The Exchange May/June 2023

WELCOME TO THE EXCHANGE

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Spring has finally arrived – and Summer is around the corner - as we go to publication on The Exchange! Welcome to the 2023 May/June edition of our newsletter featuring an informative article on the Hood River – White Salmon Bridge Replacement, which will receiving funding from the State of Washington for the Project. Plans for the original bridge were announced 100 years ago! This edition also includes important statistics and news from our industry members and partners including the Port of Astoria, Port of Vancouver USA, and the USCG followed by Association updates – course offerings, meetings, scholarship opportunities, and events…the Old Salt Celebration, and a Golf Tournament. We welcome suggestions for featured articles and thank you for your continued support of the Merchants Exchange.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOTE FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM

The Exchange is the bi-monthly newsletter of the Merchants Exchange.

Members: If you have an article or an announcement that you would like to be included in future issues of The Exchange, please contact us: newsletter@ pdxmex.com.

Mary Wiley, Editor

Liz Wainwright, Executive Director Merchants Exchange

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Todd Krout (2026) President Port of Vancouver USA

Chris Cummins (2024) Vice President General Steamship Corp

Geoff Doerfler (2024) Tidewater Barge Lines

Earl Dixon (2024) United Grain Corp

Gary Hodson (2026) ACGI Shipping

Our membership makes up the core of the local marine shipping community. Our members include, but are not limited to: vessel agents and operators, admiralty attorneys, customs brokers, tug and barge companies, freight forwarders, stevedores, ship repair service facilities and port authorities.

The Exchange is a provider of vessel and cargo information. It

Roger Hsieh (2024) Treasurer BNSF Railway Company

Alex Scott (2026) Secretary Anchorage Launch Co.

Adrian Burkard (2025) Jones Stevedoring Company

Eric Kastner (2025) Cascade Marine Agencies LTD

Ryan Statz (2025) Columbia Grain, Inc.

MEMBERSHIP

serves as a hub for local industry education as well as association management and networking activities. Our members enjoy a direct relationship with the Merchants Exchange and its services. Each member company is able to vote for Merchants Exchange board of director nominees and is eligible for board membership. All of our services and activities are member focused.

Jeff Hibner (Ex Officio) Board President, Clean Rivers Cooperative NuStar Energy

Kent Cash (Ex Officio) Board President, Maritime Fire & Safety Association Port of Vancouver

Capt. Jeremy Nielsen (Ex Officio) Columbia River Pilots

Legal Counsel:

Tyson Calvert, Esq. Lindsay Hart LLP

Vessel and cargo information services that are currently offered include:

• Vessel Reporting

• Communication Support Service

• Vessel and Cargo Statistics

• Daily Grain Bulletin

• Grain Committee Membership

• Answering Service

• Special Reports and Services

The Merchants Exchange caters its services to the ever-changing needs of local industry. We are constantly working to develop new ways to help our members do business. If the service you need is not listed, ask us and we can work to develop it for you.

For more information about membership, visit our website at: www.pdxmex.com

www.hoodriverbridge.org

The Hood River-White Salmon Bridge needs replacing. A new, safe bridge will support the Columbia River Gorge’s economy and resiliency.

The Hood River Bridge is a critical connection for our bistate Gorge communities. For commerce, it is a vital link between the agricultural heartland and the ocean ports in the Pacific Northwest. For locals, it is an essential link for daily access to jobs, childcare, school and medical services.

The bridge is near the end of its serviceable life and wasn’t built to safely accommodate our long-term needs. You can find more information at: www. hoodriverbridge.org

WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE TO PROVIDE $75 MILLION TO REPLACE HOOD RIVER WHITE SALMON BRIDGE

On Saturday, April 22, Senate Bill 5200 cleared both chambers of the Washington State Legislature. This capital budget bill includes the release of $75 million in Move Ahead Washington transportation funding specifically to replace the aging Hood River-White Salmon Bridge, which carries about 4.5 million vehicle trips per year. The project team is also seeking $50M in future funding from Washington State, which would bring the state’s total to $125M on the project. The Legislature’s action comes 100 years — nearly to the day — after the original bridge association announced plans for the current bridge on April 12, 1923.

