The Ship Report

A look at life in the US Coast GuardToday we'll hear more from my interview with Len Tumbarello, who is currently the executive director of the Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots.Earlier in his life, he spent 28 years in the US Coast Guard, a career he really loved. Today we'll talk about what a career in the Coast Guard can be like.

Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots - Part 3Today we hear Part 3 of my interview with Len Tumbarello, executive director of the Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots. We're talking about pilot risk, which comes in many forms. Pilots are a lot like first responders, in that they have to be ready for the unexpected at all times and be ready to respond in a timely and effective manner, sometimes at great risk to themselves. It's a job that only a small number of people in the world ever qualify for, and are hired to do.

Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots - Part 2Today we continue listening to excerpts from an interview I did recently with Len Tumbarello, executive director of the Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots, the public body that oversees operations for the Columbia River Bar and River Pilot organizations, as well as maritime pilots in Coos Bar and Newport.

Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots, Part 1I'll be away this week for a little time off, and I'll be featuring excerpts this week on the show from a recent interview I did with Len Tumbarello, executive director of the Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots.We'll be taking a look at this vital organization and talking about a subset of the maritime industry that passes by our doors daily here on the Columbia River, but which most of us know little about - the specialized profession of being a maritime pilot, and how that profession is regulated by the state, for safety and commerce.

Snow in the forecast again through Thursday morningWe'll see what transpires... the forecast calls for snow above 500 feet. For coastal snow lovers, maybe some pretty flurries. Inland, expect some driving challenges in the morning.

A look at the forecast: more snow?Well, we had a tiny "snowpocalypse" in Astoria Monday and Tuesday - and by that I mean short periods of intense snow that were really cool and pretty (for those of us who love snow) but disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived.Will there be more? We'll take a look at the forecast for the rest of the week.And some ships...

A bit of snow is possible...We're looking at the possibility of some snow between the coast and Portland later this week. Keep your eyes peeled and watch forecasts.And if you're razor clamming on the beach, bundle up and watch for sneaker waves.

The bulbous bow: an odd-looking, but very efficient, ship design featureThere's a unusual-looking ship design feature that's on pretty much all the ships that arrive here on the Columbia. When a ship is loaded, it's out of sight below the waterline, but on ships that are waiting for cargo, like in anchorages, you can sometimes see it.It's called the bulbous bow. It looks like a round or cylindrical protuberance sticking out in front of the ship at the front, below the waterline. Strange looking, yes, but it actually reduces drag, and improves ship efficiency and speed.

Gulls and updrafts: why these birds seem to love the Megler BridgeToday we'll talk a little about the movement of air, birds, and why the Astoria Megler Bridge is a great place to watch certain kinds of birds fairly close up, as they soar near the roadway. And why, according to birders, you really shouldn't refer to a gull as a "seagull."

Sneaker wave risk this week reminds us of cold water hazards at the beachWe'll have a sneaker wave beach hazard statement in effect later this week for our region, and it's a good opportunity to remind folks that sneaker wave risk is real, and potentially deadly.Even more so when the ocean water is so cold, as it is right now.

The plumb bow: an interesting design feature on newer shipsToday we'll talk about a familiar sight these days on the waterfront: a ship with a plumb or straight up and down bow. There are reasons for this design feature, and we'll talk about some of them.

The HOS Black Watch: high tech offshore supply vessel on the river todayToday we have an vessel on the river, one of a type that we don't see very often. She's the HOS Black Watch, one of a kind of vessel that's used in special projects worldwide.It's called an Offshore Supply Vessel - a jack of all trades craft that can assist with tricky offshore projects assisting oil rigs and other vessels with things they can't do alone. This compact ship has all the high tech bells and whistles, and a crew of experts on board.

Seafarer survey shows many sailors find life at sea stressfulA new study published in 2025 by World Maritime University, says "persistently long working hours, limited opportunities for rest and shore leave, and high levels of work-related stress" among sailors is a matter of serious concern in the maritime industry. The survey included about 4500 respondents across 99 countries, including the US. 

