Pilots work behind the scenes to keep Astoria safe, economy moving
April 7th, 2008 Categories: Columbia River
An interesting article in the Coast River Business Journal highlights many of the benefits the Columbia River Bar & Columbia River pilots contribute to Astoria, Warrenton, Hammond and surrounding areas. As a native Astorian, watching ships go by the Astoria’s waterfront is a daily occurance, one that doesn’t phase most of the locals. We don’t think about the many dangers the pilots face, the trickle down effect to local small businesses and the safety they provide on our waterways.
A rich history dating back to what many consider the original Columbia River Pilot Capt. Flavel, the pilots have maintained the extremely high standard set before them. The duty of the pilots includes many things, first among them is safety. The Columbia River Pilots represent the State Of Oregon on the Columbia, and maintaining flow of goods while preventing mishaps is no easy task.
What started as brave men in row boats navigating without GPS or even computer generated charts has become an organization on the edge of technology. These cowboys of the Columbia ride in to battle not on horseback, but by helicopter or a highly specialized boat capable of rolling over without any ill effects. Keeping our rivers safe and Clatsop county’s piece of the $16 Billion in goods imported/exported on the Columbia is no easy task, but the Pilots make it happen each and every day.
Chopper lowering a pilot onto a ship for piloteage on the Columbia
The pilot vessel Chinook
Jennie