After the vote, Senator Curtis King commented, “I am very pleased that we were able to return the $75 million bridge funding back into the next three biennia, including $15 million in 2023-2025. Our hope is that the Oregon Legislature will be able to provide additional funding for this project. We will continue to do all we can to ensure the project moves forward in a timely manner.”

When Governor Jay Inslee signs the bill into law, the bistate bridge replacement project will draw

significantly closer to full funding. Mike Fox, Port Commissioner and Co-Chair of the Bistate Working Group, said, “The efforts made by Washington State in releasing $75 million for the new Hood RiverWhite Salmon bridge is another major milestone in our journey towards replacement of our bridge. I know I speak for the entire Bi-State Working Group in acknowledging how much we appreciate Sen. King’s commitment and support for this project, and we trust that Oregon will step up to the plate with funding as well. Along with recent actions taken by the Port to attract Federal Grants as well as needed TIFIA loans, I am confident that our funding challenges have a clear way forward.”

Committed funding for the project’s projected total cost of $520 million is now about 35% percent complete. Passage of Oregon’s Senate Bill 431 would commit a further $125 million to the project. Funding from both states, combined with the local commitment through toll backed financing, will position the project to receive up to $200 in federal grants, fully funding the project.

WASHINGTON, OREGON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FORM NEW HOOD RIVER-WHITE SALMON BRIDGE AUTHORITY

The cities and counties at both ends of the aging Hood River White Salmon Bridge have signed an agreement to form a new bridge authority. It’s an important step toward replacing the bridge through interstate cooperation and representation. It comes 100 years — nearly to the day — after the original bridge association announced plans to build the current bridge.

The April 26 signing officially formed the Hood RiverWhite Salmon Bridge Authority. The new entity’s charter takes effect on July 1. Washington signers are the cities of Bingen and White Salmon, and Klickitat County. Oregon signers are the City of Hood River, Hood River County and the Port of Hood River. The six signers had been collaborating since October 2020 in an informal working group called the Bistate Working Group (BSWG). The BSWG will continue working as the two counties appoint the new authority’s board members. The six members of the new authority will transition into place between now and July 1 when the new authority officially takes on the responsibility of designing, building and operating the new bridge.

From 1950 until now, Oregon’s Port of Hood River was the sole bridge authority. The new agreement restores a voice for Washington governments in funding, building, operating and maintaining the new bridge, a crucial interstate link. The bridge connects agricultural producers to ocean ports, and gives local residents daily access to jobs, childcare, school and medical services. It carries about 4.5 million trips per year.

The new bridge authority will have a board of six voting members, with Klickitat County and Hood River County appointing three members each. The board will appoint two co-chairs — one from Washington, one from Oregon — to a two-year term. The charter gives the board wide authority, notably including “the power to impose, fix, collect, and periodically adjust the rate of tolls.” The formation of the bridge authority is expected to aid progress on obtaining state and federal funding and building a replacement.

“Having Washington representation and oversight for the new bridge has been a key focal point for our communities,” said White Salmon Mayor Marla Keethler. “We’re excited to be reaching this stage, which we’ve been working towards for three years now. Having the bi-state authority in place is critical to moving this project forward.”

About 100 years ago, The Hood River Glacier newspaper reported that on April 12, 1923, the “Hood River – White Salmon Columbia River Bridge Association” announced plans to build the current bridge. It opened on Dec. 9, 1924, with an automobile toll of 75 cents — about 13 of today’s dollars, adjusted for inflation. The current passenger-car toll is $2.

Engineers have estimated the current bridge to have reached the end of its service life, with little chance of surviving an earthquake. The Oregon Department of Transportation recently rated it at 6 out of 100 for sufficiency because the bridge is structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. Its narrow lanes, weight restrictions, lack of shoulders, difficult barge navigation, and lack of biking and walking access limit its safety and usefulness. The Port of Hood River will continue in its role of operating and managing the existing bridge until the opening of the new bridge.

Representatives of the member agencies of the new bridge authority: Ben Sheppard, Port of Hood River Commission; Jennifer Euwer, Hood River County; Paul Blackburn, City of Hood River; Catherine Kiewit, City of Bingen; Jacob Anderson, Klickitat County. Not pictured: Marla Keethler, City of White Salmon.

