The Most Recent Ship Report Podcast:

A look at the bows of ships: the very important front end of things

Today, a look at a very specific and important design feature on ships: the bow, the very front end of things. Why do they look the way they do? And why do some ships look different than others? Image: a ship with a plumb bow in the Astoria Anchorage. Credit: Joanne Rideout 2025.

Archive Podcasts:

Samantha Steerman, dispatcher for the Columbia River Bar Pilots – Part 2 in a series this week

Feb 28, 2023

Today we continue our look at a little known aspect of the maritime industry – we’re talking with Samantha Steerman, dispatcher for the Columbia River Bar Pilots in Astoria. He work is essential to the safe passage of huge cargo ships on the river.

Samantha Steerman, dispatcher for the Columbia River Bar Pilots – Part 1 in a series this week

Feb 27, 2023

This week I’m taking a time off, and so we’ll be hearing a series of interviews I did last summer with an impressive local maritime professional: Samantha Steerman. She’s one of the behind the scenes essential people who help make things run smoothly for big ships on the river.

Samantha is currently the dispatcher for the Columbia River Bar Pilots in Astoria. But she has a long history working in the maritime industry locally. This week we’ll hear segments from my interview with her. Enjoy this glimpse into a vital but seldom-seen role in the maritime industry.

This series first aired in late July and early August last year.

A woman’s perspective on commercial fishing

Feb 24, 2023

Today more from past Fisher Poet performances, as we welcome the annual Fisher Poets Gathering back to Astoria live this weekend, for the first time since 2020.  Today we’ll hear from long time FPG presenter, Fisher Poet Erin Fristad.

KMUN will be broadcasting live from the Liberty Theater from 5-10 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Joanne Rideout will be your radio host both evenings.

You can hear KMUN locally at 91.9 fm in Astoria, 89.5 fm in Tillamook. Streaming live at kmun.org. Or use the KMUN app!

Freezing Spray Advisory highlights the dangers of cold temps and steep seas for commercial vessels

Feb 23, 2023

The only folks likely to be out in these stormy waters this time of year are cargo ships, fishing boats and the Coast Guard. All need to pay attention to the Freezing Spray Advisory, which is currently in our marine forecast.

We’ll talk today about what that means and why most fishing vessels have headed into port.

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