The Ship Report

A break in the weather, but experts say there's more to come in this rainy December

We 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 Astoria

If 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 Astoria

You'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 boat

2. Current registration year sticker posted next to your OR numbers

3. Boater safety education course card or equivalent

4. Non-expired, good-condition fire extinguisher

5. Proper life jackets

6. 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 way

A 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 remembered

This 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 lighting

This 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 sea

It'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 commerce

We'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 cargo

A 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 days

The 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.