STATISTICS

The recent arrival of the MSC Katie had everyone talking about vessel size. Here is a comparison of vessel lengths for ships arriving on the Columbia River over the past year.

THE PORT REPORT

The Columbia River Maritime Transportation System has 23 Ports over the course of 3 waterways. We are pleased to provide an outlet for local ports to share their news with our membership.

Will Isom Executive Director Port of Astoria

Curtis Robinhold Executive Director Port of Portland

Juliana Marler Chief Executive Officer Port of Vancouver USA

Dan Stahl Chief Executive Officer Port of Longview

Mark Wilson Executive Director Port of Kalama

Sean Clark Executive Director Port of Columbia County

PORT OF ASTORIA BOATYARD LOOKING TO EXPAND

Located at River Mile 13 at the mouth of the Columbia River, the Port of Astoria's do-it-yourself haul-out facility and ample boatyard are ideally situated for boaters from the Pacific Northwest. Upland work areas, storage and trailer parking are available at rates significantly below those in urban areas. The Boatyard's prime location along the Central Waterfront and close proximity to Englund Marine are all attractive advantages to those wishing to renovate, construct and/or maintain recreational, special use and commercial fishing vessels. The Port's self-service policy also provides an advantage to vessel owners seeking autonomy and competitive pricing throughout construction and maintenance processes.

The Port receives consistent requests from vessel owners looking to haul out vessels that cannot be handled with existing Port equipment. Likewise, the Port receives many comments and requests to add maintenance buildings and infrastructure that could allow project work to continue through Astoria's wettest and windiest seasons. Though the boatyard has been a consistent support for local vessel owners, its potential has been limited by its historically restricted footprint (4 acres), boat lift capacity (88 ton) and lack of covered shop space. The loss of log export operations have opened Pier 3 to a phased boatyard expansion. The additional 12 acres now available will provide an excellent footprint for an expanded operation including but not limited to a larger lift, covered maintenance spaces, offices and expanded washdown facilities.

In 2022 the Port of Astoria contracted with BST Associates for a Boatyard Expansion Feasibility Study. The study, which was partially funded by a grant through Business Oregon, included a comprehensive survey of the recreational and commercial fishing fleets and the northwest coast haulout market conditions. The resulting Port of Astoria Boatyard and East Basin Plan serves as a guiding document to substantiate the development of the Boatyard and the East Mooring Basin.

The Port is currently working with Business Oregon on funding for a Boatyard Master Plan which will outline additional opportunities for expansion and improvements as a precursor to the development phase. With expected completion in the fall of 2023, the Boatyard Master Plan will provide phased implementation strategies for such long-term assets as utilities, vessel work buildings, shop and office space, dockage and haulout facilities.

PROJECT UPDATE: PORT’S MOUNTAIN TIMBER MARKET RISES; SECOND STORY

BALCONIES IN PLACE

FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS OF NEW FACILITY BEGIN TO TAKE SHAPE; OPENING ON TRACK FOR THIS FALL.

Since beginning its rise at the Port’s waterfront last February, the Mountain Timber Market is quickly coming into focus. The market—along with the small cruise ship dock and the upcoming pedestrian overpass replacement—was developed to increase tourism, promote recreation and create new economic opportunities for small businesses.

The first floor of the market will contain 11 peripheral storefronts, a distillery/tasting room, outdoor food truck area and room for center vendor stalls. Framing of the first floor was complete in March, and work has already begun on the second floor. Features of the upper floor include two restaurants (with patios overlooking the Columbia River and Marine Park) and two event rooms for meetings and special events.

Installation of the restored Lelooska totem (and its custom 140’ platform base) will follow next month, followed by the roof and steel siding courtesy of Port tenant Steelscape.

Steelscape also created the siding for the Port’s administration building, industrial park buildings and the expo building at Haydu Park. New walkways and landscaping will be added toward the end of the project, which is scheduled to wrap up this fall.

PORT OF VANCOUVER USA BECOMING A DESTINATION FOR MARITIME INTERNSHIPS

For the second year in a row, the Port of Vancouver USA will draw students from all over the United States for one of the nations’ premier maritime internship programs. The port will welcome its class of 2023 summer interns to Vancouver in mid-June.

