All vessels requiring the service of the Columbia River Bar Pilots are requested to give notification of their time of arrival directly to the Columbia River Bar Pilots office in Astoria (not through their agent) by telephone, fax or e-mail at least 12 hours in advance. If the arrival time changes due to weather or other causes, the Columbia River Bar Pilots are to be notified no later than four hours before the original ETA expires. Failure to communicate directly to the Columbia River Bar Pilots in a timely manner may cause delay.
At least two hours before their ETA, vessels are asked to again confirm arrival time, and then call on VHF channel 16, 9 or 13 when the vessel is 15 miles from the CR Buoy (Columbia River Entrance Buoy). The call sign for the Columbia River Bar Pilot office is KOK-360. Vessels should not approach the CR Buoy until advised by a pilot. While awaiting pilot boarding, vessels should remain within a marshalling area approximately five miles west of the CR Buoy.
The Columbia River Bar Pilots office is capable of communicating by VHF radio with vessels offshore at distances greater than 60 miles. The Merchants Exchange, vessel agents and Columbia River Pilots are advised of information received by the Columbia River Bar Pilots.
When ordering service, be prepared to provide the following:
- Complete name and type of vessel
- Vessel’s date and estimated time of arrival at the Pilot Station
- Maximum freshwater draft (if vessel is not on even keel, provide fore and aft freshwater drafts)
- Any pertinent special information or instructions about the vessel and its arrival
To reach the Columbia River Bar Pilots, use:
| MARISAT: | 0239104668014 (Access 230 or 255) | ||
| VHF: | Channel 9, 13 or 16 | ||
| Telephone: | 503.325.2641 | ||
| Fax: | 503.325.5630 | ||
| Pilot Office Astoria: | KOK-360 | ||
| E-mail: | pilotast@pacifier.com | ||
| Billing Questions: | sadmtn@pacifier.com |