The Ship Report

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 se...

17 Okt 20248min

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 loca...

16 Okt 20248min

When is a sinking ship not a sinking ship? When she's a split-hull hopper dredge Today's riddle: When is a sinking ship not a sinking ship? In this case, this week on the lower Columbia, it's probably...

15 Okt 20248min

The Pacific Tracker heads downriver today Today we'll talk about what ships are traveling on the river today. Among them is the Pacific Tracker, a US military vessel that tracks missile testing in the...

14 Okt 20248min

A look at ship running lights: lights that are on at night Today, an archive interview about ship running lights, featuring Capt. Robert Johnson, a now retired Columbia River Bar Pilot.

11 Okt 20248min

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 pilot...

10 Okt 20248min

A look at ballast water, rolling cargoes, and the MSC Damla heads downriver A look at today's ship schedule, including yesterday's containership, the MSC Damla, all repaired and headed out to sea.

9 Okt 20248min

Interesting vessel alert for Tuesday morning: Containership gest tug escort on the river The containership MSC Damla was supposed to head to Portland on Monday, but she had to remain at sea after she ...

8 Okt 20248min