Columbia River Steamship Operators' Association, Inc.

Columbia River Steamship Operators' Association, Inc. Proudly Serving Ocean Shipping Interests calling in the Oregon and Southwest Washington areas since 1922 CRSOA was established in 1922.

Its area of influence includes the ports and waterways serving Oregon, southern Washington, and Idaho. It was originally named the Portland Steamship Operators Association and continued as such until 1994 when the name was changed to reflect a broader venue. Its area of influence includes all the major ports and waterways in the state of Oregon, Southern Washington and Idaho. The Columbia River is

the predominant waterway in the region served by the Association. CRSOA was a major force behind the “Inland Empire” vision for linking Columbia River ports to the international trading community in the 1930’s. It supported construction of the locks and dams that made possible navigation eastward over more than 500 miles of river to Lewiston, Idaho and enabled the important interdependency objectives of hydropower, flood control, and “the greening of the desert” to be made real. It was one of the founders of the Maritime Fire and Safety Association in 1984 and played a major role in expanding MFSA to include oil and hazardous material spill prevention, response, and mitigation in the early 1990’s. CRSOA played a major role in keeping the Columbia River open during the “1996 Flood of the Century,” and played an even more important role in keeping the Columbia-Snake River System competitive during the extreme low water conditions that prevailed during the August-September time frames in 2000 and 2001. CRSOA also led the industry in the Columbia River Region’s response to the 9-11 “Attack on America” and established the Regional Maritime Security Coalition to bring Federal aid to the region for meeting national security mandates and to keep the region competitive in the post-9-11 international trading environment.

06/15/2026

With Deepest Sympathy

Columbia River Fire & Rescue extends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of John Walsh following the tragic incident in the Columbia River on Saturday night.

John dedicated himself to serving his community, and this loss is being felt throughout our region.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched through his service and leadership.

During this difficult time, we stand with the community and offer our sincere support to all who are affected by this tragedy.

06/15/2026

Spend enough time around high schools and one thing becomes clear. The education system still signals, subtly but consistently, that college is the primary path and workforce careers are secondary. I

Happy Monday, everyone! If you find yourself with some time, check out this awesome video that highlights the incredible...
06/15/2026

Happy Monday, everyone!

If you find yourself with some time, check out this awesome video that highlights the incredible Columbia River!

🗺️ Check out my latest Field Geography video on exploring the Chann...

06/15/2026

Water temperatures are still dangerously cold through most of the Northwest waterways. Please be careful in the water during the warm days coming up! Don't forget your life jacket!!

You can find more information about cold water safety here:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/coldwater

06/15/2026

The Maritime Administration (Marad) is currently reviewing 172 applications requesting a combined $162.7 million in FY 2026 grant funding, all competing for the $35 million available through the Small

Wishing you a well-deserved long and happy retirement, Karen!
06/13/2026

Wishing you a well-deserved long and happy retirement, Karen!

Discover the inspiring story of ATC's Karen Hays, one of the first women in the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, breaking barriers in 1976.

06/12/2026
An Extreme Heat Warning and Heat Advisory have been issued for much of our region beginning Sunday and continuing throug...
06/12/2026

An Extreme Heat Warning and Heat Advisory have been issued for much of our region beginning Sunday and continuing through Tuesday, with temperatures expected to reach 92°F–100°F and limited overnight cooling.

For those working on the water, aboard vessels, in terminals, shipyards, and waterfront facilities, prolonged heat exposure can quickly become a safety concern. We encourage all maritime employers, supervisors, and crews to take extra precautions during this period.

Heat Safety Reminders:

• Stay hydrated and drink water regularly throughout your shift.
• Wear appropriate sun protection, including sunscreen and light-colored clothing.
• When possible, schedule strenuous tasks during cooler parts of the day.
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in yourself and your coworkers.
• Remember that reflective surfaces, decks, and equipment can significantly increase heat exposure.
• If recreating on local waterways after work, be mindful of cold water shock and always wear a life jacket.

A little preparation can go a long way in keeping our crews, colleagues, and communities safe during this heat event. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and look out for one another.

THIS IS OUT OF DATE! Please see latest post for the most up to date info!

🌡️ An Extreme Heat Warning & Heat Advisory have been issued from Sunday, June 14th through Tuesday, June 16th.

Daytime temperatures from 92°F to 100°F with overnight lows of 63°F to 67°F are expected to impact the majority of the Willamette Valley from Sunday, June 14th through Tuesday June 16th, 2026.

The Extreme Heat Warning is for the Greater Portland-Vancouver Metro, Western Columbia River Gorge, and Chehalem Mountains.

The Heat Advisory is for all locations except for the coast, Cascades, the Greater Portland-Vancouver, and Western Columbia River Gorge.

Now is the time to prepare for hot temperatures!

🧢 Have sunscreen & light-colored, loose-fitted clothing.
🥵 Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day if possible.
💨 Find locations with air conditioning.
⚠️ Beware of cold water shock: wear a life jacket when swimming in local rivers and lakes.

The Port of Portland is seeking a Maritime Economist to help drive data-informed decisions that support our region’s mar...
06/11/2026

The Port of Portland is seeking a Maritime Economist to help drive data-informed decisions that support our region’s marine terminals, trade network, and economic competitiveness. This is a unique opportunity to apply economic analysis and industry insight to one of the Pacific Northwest’s most important maritime gateways.

Learn more and apply:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portofportland/jobs/5350007/maritime-economist

Address

200 SW Market Street, Ste 190
Portland, OR
97201

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