Nestled on the bank of the Columbia River in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, the Port of Vancouver USA is not just a global hub for trade and shipping – it’s becoming a destination for maritime academy students to learn about port operations.

“It’s a thrill to have tomorrow’s port CEO’s, business leaders and maritime executives building their careers here at the Port of Vancouver USA,” said Alex Strogen, the port’s Chief Commercial Officer.

This summer’s class of interns are all coming to Vancouver, Washington from academies east of the continental divide. Noah Van Beveren is in the middle of earning his degree from Texas A&M Maritime Academy. Cheyenne Snyder is a second-year student at the SUNY Maritime College. Lauren O’Malley is also currently finishing her second year farther north at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

“We were blown away at the caliber of students who applied for the summer 2023 class,” said Strogen. “All along, we’d been strategic about offering two internships this summer. But after interviewing all the applicants, we knew we had to expand the number of slots available so that we could bring Lauren, Cheyenne and Noah on board. Each one comes to us with strong academics, enthusiasm for learning about ports, and a surprising amount of experience in the maritime world.”

GLOBAL EXPERIENCE

Lauren O’Malley is studying at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Lauren holds the coveted Admiral’s Cup, which is handed out to the top freshman company at Mass Maritime’s orientation.

Lauren has seen a port or two. Last summer, she visited South Africa with a team of International Maritime Business Cadets and was able to visit several ports throughout the country. Her summer concluded with a presentation to maritime industry leaders.

Prior to her internship with the Port of Vancouver USA, Cheyenne will embark on a five-week study abroad trip to Asia. During that experience, she’ll have the opportunity to visit multiple ports in four different Asian countries.

Noah’s passport is already well-worn, too. He’s visited nine different countries, not to mention 31 out of the 50 states. He lists hiking the Tatras Mountains, located along the Poland-Slovakia border, as a highlight of his travels.

“ONE OF THE NATION’S MOST INFLUENTIAL PORTS”

Cheyenne Snyder, from SUNY Maritime College, grew up on the East Coast and is looking forward to exploring the Pacific Northwest this summer.

All three incoming interns highlighted both the port’s reputation as a marmite leader, and its proximity to

Continued on page 12

PORT OF VANCOUVER USA PREMIERS ANNUAL PORT REPORT TO SHARE 2022 HIGHLIGHTS

Video takes viewers inside Port of Vancouver USA to recap strong 2022 for economic activity, milestones at Terminal 1

The Port of Vancouver USA premiered its annual Port Report this week, offering the community a comprehensive review of the port’s 2022 highlights and performance. The 12-minute Port Report video can now be viewed at portvanusa.com.

“We love taking the community inside the Port of Vancouver with our Port Report video. It lets everyone see that we’re the West Coast’s top gateway for wind energy, and what it takes to ship agricultural products from 3.8 million acres of U.S. farmland in a year,” said Julianna Marler, port CEO.

“In addition to learning about our role in moving vital exports and imports and feeding the world, Port Report offers a vivid look at our evolving Terminal 1 location at the downtown waterfront that’s becoming a destination for residents and visitors alike.

“Our yearly Port Report is truly one of the best opportunities for the community to learn about the past year’s performance and engage with their port.”

The port was able to premier its Port Report video to a live audience for the first time in four years at the AC Hotel by Marriot at Terminal 1. The last in-person Port Report was a slideshow presentation at the old Red Lion Hotel at the Quay in 2019. After this year’s video premier, attendees were able to take tours guided by port staff of the progress at Terminal 1 and meet with port executives and commissioners.

The video is now available on the port’s YouTube page (click here or below), by scanning the following QR code or visiting portvanusa.com.

world-class hiking and outdoor recreation, as major factors in their decisions.

“I grew up on the East Coast, so I really wanted the chance to explore the Pacific Northwest while working for one of the nation’s most influential ports,” said Cheyenne about her decision to choose the Port of Vancouver USA. She listed the Oregon and Washington coasts and Seattle as must-see destinations during her free time this summer.

Noah was looking for a port located on a major inland waterway for his summer internship. “I love a good adventure, so I am excited to explore the great outdoors in the Pacific Northwest,” he added.

