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.

Cascadia Tech Academy’s Maritime Technology program is entering its second year, helping Clark County high school studen...
09/01/2026

Cascadia Tech Academy’s Maritime Technology program is entering its second year, helping Clark County high school students build practical skills and discover career opportunities throughout the maritime industry.

CRSOA was pleased to welcome nearly 20 Cascadia Tech students to our April Industry Luncheon, where they met local maritime professionals and heard directly from representatives of the region’s tugboat and launch-service sectors.

As OPB recently reported, the program is already producing promising results: approximately 10 students from its first graduating class have entered the local maritime workforce, including one hired by CRSOA member Shaver Transportation. Students are gaining experience in welding, soldering, vessel operations, leadership and other skills that can lead directly to well-paying careers after graduation.

Programs like this play an important role in introducing young people to the many career paths available on our waterways—and in preparing the next generation of maritime professionals our region will need.

Cascadia Tech’s maritime program teaches juniors and seniors how to weld, solder, cook and more. It's gaining traction at a critical time for both the region’s students and the maritime industry.

08/31/2026
08/31/2026

YOU could lead the future of AMERICAN MARITIME DOMINANCE 🫵🇺🇸

Don’t forget to submit your application to be apart of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy - USMMA Class of 2031! Applications are already up 10% this year. APPLY NOW 🚢

"Women In Maritime Operations (WIMOs) has appointed Valerie Anderson as executive treasurer of the its national board of...
08/28/2026

"Women In Maritime Operations (WIMOs) has appointed Valerie Anderson as executive treasurer of the its national board of directors. She succeeds Laura Lewis, who is stepping down after seven years of leadership and service to the organization.

A business development professional with more than 15 years of experience in the marine industry, Anderson currently serves as business development manager at Allredi, where she works with customers across the Gulf Coast to support fleets, shipyards, and marine and industrial operations. She has been named as one of the Inland Marine Expo’s 40 Under 40, honoring emerging leaders making a significant impact in the maritime industry.

Anderson brings extensive financial stewardship and leadership experience to the WIMOs executive board. Throughout her years of volunteer service, she has served as treasurer for her homeowners association, treasurer of the PTA, and president of the Soccer Booster Club, gaining valuable experience in budgeting, financial oversight, and organizational governance."

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Helping Maritime Professionals Make Informed Decisions

Our members recently got a firsthand look at some of the exciting things underway at the Columbia River Maritime Museum,...
08/27/2026

Our members recently got a firsthand look at some of the exciting things underway at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, when Executive Director Bruce Jones joined us for our August Industry Luncheon alongside Frank Manning of Diversified Marine.

Among the highlights was the remarkable journey and restoration of the historic Fireboat David Campbell, now featured in the latest issue of the Museum’s award-winning member magazine, The QuarterDeck.

For those who enjoyed the presentation (and anyone who couldn’t join us!), this is a great opportunity to learn more about the David Campbell, the new Warnock Building and Mariners Hall, and everything taking shape at the Museum in Astoria.

Thanks again to Bruce and the CRMM team for sharing this exciting chapter with CRSOA!

ATTENTION COLUMBIA RIVER MARITIME MUSEUM MEMBERS!
Watch your mailbox this week for the latest edition of The QuarterDeck, our award-winning member magazine!

This issue is packed with stories and updates, including an inside look at the arrival of the Fireboat ‘David Campbell’ - from its journey by barge from Portland to the spectacular crane lift that carried it out of the river, over the Barbey Maritime Center, and into its custom-built exhibit pit on the east end of campus.

You’ll also get an exciting look at the incredible progress on the Warnock Building, home of Mariners Hall, opening Fall 2026! Inside, you’ll find spotlights on the 1st Order Fresnel lens assembly and the arrival and installation of HH-52A USCG Helicopter 1355, plus a deep dive into the volunteer efforts that help move vessels from Collection storage to exhibit-ready.

There’s lots to explore in this issue!

Not a member? Joining our family of members is easy!

1. Online at http://store.crmm.org/store/department/45/Membership/
2. By phone at (503) 325-2323
3. By mail, send your check to CRMM, 1792 Marine Drive, Astoria, OR 97103.

Individual memberships start at $50, family memberships start at $75. All membership levels include:

• Unlimited free admission to the Museum's Warnock and Klep buildings and our historic vessels, Lightship 'Columbia' and Fireboat 'David Campbell' plus the 3D Theater for one year (*)
• Monthly Reciprocal Admission Privileges at Participating Regional Attractions
• Subscription to our award-winning Member magazine, “The QuarterDeck”
• 10% discount in the Museum Store
• Free admission to lectures and discounted tuition for classes
• Invitations to Members Only events (*)
• Member Email Newsletter with Museum news and events

Join now and we will send you this latest issue of 'The QuarterDeck'.

With the addition of the Warnock Building, home of Mariners Hall, and the Fireboat ‘David Campbell’ to our campus this fall, there’s more to see and experience than ever before - and membership is a better value than ever!

Don’t miss out! Join the Columbia River Maritime Museum family and enjoy all the benefits of membership while being part of this exciting new chapter.

(*) Warnock Building and Fireboat 'David Campbell' anticipated to open late 2026.

Happy National Dog Day to the four-legged members of the CRSOA crew! 🐾⚓These dedicated teammates keep a close eye on off...
08/27/2026

Happy National Dog Day to the four-legged members of the CRSOA crew! 🐾⚓

These dedicated teammates keep a close eye on office operations, maintain crew morale, and ensure no snack goes unaccounted for.

Fair winds and plenty of treats to our favorite office dogs! 🐶

08/27/2026

PNWA is disappointed by the contradiction between Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s proclamation recognizing August 24 as Oregon Hydropower Day and the state’s continued support for efforts that could lead to removal of the four Lower Snake River dams.

The Lower Snake River dams are an important part of the Northwest’s federal hydropower system, providing renewable energy, navigation and other regional benefits while incorporating fish passage for migrating salmon and steelhead.

If we recognize the value of hydropower, we should also work to preserve and improve the infrastructure that provides it. PNWA supports moving beyond litigation and pursuing collaborative, science based solutions that protect salmon while maintaining a reliable hydropower and navigation system.

Read more from Capital Press: https://capitalpress.com/2026/08/24/stakeholders-ask-kotek-to-withdraw-from-dam-litigation/

08/26/2026

Thank you, Evan Dean, newly appointed Grain and Feed Association Vice President of Government and Legislative Affairs, for visiting United Grain and learning about the region's infrastructure, trade flows, and policy priorities.

08/25/2026

Job Corps, a trade skills training program for young adults, will continue for the foreseeable future after the Department of Labor nearly shut down the program in May and June […]

Address

200 SW Market Street, Ste 190
Portland, OR
97201

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