Red Sea tanker attack highlights international risks

Right now, a crude oil tanker is ablaze in the Red Sea after an attack by Houthi forces. If the ship sinks, it could create a massive environmental disaster. The ripple effects from this incident show how what happens in one part of the world can affect people elsewhere, and how any ship presents a risk that marine professionals are careful to plan for.

Transcript here: http://shipreport.nfshost.com/audio/SRTranscript082624.pdf

A look at ships and cargo on the river today

It's fall cruise ship season in Astoria

An overview of ships and cargo

An icebreaker joins the USCG Alaska fleet

The US Coast Guard has purchased the Aiviq, a commercial icebreaker previously used to support Arctic oil production operations. She'll become a medium icebreaker for the USCG and will be berthed in Juneau. The Aiviq will be ready for Coast Guard service in about two years.

Transcript here:  http://shipreport.nfshost.com/audio/SRTranscript082024.pdf

Autumn is in the air, and with it, thoughts of the Beaufort Wind Scale

With some tempestuous weather happening the past few days, and that feeling in the air, we all know that fall is not far away even though it's still summer. Seems like a good time to revisit the Beaufort Wind Scale, a reference table dating back to the 1700s that is still in use today. It allows mariners and land dwellers the opportunity to assess conditions around them and gauge the strength of the wind.

Show transcript here: http://shipreport.nfshost.com/audio/SRTranscript081924.pdf

Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership receives EPA grant for local projects

Today we'll talk about a large grant that the EPA just awarded to a local environmental group, the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, funding the group's work to enhance communities and address watershed needs in our region posed by issues like sea level rise and other challenges. The grant is part of a massive funding bill called the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed into law last fall. 

It's another example of behind the scenes work that often unsung organizations do routinely, to make our communities more resilient, and the public funding that makes such projects possible.

(Having some issues with posting transcripts... they'll return here - in this space - as soon as I figure it out...)

A military vessel named Bob Hope with an interesting history

A look at car carriers

Today we take a look at an often-seen, odd-looking and highly effective vessel here on the Columbia: the amazing car carrier, whose purpose is to carry vehicles. Without them, most of us would not have a car to drive.

Show transcript here: http://shipreport.nfshost.com/SRTranscript081424.pdf

Being a Good Samaritan is the law on the water, but also a matter of reality and tradition

Today we'll talk about why mariners must, by law, help one another if someone is in trouble on the water.

It's also a time honored tradition, not to mention a recognition of the reality that all mariners are equally vulnerable when things go wrong at sea.

Show transcript here: http://shipreport.nfshost.com/audio/SRTranscript081324.pdf