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More on the critical skills mariners and first responders need to have
Today, we’ll talk a little more about the critical skills and talents that mariners and first responders need to have, all part of the broad umbrella of skills that comrise situational awareness.
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The USNS Guadalupe on the river
Today we have a USNS ship heading downriver, a not uncommon sight here on the Columbia. That offers a great opportunity to talk about the MIlitary Sealift Command, what they do, how they differ from regular Navy ships and a bit about today’s vessel in paticular, the USNS Guadalupe.
Photo courtesy US Navy: PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 4, 2022) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) conducts replenishment-at-sea with fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Taylor Crenshaw)
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Situational awareness: a valuable life skill that defines mariners and first responders
Today we’ll talk about something that mariners and some specialized land-based jobs share: the need for “situational awareness.” That’s the abillity to pay focused attention to what’s going on around you, and being able to respond appropriately. That means remaining calm, and no panicking.
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Comparing navigation then and now
Today, a look at how ships navigate, and how different things are now from the way they were before the invention of GPS.
Photo: Public Domain, US Navy. Crewman using a sextant.
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As our beautiful weather continues, so does ship traffic
Today, in the context of today’s ships, we’ll talk about cargo, anchorages and why ships are such an efficient means of travel. And take a look at when our amazing stretch of beautiful but cold weather might end.
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A look at today’s busy ship schedule
A good complement of ships on the river today, coming and going. Some interesting cargoes to talk about.
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How our sunny, chilly weather can affect those working at sea
Our sunny weather may be a welcome break from the usual rain, but the lack of cloud cover is bringing cold nights – and that poses particular hazards for those working at sea these days, especially commercial fishermen.
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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.
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Who’s on the river today?
A look at ships coming and going, including a couple of US-flag Jones Act ships, and a little about flags, cargo and the weather.
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Kalama seeks to address sand shortage with dredge spoils project
To address a regional sand shortage, a critical element in concrete production, the Port of Kalama is hoping to get the go ahead for a project that would use sand dredged from the Columbia River instead of transporting sand in from elsewhere.
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