A long workday on the river heading to PortlandWhile we see ships pass by Astoria and other areas on the river, that's only a fraction of their workday when they cross the Columbia Rive Bar. A transit can take and entire standard workday - 8 hours - a long trip for crews who have already spend several weeks at sea to get here.

How ships fit into the global supply chain, and a look at who's on the river todayWe see ships coming and going every day, and while they are interesting to look at, they also represent an important part of the wider web of global trade, and are responsible for bring us goods we use in our every day lives. So, ships are truly meaningful to you and me, whether we realize it or not.

Rising sea heights could affect ship traffic on ThursdayWith rain, gales and elevated sea heights in the forecast, it's another interesting opportunity to talk about weather and how it affects ships crossing between the vast ocean and the turbulent river.

Big ship schedule today - let's talk about it!We have a sizeable ship schedule today and some interesting vessels arriving from far flung places.

Anchorage goings onWith so much photography happening of our local ships here in Astoria, people are noticing marine traffic more than ever before.It's a good time to take another look at "what's going on in the anchorage." As it turns out, a lot is happening out there, all of it fascinating.

Who's on the river today?A look at today's ship schedule, highlighting some particularly interesting ships on the river today. And, a look at our marine weather.

Northern lights, ship schedule, weather and a bit about ship namesToday we'll look at the unusual appearance of aurora borealis in our region, the extended weather forecast (when will we return to our typical rainy pattern?), a look at the schedule and a bit about ship names.

A look at ships and cargoToday let's take a look at who's on the river, but also review a bit of general info about the types of ships that come here, where they come from, and some significant differences between them.

Salt vs fresh water: how does water salinity affect sea conditions?Today we'll walk about an interesting but obscure topic for most land dwellers: how stormy sea conditions can vary between large bodies of fresh and salt water, like the Great Lakes and the Pacific Ocean. It's not something we usually think about on land, but mariners know it well. And a bit more about what local conditions make our region so hazardous.

Good weather coming our way, and a look at ships and cargoWe have what looks to be a week-long spell of sunshine or at least "not-raining" coming our way.We'll also take a look at ships and cargo, and how cargo determines the types of ships you see in a given region.

A foggy time on the lower Columbia RiverIt's been pretty foggy in parts of the lower Columbia region the past few days. Or not foggy at all, depending on where you are. It's part of a a larger pattern this week statewide of dense foggy conditions.We'll talk about what might be causing our fog here and what ships do under such conditions.

The USNS Grasp, a Military Sealift Command rescue and salvage ship, comes to PortlandWe're seeing unusual ships arriving in the river this week so far. Yesterday it was the USCGC Healy, the Coast Guard's biggest ship, headed to the Swan Island shipyard.Today it's the USNS Grasp, a highly specialized rescue and salvage ship, whose job it is to save people and ships when they get in trouble on the water.Image: the USNS Grasp, photo courtesy of US Navy photo gallery.

The USCGC Healy, US Coast Guard icebreaker and the agency's largest vessel, comes to the ColumbiaToday we'll see the USCGC Healy, a Coast Guard icebreaker and the agency's largest vessel, enters the river early this morning on her way to the Vigor shipyard in Portland for about 8 months of repairs and maintenance. She's an unusual vessel with some interesting history behind her name. 

The Columbia River Bar is on Red status, so what happens now?Yesterday the Columbia River Bar was on Red status, per the Columbia River Bar Pilots. It's the most severe restriction on ship traffic they can impose, and it means most, if not all, ships will be restricted from coming in or out of the river till the weather improves.We have a big potential ship schedule today, meaning lots of ships want to enter and leave the river. Today we'll talk about the effect a temporary, weather-related closure like this has on vessels, and what they do while they wait.

A look at how marine pilots decide which ships will cross the bar in challenging weatherWe've got another round of inclement weather coming in, and it's a good time to talk about how our marine pilots, who are in charge of assisting ships in and out of the river, decide when the weather is too difficult to allow ships to transit until things calm down. We'll talk about that today.

