New pilot boat on the river

We've got a new pilot boat operating on the Astoria waterfront these days. She's called the "Swift" and she's a new addition to the local fleet.

Today we'll talk about her and also about pilot boats in general: a very unusual breed of vessel.

Meteorological fall, happening now in a hemisphere near you

Yesterday, September 1, marked the beginning of meteorological fall in the Northern Hemisphere. It's a great time of year to discuss the difference between the two falls: meteorological and astronomical.

From the Ship Report Archives: Running Lights

A look back at an interview about ship running lights, the lights that we see at night on ships as they pass by or are anchored in the river.

From the Ship Report Archives: a look at car ships, Part 4

This week I'm taking a break from the show and sharing a great interview with now retired Columbia River Bar Pilot Capt. Robert Johnson.

He shares fascinating details about a type of ship that we often see on the Columbia.

From the Ship Report Archives: a look at car ships, Part 3

This week I'm taking a break from the show and sharing a great interview with now retired Columbia River Bar Pilot Capt. Robert Johnson.

He shares fascinating details about a type of ship that we often see on the Columbia.

From the Ship Report Archives: a look at car ships, Part 2

This week I'm taking a break from the show and sharing a great interview with now retired Columbia River Bar Pilot Capt. Robert Johnson.

He shares fascinating details about a type of ship that we often see on the Columbia.

From the Ship Report Archives: a look at car ships

This week I'm taking a break from the show and sharing a great interview with now retired Columbia River Bar Pilot Capt. Robert Johnson.

He shares fascinating details about a type of ship that we often see on the Columbia.

The Beaufort Wind Scale

Around this time of year, as fall winds make their presence known with the change of the seasons, it's a good time to talk about one of my favorite subjects: the Beaufort Wind Scale.

It dates back to the 1800s but is still used today. You can use it to tell how hard the wind is blowing by looking at the effects on the environment around you, on land or sea.

Fall is in the air

A look at marine weather today, and about how the distinct feeling of fall is in the air - a sign that some of our loveliest days of the year are still to come.

More about cargo

Today we have a whole new set of ships with different cargoes on board, so another chance to talk in more depth about what they are carrying.