As for Lauren, she ticked off the port’s location at a major hub for road (the west coast’s major freeway artery, I-5, runs next to the port), rail (it’s transited by BNSF, Union Pacific, Canadian

National and Canadian Pacific) and river (the Columbia River channel is dredged to a depth of 43’ to allow deepwater shipping access) as a big attractor. She also wants to learn more about the port’s reputation as a leader in environmental stewardship.

LIKE NO OTHER PORT IN THE WORLD

Despite their global travels, Alex Strogen knows that these interns will have an experience unlike any other at the Port of Vancouver USA this summer. Strogen grew up on the east coast and earned maritime-focused degrees from Kings Point Federal Maritime Academy in New York and Texas A&M. He has crisscrossed the globe in his 15-year career.

“When I came to the Port of Vancouver USA five years ago, my eyes were opened to just how critical the Columbia River is to global maritime trade,” Strogen said. “In addition to its strategic location, the Port of Vancouver USA is distinguished by how it leads in so many different maritime categories.

“These three students will get hands-on experiences and industry insight here that will put them in a position to succeed throughout their careers. We can’t wait for them to get started.”

PORT OF VANCOUVER USA DEMONSTRATES FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY WITH 14TH STRAIGHT CLEAN AUDIT

The Washington State Auditor’s Office (SAO) issued the Port of Vancouver USA a clean bill of financial health for the 14th straight year. The audit period was from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022.

The SAO is Washington’s official overseer of how government entities and public entities -- like ports -- use public funds. It issues annual reports to provide citizens with independent and transparent examinations of how those funds are used. It released the Port of Vancouver USA’s clean audit on May 1.

“The Port of Vancouver is proud to demonstrate that we continue to responsibly steward public resources year after year,” said Julianna Marler, port CEO. “The public entrusts us with these resources to support economic opportunity in our region. Earning another clean audit in addition to growing a diversified portfolio of cargo, supporting 50-plus industrial businesses and revitalizing Terminal 1 show that we’re focused on carrying out that mission, and doing so with accountability.”

At the Port of Vancouver, the SAO examined self-insurance; marine terminal revenue; payroll disbursements; procurement, including professional services, public works, and award of contracts on an emergency basis; and accounts payable, including general disbursements, credit cards and employee reimbursements.

Read the port’s full 2022 Financial Statements Audit Report here.

REPORTING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ON U.S. VESSELS

Sexual misconduct that occurs onboard U.S. flagged vessels harms mariners, interrupts safe operations, and often leads to accidents, lost careers, and a lifetime of trauma for the survivors who endure the abuse. The Coast Guard is committed to investigating and pursuing appropriate enforcement actions for all reports of sexual misconduct on U.S. flagged vessels. This MSIB supersedes the Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy’s MSIB 11-21 “Reporting Sexual Assaults on U.S. Vessels” issued on December 16, 2021.

Recent changes to the law now require the responsible entity of a vessel, defined as the owner, master, or managing operator, to report any complaint or incident of harassment, sexual harassment, or sexual assault to the Coast Guard that violates company policy. To help facilitate reporting, the Coast Guard has consolidated reporting for all types of sexual misconduct and established multiple reporting options as detailed in the attached graphic. The reporting options include a CGIS Tips App, and/or the email address CGISTIPS@uscg.mil which can be used by all reporting sources, including bystanders and survivors, who have access to a smart phone or the internet. The reports, which can be anonymous or for attribution, are received and reviewed by the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS). An investigation will be initiated for all reports received and someone will provide follow-up communications with all reporting sources who provide contact information. The Coast Guard also maintains a 24/7 watch, which can field reports of sexual misconduct via the National Command Center (NCC) phone number at 202-372-2100. CGIS will leverage all available resources to immediately initiate a criminal investigation for a sexual crime occurring on a U.S. flagged vessel anywhere in the world. The Coast Guard will respond to any reports of sexual misconduct with trained investigators and will hold offenders accountable through criminal prosecution and/or actions against U.S. Coast Guard issued merchant mariner credentials (MMCs).