Who's on the river - and some weather comin' in, during which it will rain until it stopsNow that the fleeting festivities of New Years have faded away, let's turn our attention to the workhorse ships that continue to do their work despite holidays, weather and other distractions.Also, we'll look at the weather, which is worsening a bit again - and we'll talk about my favorite KMUN inclement weather forecast ever.

New Year's Eve Ship Horns in AstoriaHear Astoria's visiting ships ring in 2026 with the sonorous sounds of their horns at midnight on New Year's Eve on the Columbia River.

How many ships will be off Astoria on NY's Eve? And, a look at the Dungness crab fisheryTomorrow is New Year's Eve, and we'll hopefully hear some ship horns off the Astoria waterfront. Today, we'll also take a look at the Dungeness Crab Fishery, which kicked off in the local area this past weekend.

End of the year stuff: New Year's Eve ship horns, and - the Ship Report is now on SubstackI'm gearing up once more to record ship horns on the Astoria waterfront again this year, when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve - an annual tradition I happily seek out.I'll share the recording with you on January 5th, when the Ship Report returns for the New Year. We never know what it will like: how many ships will be there, how many will choose to participate. So it's always a surprise. Let's hope for good sounds and let's send our good wishes to the mariners on those ships for a good year for them as well as for all of us.Also, the Ship Report is now on Substack, an easy place for you to go to see all that I create, and other info I share - whether it be podcasts, marine weather, ship schedules and more. Look for The Ship Report on Substack and you'll find my new page.

A new storm looms for the coast, and - Santa is saved by the US Coast GuardWell, weather watchers are tracking an approaching storm that might (or might not) bring damaging winds to our area. We'll see how that shakes out.And today we'll hear a Ship Report holiday tradition: "Coastal Christmas," a retelling of the story of The Night Before Christmas, coastal- style. It's a book written by Long Beach Peninsula author Lynette Rae McAdams, illustrated by local artist Sally Lackaff.In this updated telling of the age-old tale: Santa is saved by the US Coast Guard after his sleigh ends up in the water, essentially saving Christmas. And Santa gets to head home to the North Pole with Dungeness Crab for Mrs. Santa.Happy Christmas to all!

'T is the season, for Dungeness crab, that isToday we'll talk about the opening at the end of this month of the 2025-26 Dungeness crab fishery in our local area. And hear an excerpt from a 2016 interview I did with a commercial crabber. His name is John Corbin, and he'll tell us a bit about the process of catching and harvesting Dungeness.

More weather as our next atmospheric river arrives todayThe fire hose of rain is aimed south of us in Clatsop County this time, but meteorologists predict we are looking at about and inch and half  in Astoria, and 3 inches or more Tillamook and points south.The big deal right now is a matter of time, rain and its long term effect on soils. It's been raining for awhile now and we are seeing the effects of saturated soils on trees, roadbeds and power lines. I read an interesting piece about how the more soaked the ground gets, the less wind it takes to know down a tree. And we are seeing older roadbeds collapse and landslides claim land and dover roads. So be careful out there – things in the landscape may not be the way you last saw them when you next venture out.

Today, a real look at how weather can affect ship trafficWe've got some rowdy weather on the Columbia River Bar today and it may cause ships to be delayed until the weather's better. We'll take a look at how that sort of thing works and what you can expect.

Another round of atmospheric river conditions kicks in TuesdayWe seem to be in an atmospheric river phase at the moment: we'll talk about what to expect today from a maritime perspective.

Another atmospheric river today - let's look at what's nextWe'll be looking at more atmospheric river activity this week. We'll take a look at what to expect. The short answer: with already saturated soils in our region, be prepared for power outages, landslides and downed trees. We'll also take a look at today's ship schedule.

A look at crazy rainfall totals from our atmospheric river, and what's next...Today we'll take a look at some really crazy rainfall totals from this week's storm, and a look at what's next as next week unfolds. The short answer: more rain.

A break in the weather, but experts say there's more to come in this rainy DecemberWe haven't seen the last of atmospheric river activity this month, according to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center. We'll take a look at the long range forecast for what could shape up to be a very wet rest of December, and January.

