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Interesting vessels on the river this week

Today we'll take a closer look at two unusual vessels on the river this week: the USNS Eagleview, which is currently docked at the Port of Astoria. And the Pan Viva, a ship that had a close call in Alaska recently in bad weather. A lot of difficult, careful work by the Coast Guard and and coorinated resources saved this ship from a disaster.

Archive Podcasts:

Interesting vessels on the river this week

Today we’ll take a closer look at two unusual vessels on the river this week: the USNS Eagleview, which is currently docked at the Port of Astoria. And the Pan Viva, a ship that had a close call in Alaska recently in bad weather. A lot of difficult, careful work by the Coast Guard and and coorinated resources saved this ship from a disaster.

Do all big vessels take a pilot on board?

Today, a listener question about marine pilots: which ships take them and which don’t?

In the majority of cases, it’s a matter of the law. And we certainly see a lot of local domestic vessels, like tugs and excursion vessels, and US-flagged river cruise ships, that don’t take pilots. Their captains know the river well.

But almost all large visiting vessels operating in land waterways, worldwide, use the services of marine pilots, for safety reasons.

A visitor asks about ships at anchor off Astoria

I got a question about ships at anchor off Astoria, one I’ve answered before… but it’s always good to revisit these very visible and wonderfully local examples of “how things work” on the river.

Today we’ll talk about tides and their effects on anchored ships, and what their appearance and position tell us about what is happening on the river.

Listener questions about marine pilots

Today, some questions about pilots from a new listener to the Ship Report. A great opportunity to talk about one of my favorite subjects.

Steve asked, “Are pilots onboard for the whole journey, say Astoria to Portland?  At anchorage, as well? Also, are there pilot “bases” in Kalama and Portland in addition to Astoria?” 

Today we’ll talk about these questions and more about the fascinating topic of marine pilots.

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