The CGIS Tips App can be downloaded from a mobile provider's marketplace using the following QR code:

If the responsible entity in charge of a U.S. flagged vessel makes a report, including providing detailed contact information for further follow-up, of a sexual misconduct incident through CGIS Tips, via the CGIS email at CGISTIPS@uscg.mil, or the NCC’s phone line the report will satisfy the reporting requirements of 46 U.S. Code § 10104(a)

2023 Meeting Calendar

d b

January 11, 2023: Virtual Meeting

March 8, 2023: Virtual Meeting

May 10, 2023: Hybrid Meeting

Port of Vancouver USA

July 12, 2023: Virtual Meeting

September 13, 2023: Hybrid Meeting

MSU Portland

November 8, 2023: Virtual Meeting a c

Board of Directors : 1330-1405 hrs

General Membership: 1415-1530 hrs

ASSOCIATION UPDATES

Lower Columbia Region Harbor Safety Committee

Clean Rivers Cooperative

Maritime Fire & Safety Association

Maritime Commerce Club

Merchants Exchange

Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund

U.S. Coast Guard had the following updates during the LCRHSC May 19, 2023 Meeting at Port of Vancouver USA.

Inspections Division Update

Re: Wind Blades

MSIB 04-23: "Reduced Visibility from the Navigation Bridge"

74 SOLAS V/22.1.1: "The view of the sea surface from the conning position shall not be obscured by more than two ship lengths, or 500m, whichever is less..."

33 CFR 164.15(a)(1): "From the conning position, the view of the sea surface must not be obscured by more than the lesser of two ship lengths or 500m..." FlagStatesmaydispensatevessels from SOLAS requirements; however,theymayNOTdispensate vesselsfrom domestic regulation. That authority resides with the cognizant Captain of the Port.

Emergency Management & Force Readiness Dept. Update

Re: Portland RoseFestival/Fleet Week Security Planning

Fleet Week 7-12 Jun; Security Zone on Lower Willamette River

https://www.rosefestival.org/events/2023/fleet-week2

Hybrid Meeting, Wednesday, May 10, 2023, Port of Vancouver

For more information, please visit our website: www.lcrhsc.org

Bekah Brinkmeier, Association Administrator: brinkmeier@pdxmex.com

Ashley

ros@pdxmex.com

oreilly@pdxmex.com

Ros, Association Account Specialist:

Anthony O’Reilly, Administrative Specialist:

ICS 300 & 400

FEMA CERTIFIED COURSE

June 27 – 30, 2023

ICS-300 JUNE 27-29 08:00-17:00

INTERMEDIATE ICS FOR EXPANDING INCIDENTS: ICS-300 PROVIDES TRAINING AND RESOURCES FOR PERSONNEL WHO REQUIRE ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE AND APPLICATION OF THE ICS.

ICS-400 JUNE 30 08:00-15:00

ADVANCED ICS FOR COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF: ICS-400 PROVIDES TRAINING AND RESOURCES FOR RESPONDERS WHO REQUIRE ADVANCED APPLICATION OF ICS.

REGISTRATION FEE

CURRENT CLEAN RIVERS COOPERATIVE MEMBERS: FREE!

NON-MEMBERS

ICS 300 ONLY - $425.00

ICS 400 ONLY - $350.00

Bundle & Save!

ICS 300 & 400 - $625.00

LOCATION: 5814 NW BALBOA AVE. 97210

TIME: 0800-1700

LUNCH PROVIDED

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER VISIT: WWW.CLEANRIVERSCOOPERATIVE.COM/TRAINING

OR SCAN THE CODE BELOW

For more information, please visit our website: www.cleanriverscooperative.com

Curtis Cannizzaro, General Manager: cannizzaro@pdxmex.com

Carl Boelter, Operations Manager: boelter@pdxmex.com

Ben Robinson, Maintenance Mechanic - Marine: brobinson@pdxmex.com

Polly Hyke, Administrative Coordinator: hyke@pdxmex.com

ENHANCING SAFETY: A LOOK AT SPRING FPAAC TRAINING AND ACTIVITIES

The Fire Protection Agencies Advisory Council (FPAAC) is dedicated to promoting safety and providing specialized training to its member agencies. Recently, FPAAC held several trainings aimed at improving the skills and knowledge of firefighters at all levels. Let’s take a closer look at the training sessions that were held this Spring.

