The Ship Report

We can observe a lot about the ships we see going by, but there’s a lot we can’t tell as well. One of those things is how they do business.

Today we’ll talk about two common maritime cargo industry terms: the concept of a “tramp” ship and a “liner” vessel.

So ships may look the same on the outside, but their business models are very different. One way to tell is to observe them over time.

The post Some interesting maritime cargo industry terms: “tramp” and “liner” ships appeared first on The Ship Report.

On Tuesday some observant folks noticed an unusual ship in Astoria’s anchorage – a car carrier. Such ships usually pass us by on their way to Portland or Vancouver, but this one experienced engine problems outbound and had to stop in Astoria’s anchorage.

We’ll talk about why an outbound stopover like this doesn’t happen often, and why, when it does, it’s a complex feat to accomplish safely.

We’ll also talk about strong ebb tides this week, and why mariners will be watching this closely.

The post A look at an unusual vessel anchored off Astoria, and strong ebb tides this week appeared first on The Ship Report.

Today we’ll take a look at ship traffic and weather, and also at a seasonal tradition that started again this year a few weeks ago: sailboat racing on the Columbia River off Astoria and Hammond. Every Tuesday night through the summer, through the Astoria Yacht Club.

The post Sailboat racing on the Columbia appeared first on The Ship Report.

I talk a lot in general about maritime pilots on the show: they are so central to everything that happens with ships in the river.

But what we see off Astoria is just a snapshot of a much larger picture.

Today we’ll talk about pilots on ships, from outside the river in the ocean, passing Astoria where we often see them, to upriver in port. It’s a complex process involving multiple pilots, each one an expert at the top of their profession.

The post A deeper look at a familiar subject: maritime pilots appeared first on The Ship Report.

This morning, 50 boats will set off from the mouth of the Columbia River headed for Victoria, BC, participating in the 50th annual Pacific NW Offshore race. These are racing and cruising sailboats approximately 30 to 40 feet long (some larger). They’ll spend a couple of days at sea in windy, rainy conditions.

We’ll take a look at what’s in store for racers, and also how you can track their progress.

The post The Pacific NW Offshore race begins appeared first on The Ship Report.

Today from 11 to 2, you can stop by the Port of Ilwaco and see some of the 50 sailboats getting ready for the 50th annual PNW Offshore Race from the Columbia River to Victoria BC.

Also, two interesting military ships arrive in the river today, headed for the Portland shipyard.

The post PNW Offshore Race starts Thursday, open house in Ilwaco today appeared first on The Ship Report.

Today we’ll talk about workplace noise on ships and other commercial vessels. Noise and vibration are occupational hazards for people working aboard. We’ll talk about the risks, and what mariners do to protect themselves.

The post Ships can be a noisy environment for mariners appeared first on The Ship Report.

According to UW meteorologist Cliff Mass, we have some rain coming our way this week and later in the month. It’s a sign of a switch from La Nina to El Nino conditions in the Pacific. Today we’ll take a look at what these two climate terms mean.

The post As our spring weather forecast evolves, a look ahead at La Nina and El Nino in the Pacific appeared first on The Ship Report.

Today we’ll take a look at a regular but not always welcome Pacific Northwest springtime phenomenon: The pervasive “June Gloom,” when that cool hazy marine layer shows up, and stays.

So our weather is cool but not cold, not really sunny (but sometimes kind of sunny) but not raining either. It’s what happens this time of year.

Meteorologists call it June Gloom, and this year it showed up a bit early.

The post June Gloom comes a bit early this year appeared first on The Ship Report.

We hear fog horns quite often in the waters near Astoria and elsewhere on the river. Today we’ll talk about why they are necessary, legally required and a signature feature of maritime communities.

The post A bit about fog (and fog horns), a signature sight (and sound) of maritime communities appeared first on The Ship Report.