Winter Boater Safety Inspection Event Dec. 27th in AstoriaIf you have a trailerable recreational boat registered in Oregon, consider bringing your boat down to the Clatsop County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol Winter Boater Safety Inspection Station event later this month. If you have the right gear, you can get a 2026 Oregon Boater Safety Inspection sticker.It's happening Saturday, December 27 from 10 to 2, right across from Englund Marine at the Port of AstoriaYou'll need an up to date registration and some safety gear to qualify. It's not only the law, it's good safety stewardship for your vessel, the people you take on board, and any rescue personnel who might have to assist you in an emergency.Per the sheriff's office - To get your sticker, please bring the following six items:1. Current proof of registration for your boat2. Current registration year sticker posted next to your OR numbers3. Boater safety education course card or equivalent4. Non-expired, good-condition fire extinguisher5. Proper life jackets6. A throwable cushion or ring Depending on your vessel, you may also need a carburetor spark arrestor and a bilge fume blower.If you have questions, give the Clatsop County Sheriff's Marine Patrol office a call at 971-704-4465.

Atmospheric rivers on the wayA somewhat "geeky" look at our upcoming weather, which includes one, possibly two atmospheric rivers over the next week. I'll toss around (and explain) jargony terms like IVT and QPF, specific weather metrics that PNW meteorologists use to track weather intensity in rainy climates like ours.

The Great Coastal Gale of 2007 rememberedThis week in 2007, a series of damaging storms walloped our region, bringing high winds, rain and flooding, causing widespread damage.This week, we're looking at the usual wet winter weather. Eighteen years ago, it was a different story...Today, we remember the Great Coastal Gale of 2007.Special thanks to Long Beach Peninsula historian Frank Lehn, for his recollections shared in this show.

An Ilwaco tradition comes around again: The 19th annual Crabpot Tree lightingThis Saturday at 5 pm sharp, Ilwaco will hold its 19th annual Crabpot Christmas Tree lighting. It's a chance to come together to sing and honor a community tradition.The event also also honors beloved Ilwaco community member Clint Carter, who passed this year. He wrote the Crabpot Tree Carol, which you'll hear today on the show. This song is sung each year at the lighting of the tree, which is made entirely of Dungeness crabpots.

King Tides are back...We have another round of King Tides happening this week. Let's talk about what to expect, along with elevated sneaker wave risk on area beaches.

Holidays at seaIt's a good time of year to talk about holidays at sea, for sailors who are often far from home.

Barges: an integral part of the chain of commerceWe've seen a maritime story in the news recently about a barge that was taking on water in BC waters with containers on board. The story highlights how widely barges are used in marine commerce, although most of us don't notice they're out there, functioning as an integral part of the chain of commerce.In rural areas, they can also be a vital way for people to ship goods locally in a way that is much less expensive than other means.

A look at ships and cargoA look at who's on the river today, cargoes and anchorages.

A look at the weather, the ship schedule, and a note about short winter daysThe weather is about to do its thing again: wind, rain and elevated seas. Ships are coming and going as usual, so far. And for those feeling down about our short days, consider Utqiagvic (or Barrow), Alaska, which saw its last sunset of the year earlier this week. They'll live in darkness for 64 days until the sun returns in January.

Our third and final interview segment with long distance paddler Carmen PerezToday we'll hear the third and final segment of my interview with Carmen Perez, a long distance paddler who recently traveled 1200 miles in her canoe with her dog, Zuri.They traveled for two months, from the headwaters of the Columbia River in British Columbia to Clatsop Spit in Oregon, where the river meets the Pacific Ocean.

More from Carmen Perez, the gal who just canoed the length of the Columbia River with her dogToday we hear more from our interview with Carmen Perez, the gal who last week ended her two-month long journey canoeing the entire length of the Columbia River, from its headwaters in British Columbia, Canada, to Clatsop Spit in Oregon. She made the trip with her loyal dog, Zuri, a border collie mix.