4TH QUARTER 2022 MAKE-UP TRAINING

On March 2nd, Clatskanie Fire, Cowlitz FD #5 and Astoria Fire participated in a make-up training session in Clatskanie, OR in conjunction with Columbia Pacific Bio-Refinery. The group began the day in the classroom by familiarizing themselves with vessel safety plans and discussing the definitions and duties associated with reconnaissance. The training continued with demonstrations of the set-up and use of an around the pump proportioner, a tool designed to provide a simple and effective means to mix a foam concentrate with the water being discharged from a pump system.

Hands-on activities followed, including stations set up to illustrate different means of applying foam, and scenarios run through one of the structures located at the facility.

1Q TECHNICIAN LEVEL TRAINING

On March 17th, thirty-six participants from eight different FPAAC member agencies attended Technician Level Training at the MERTS live-fire training facility in Astoria, OR. Technician Level personnel were tasked with leading Operations Level firefighters and Company Officers in live fire exercises, which included objectives such as: Navigating lost communications, establishing onboard water supplies, performing reconnaissance, deploying rapid intervention teams (RIT), and safely leading fire attack and boundary cooling efforts.

MFSA Technician Level responders are considered interior fire operations responders and are trained to a high level of interior operations in extremely hazardous environments. These personnel are expected to perform safely and efficiently at a vessel incident, recognize and report hazards and potential hazards through the chain of command, and may even serve as advisers to the Incident Commander, Command Staff, or Company Officers.

2023 FPAAC ANNUAL SUMMIT

This year’s Annual Summit was held on April 4th at the Cowlitz County Event Center in Longview, WA where attendees were welcomed by FPAAC Chair and Clatskanie Fire Chief Steve Sharek. Vancouver Fire Special Operations Division Chief and FPAAC Planning Section Chair Tom O’Connor reviewed the bulk of 2022 training activities, and Training Coordinator Don Doyle covered the Specialized Technician Training at Texas A&M’s TEEX facility. Attendees were also given a first-look at training videos produced by Portland Fire & Rescue’s audio/video department, using footage captured at the impressive live-fire facility.

Next, local USCG representatives Jim Merten and Daniel Casey gave a high-level overview of vessel salvage plans, followed by a Chief-level discussion regarding the pros and cons of external credentialing of the training program. Finally, Don Doyle discussed the history of the FPAAC Technician program.

AWARENESS LEVEL TRAINING

FPAAC member agencies participated in an Awareness Level Training on April 20th, also at the Cowlitz County Event Center. In all, thirty firefighters, company and command officers from seven different member agencies participated in this classroom-based training which was aimed at preparing personnel to operate safely and efficiently in support roles during a shipboard fire incident. In addition to the standard PowerPoint presentation and recently produced Ship Tour Video, participants were instructed on how to read vessel Fire Control Plans (FCP), which are essential tools for any firefighting operations onboard a ship.

The Awareness Level Training, that which all FPAAC agency personnel should hold, provides a solid foundation for participants to support, but not directly engage in shipboard fire operations. This session was led by Training Coordinator Don Doyle and Logistics Specialist Dave Wyman, who have a wealth of knowledge and experience with our program.

Anyone interested in learning more about the FPAAC training program should contact Mason Sullivan, sullivan@pdxmex.com.

Since 2003, the Merchants Exchange Scholarship Fund has distributed over $80,000 in assistance to students.

These funds directly support the education of our future colleagues and industry leaders by defraying the cost of tuition, books, and course fees. With the rising cost of a college education, not every student is fortunate enough to find aid to further his or her career goals.

The Scholarship Fund annually awards financial grants to students seeking or advancing careers in Maritime Affairs and/or International Trade.

www.pdxmex.com/scholarship

Image U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Commencment

For more information, please visit our website: www.pdxmex.com/scholarship Association Manager, Margerie Vis: vis@pdxmex.com Association Account Specialist, Ashley Ros: ros@pdxmex.com

FRIENDS OF THE EXCHANGE

Highlighting organizations and companies that support Merchants Exchange and the maritime community. Click LOGOS to link to their websites and learn more about our Friends of the Exchange.

Columbia Riverfront Hotel

909 N. Hayden Island Drive (formerly Red Lion) www.ihg.com/holidayinn/

FRIENDS OF THE EXCHANGE

We invite our community partners along the River to join in our mission to support and promote the maritime industry with our “Friends of the Exchange” program.

