The Most Recent Ship Report Podcast:
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A look at patterns in our ship traffic and the river system
We see a lot of the same kinds of ships here, going to a set series of places. Today we’ll talk about different kinds of ships, and ports, and the inland water highway that makes much of our commerce possible.
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A look at Astoria’s annual Memorial Day tribute to mariners
Today we’ll take a look at a memorial day commemoration that happened here in Astoria on Monday. This event has, in fact, happened each year, for many years.
Family and friends gather on the banks of the Columbia for the annual Uniontown Association Maritime Memorial Day Ceremony. It happens on Memorial Day each year at 3 pm, rain or shine.
The ceremony takes place at the Maritime Memorial, located on Bay Street, under the Astoria Megler Bridge. I attended this year, and I’ll share some sound from the event, and my impressions of what I saw and heard.
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Memorial Day update
Today’s report is a short update – since it’s a holiday. But there are a few things I want to let you know about:
- Sneaker wave warning for area beaches
- Rain in the forecast
- And about that mysterious heavy lift ship that was in the Astoria Anchorage on Sunday.
I’m taking a little extra break this week, so the Ship Report will return as usual on Wednesday. See you then!
Some interesting maritime cargo industry terms: “tramp” and “liner” ships
We can observe a lot about the ships we see going by, but there’s a lot we can’t tell as well. One of those things is how they do business.
Today we’ll talk about two common maritime cargo industry terms: the concept of a “tramp” ship and a “liner” vessel.
So ships may look the same on the outside, but their business models are very different. One way to tell is to observe them over time.
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A look at an unusual vessel anchored off Astoria, and strong ebb tides this week
On Tuesday some observant folks noticed an unusual ship in Astoria’s anchorage – a car carrier. Such ships usually pass us by on their way to Portland or Vancouver, but this one experienced engine problems outbound and had to stop in Astoria’s anchorage.
We’ll talk about why an outbound stopover like this doesn’t happen often, and why, when it does, it’s a complex feat to accomplish safely.
We’ll also talk about strong ebb tides this week, and why mariners will be watching this closely.
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Sailboat racing on the Columbia
Today we’ll take a look at ship traffic and weather, and also at a seasonal tradition that started again this year a few weeks ago: sailboat racing on the Columbia River off Astoria and Hammond. Every Tuesday night through the summer, through the Astoria Yacht Club.
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A deeper look at a familiar subject: maritime pilots
I talk a lot in general about maritime pilots on the show: they are so central to everything that happens with ships in the river.
But what we see off Astoria is just a snapshot of a much larger picture.
Today we’ll talk about pilots on ships, from outside the river in the ocean, passing Astoria where we often see them, to upriver in port. It’s a complex process involving multiple pilots, each one an expert at the top of their profession.
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The Pacific NW Offshore race begins
This morning, 50 boats will set off from the mouth of the Columbia River headed for Victoria, BC, participating in the 50th annual Pacific NW Offshore race. These are racing and cruising sailboats approximately 30 to 40 feet long (some larger). They’ll spend a couple of days at sea in windy, rainy conditions.
We’ll take a look at what’s in store for racers, and also how you can track their progress.
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PNW Offshore Race starts Thursday, open house in Ilwaco today
Today from 11 to 2, you can stop by the Port of Ilwaco and see some of the 50 sailboats getting ready for the 50th annual PNW Offshore Race from the Columbia River to Victoria BC.
Also, two interesting military ships arrive in the river today, headed for the Portland shipyard.
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Ships can be a noisy environment for mariners
Today we’ll talk about workplace noise on ships and other commercial vessels. Noise and vibration are occupational hazards for people working aboard. We’ll talk about the risks, and what mariners do to protect themselves.
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Monday through Friday (except major holidays) watch for 10-MINUTE SHIP REPORTS: Ship Traffic, Marine Weather, News and Interviews
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