The Most Recent Ship Report Podcast:
Archive Podcasts:
A closer look at pilot transits and when multiple pilots are needed on board
Oct 24, 2023Today we’ll look at instances when, instead of the usual single marine pilot on board a ship traveling on the Columbia, there may be two pilots aboard. Certain situations require it – for workplace safety and safe operation on the river.
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Winter blast set to shift our weather more toward winter
Oct 23, 2023We’ll see a bit a cooling off this week on the coast as a major arctic blast moves down from Canada. Inland it will be pretty darn wintry. On the coast, just expect nights in the 30 and low 40s.
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A listener question about ‘top heavy’ containerships
Oct 20, 2023Today we’ll take a look at center of balance, cargo, and ship design – to explain why those apparently top heavy containerships are quite seaworthy and capable, even in stormy weather.
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Why you should pay attention to the Great Shakeout near you today
Oct 19, 2023It’s easy to get jaded about disaster prep when nothing ever happens.
But today we’ll take a look at why you might want to think a little more about getting ready for an emergency, if you live in Oregon and Washington, or another state with significant earthquake risk.
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‘Force majeure’ declared for diverted containership headed for Israel
Oct 18, 2023Today a look at the effects of war on shipping, as a containership is diverted from an Israeli port. The change means the region will not receive needed goods, an example of how war effects go far beyond the battlefield and can extend to our “90 percent of everything.”
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What vessels are required to take a marine pilot on the river?
Oct 17, 2023Today, the answer to a listener question about marine pilots on the river – what kinds of vessels are required to take a pilot? We’ll take a look at the state and federal regs.
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A bit about ships and their cargoes today
Oct 16, 2023Today we’ll talk a bit about ships on the river, anchorages, cargoes, and all that stuff – the stuff of daily life on the mighty Columbia
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Lots of ships in the anchorage, and a bit about Friday the 13th
Oct 13, 2023We’ve got ships waiting in the anchorages, which means ships are elsewhere in the river system, loading and discharging cargo. When there’s room, anchored ships will move into berths.
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Columbia River Bar weather restrictions for vessels – how does that work?
Oct 12, 2023Today we’ll take a look at ship traffic and talk about how weather restrictions on the Columbia River Bar are put in place. Who calls the shots? What happens if a vessel ignores restrictions and gets in trouble on the bar? Are the rules the same for ships and recreational vessels? The short answer is the Coast Guard and the Columbia River Bar Pilots are in the driver’s seat on these important safety determinations. And vessels need to comply.
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From the archives: Dramatic rescue on the Columbia River Bar, Part 2
Oct 11, 2023Today, the second half of the true sea story of the sinking of the commercial fishing vessel Meteor, told as no one else can, by long time KMUN commentator Michael McCusker, who was a crewman on the boat as it sank on the Columbia River Bar.
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