Show your support to our maritime industry and raising awareness within our community. The following benefits are included with an annual support of $150:

• One (1) feature article or (3) three small advertisements in our newsletter and one (1) social post featuring your organization annually

• Invitations to our Member/Networking Events: Open House, Annual Bocce Tournament, Shipping Education Series, and other special events

• Discounted Member Rate for our Shipping Education Series *

• Subscription to “The Exchange,” bi-monthly newsletter, Daily News Bulletin, and industry email updates

• Service Directory Listing and Career Opportunity Post shared with our membership

* Please note: Friends of the Exchange are not members of the Merchants Exchange and therefore are not eligible to receive member rates for any services or reports associated with membership, with the exception of the member rate to the Shipping Education Series. For more information contact: Mary Wiley, Marketing and Membership Manager at wiley@ pdxmex.com or call (503) 220-2515 or online at www.pdxmex.com/about-member/friends.

MERCHANTS EXCHANGE

THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS

ACGI Shipping Company

Alexander Gow

Anchorage Launch Service Co.

Blue Water Shipping

B.R. Anderson

Columbia River Steamship Operators’ Association (CRSOA)

Cascade Marine Agencies Ltd.

Columbia Export Terminal

Columbia Grain

Columbia River Bar Pilots

Columbia River Launch Service

Columbia River Pilots

Crowley Maritime Corporation

Degesch America

Duncan Shoemaker & Associates, LLC

Durham & Bates Agencies

EGT LLC

Foss Maritime Company

Fujitrans USA

General Steamship Agencies

Geo. S. Bush & Company

Great Western Malting

Haglund, Kelley LLP

Inchcape Shipping Services

International Transport Workers Federation

Interport PNW

Jacob Engineering Group

John R Dudrey LLC

Jones Stevedoring Company

Kalama Export Company

Kinder Morgan Bulk Terminals

Kinder Morgan Energy

K-Line America

Lindsay Hart LLP

McCall Companies

Mid Columbia Producers

Monarch Inspection Services

National Cargo Bureau

North American Shipping Agencies

Norton Lilly International

Olympic Tug & Barge / Centerline Logistics

Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality

Overseas Merchandising (OMIC)

Pacific Intern’l Maritime Medical Services

Pacific Maritime Association

Port of Astoria

Port of Columbia County

Port of Kalama

Port of Longview

Port of Portland

Port of Vancouver USA

Portland Lines Bureau

San Pedro Harbor Ship Supply

Sause Bros. Ocean Towing

Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt

Seaport Marine Surveys

Shaver Transportation Company

Ship to Shore Water Taxi

Southport Agencies

T. Parker Host

Talon Marine Services

Temco LLC

Terra Hydr

Tesoro Maritime Company

Tidal Transport & Trading USA

Tidewater Barge Lines

Tioga Group

Toyota Tsusho America

TradeWest Brokerage Company

Transmarine Navigation

Transversal International

United States Customs & Border Service

United Grain

Vanport Marine

Vigor Industrial

Volunteer Ship Ministry

Washington Department of Ecology

West Coast Marine Cleaning

Wilhelmsen Ship Service

STAFF EMAIL

Anthony O’Reilly oreilly@pdxmex.com

Ashley Ros ros@pdxmex.com

Bekah Brinkmeier brinkmeier@pdxmex.com

Ben Robinson brobinson@pdxmex.com

Carl Bertapelle bertapelle@pdxmex.com

Carl Boelter boelter@pdxmex.com

Chann Noun noun@pdxmex.com

Curtis Cannizzaro cannizzaro@pdxmex.com

Ellen Wax wax@pdxmex.com

John Cordasco cordasco@pdxmex.com

Jonathan Nichol nichol@pdxmex.com

Jonathan JT Tuom tuom@pdxmex.com

Kara Estabrook estabrook@pdxmex.com

Liz Wainwright wainwright@pdxmex.com

Lisa Pomasl pomasl@pdxmex.com

Margerie Vis vis@pdxmex.com

Mary Wiley wiley@pdxmex.com

Mason Sullivan sullivan@pdxmex.com

Philip Miller miller@pdxmex.com

Polly Hyke hyke@pdxmex.com

Shawn Kubitza kubitza@pdxmex.com

Thomas Semrau semrau@pdxmex.com