your life.

Drought at the Panama Canal

May 23, 2023

The Panama Canal region is in the midst of a drought, and there simply is not as much water in the canals and lakes as ships are accustomed to. Starting this week, they’ll have to load less cargo. This will have a ripple effect through the shipping industry that will cause costs to rise for some goods.

Drought at the Panama Canal

Drought at the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal region is in the midst of a drought, and there simply is not as much water in the canals and lakes as ships are accustomed to. Starting this week, they’ll have to load less cargo. This will have a ripple effect through the shipping industry that will cause costs to rise for some goods.

Where exactly is the Columbia River Bar?

May 22, 2023

This “simple” listener question sent me down an interesting path of research and talking with experts. The answers show the wide influence the power of the river has in our lives.

Where exactly is the Columbia River Bar?

Where exactly is the Columbia River Bar?

This “simple” listener question sent me down an interesting path of research and talking with experts. The answers show the wide influence the power of the river has in our lives.

A look at ship running lights

May 21, 2023

We’ll take a look back in the Ship Report Archives today, and learn about ship running lights, those essential lights that ships have on at night.

Where exactly is the Columbia River Bar?

A look at ship running lights

We’ll take a look back in the Ship Report Archives today, and learn about ship running lights, those essential lights that ships have on at night.

Mystery ship revealed as USNS oiler heads for Portland

May 19, 2023

So there was this ship in the ocean off Cannon Beach this week that had a lot of people wondering… and well, today – the mystery is solved. That ship came into the river and headed to the ship yard at Swan Island. We’ll talk more today about her, why she seemed a bit mysterious, and why sometimes things that may confuse us as the public may just be part of the regular work day for the maritime professionals here in our region.

Drought at the Panama Canal

Mystery ship revealed as USNS oiler heads for Portland

So there was this ship in the ocean off Cannon Beach this week that had a lot of people wondering… and well, today – the mystery is solved. That ship came into the river and headed to the ship yard at Swan Island. We’ll talk more today about her, why she seemed a bit mysterious, and why sometimes things that may confuse us as the public may just be part of the regular work day for the maritime professionals here in our region.