Pilotage
Every port in the world requires a pilot
In the U.S., all ships trading foreign ships must employ a state licensed pilot Two pilot groups on the Columbia River – Bar Pilots work the ocean entrance to Astoria – River Pilots work upriver from Astoria
A Pilots Responsibilities
Pilot’s primary responsibility is the safe and efficient conduct of commerce on the river – Pilots have the responsibility to protect the state’s interest in safety and the environment – This interest is shared by USCG, State and the pilot organization – A pilot must always recognize enforce a culture of safety – Economic factors are secondary to safety
Pilots are in charge of navigation – They give courses, rudder commands and engine speeds
The ship’s master retains command of the vessel
and
Bar Pilots 12 Pilots
Experience – Each sailed as Master of a merchant ship for at least two years – 15-20 years experience at sea prior to becoming a pilot – Backgrounds vary on all types of ships – Training program includes ship handling, local knowledge and boarding procedures.
Safety – A Matter of Life and Death for the Columbia River Bar Pilots
Columbia Bar pilot dies after fall from ladder Feb 28, 2007 12:00 AM BY PETER MARSH Columbia River Bar Pilot Capt. Kevin Murray, 50, was lost after falling into the Pacific Ocean on Jan. 9, 2006 while attempting to transfer from a ship to a pilot boat during rough weather.
Columbia River pilot survives dangerous plunge into the Pacific off coast of Astoria By John Killen | The Oregonian/OregonLive Email the author | Follow on Twitter on March 05, 2012 at 1:54 PM, updated March 06, 2012 at 9:16 AM Get the top news in your inbox every morning. Sign up for email updates here.
Impact of ship delays
Ship - $10,000 to $70,000 per day Terminal operating costs Five or six trains to load one grain ship Train - $11,000 penalty per day Added congestion to rail system Originating facility operating costs
Economic Impacts
Overall costs of delays could reach $20,000 per hour per terminal
In 1996 the North American Export Grain Association estimated the damages to be about $11 million when the river is shut down for 3 days
Asian typhoons and Atlantic hurricanes are all named. Pacific NW storms can have the same intensity, but get little recognition Storm – no name
Hurricane HUGO?
A Bar Pilot’s ocean experience Winter isStorms vital in winter weather
Three questions asked for every ship
1. Is it Safe for the ship?
2. Can the Pilot get on or off?
3. Can the boat or helicopter crew get home safely?
CRBP Transportation System Supports the Entire LCR Maritime Community
Transportation System’s resilience provides important assurances to companies considering locating on the LCR. Ports often bring potential new tenants to Astoria to help assure decision makers our transportation system is state of the art, redundant, and designed for reliability. The helicopter supports more efficient use of pilot time on piloting rather than traveling to vessel by pilot boat. This resulting reduced staffing which offsets a major part of the helicopter cost. System reliability and ability to move vessels during times when boat operations would not be viable also supports helicopter use.
Thank You
