Both the Willamette and Columbia deep-draft navigation channels are 600 feet wide. Expect commercial vessel traffic, including tugs and barges, in any portion of the river.
 
There are many marine terminals along the lower Columbia and Willamette rivers. Watch closely for vessel movements.
 
Ships must be turned around by tugs to head downriver after loading at terminals. Be safe . . . Stay clear!
 
Big ships have difficulty maneuvering around smaller craft.
 
A blind spot extends hundreds of feet in front of deep-draft ships and tugs pushing barges.
 
Pilots and towboat operators use VHF radio channels 13 and 16.
 
In a collision situation, try to escape to the port (left) side. It takes four to six minutes and 2,000 to 4,000 feet for a ship to stop after its engines are reversed. The reversing action will swing the ship's bow toward starboard.
 
If a water-skier falls 1,000 feet in front of a ship going 10 knots, you have only one minute to get him or her out of the way.