SEATTLE — The Coast Guard rescued a boater in Nisqually Reach, located northeast of Olympia, Wash., in the Puget Sound on Tuesday.

An MH-65C Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station/Sector Field Office Port Angeles, Wash., responded after the Coast Guard received a mayday call at 7:41 p.m., from the 35-foot sailing vessel Four of Us. The caller was unsure of his location and stated the vessel either ran aground or was taking on water.

The helicopter crew located the vessel, hoisted the one crew member on board at approximately 9:30 p.m., and transferred him to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. No injuries were reported.

The Coast Guard worked alongside Thurston County, Wash., officials, who also received the mayday call, to determine the location of the member in distress. A salvage operation is scheduled for Wednesday.  

For additional information contact the 13th Coast Guard District Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.

SEATTLE — Family, friends and shipmates welcome the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Healy home from a more than 250-day deployment on Feb. 5, 2012. Healy completed its science missions in 2011, before conducting the escort of the tanker vessel Renda on a mission to deliver fuel and prevent a potential energy crisis in Nome, Alaska. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Eric J. Chandler.

Seattle - Capt. Beverly A. Havlik, Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Healy, speaks to members of the press, after she and her crew return home from a more than 250 day deployment on Feb. 5, 2012. Healy completed its normal science missions in 2011, before conducting the escort of the tanker vessel Renda on a mission to deliver fuel and prevent a potential energy crisis in Nome, Alaska. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Eric J. Chandler.

SEATTLE — Coast Guard Cutter Healy, the nation’s largest and only operational Polar ice breaker moored at Coast Guard Base Seattle, Sunday, at 9 a.m., after completing a 254-day deployment.

The Healy completed four Arctic science missions during the 2011 field season, as well as an 800-mile Bering Sea ice-escort of the Russian-flagged tanker vessel Renda to Nome, Alaska for a winter fuel delivery by sea.

Healy embarked on the first-ever domestic icebreaking operation in Alaska. Icebreaking through 800 miles of Bering Sea ice, Healy escorted the Renda to and from Nome, where it safety offloaded 1.3 million gallons of fuel. Without this delivery, the town of Nome would have run out of its winter fuel reserves by March.

For the complete story on the missions conducted by Healy in 2011 and 2012, please click here.

For additional information contact the 13th Coast Guard District Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.

SEATTLE — While transiting to their homeport here following a 254-day patrol, the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Healy diverted to assist a distressed vessel approximately 520 miles northwest of Puget Sound, Wash. 

Healy received notification from 13th Coast Guard District watchstanders, Friday, that the motor vessel Dry Beam, a 558-foot Singapore-flagged freighter with 23 persons aboard, lost a partial load of timber and became unstable in 70 mile-per-hour winds and 30-foot seas. 

The Healy, 90 miles away, immediately diverted to provide assistance. While the Healy was enroute the crew of the Dry Beam was able to adjust their ballast tanks to improve stability and began making their way to their way to Victoria, Canada. 

The Healy arrived on scene and provided an escort until relieved by the crew of the Canadian Coast Guard ship John P. Tully. 

"From marine research in the Arctic, to breaking 800 miles of ice to get fuel to Nome, Alaska, to search and rescue in 30-foot seas, the crew superbly displayed the multi-mission capability of the Coast Guard Cutter Healy," said Rear Adm. Christopher Colvin, Deputy Commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area.  "We ask a lot of our crews, and their families, and they all demonstrate excellence. This is our way." 

Editors note:  Healy is on schedule to return to Seattle at  9 a.m. Sunday, please contact Chief Petty Officer Robert K. Lanier for more information and access to Pier 36.

Links to previous news and imagery releases regarding CGC Healy: http://www.d13.uscgnews.com/go/doc/21/1299571/.

SEATTLE — A Coast Guard MH-65D Dolphin helicopter crew hoists the last of three lost hikers near Gold Beach, Ore., Feb. 4, 2012. Local authorities had been searching for the hikers for six days and requested the Coast Guard crew's assistance after locating them. U.S. Coast Guard video by Group/Air Station North Bend, Ore.

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard, working with state and local agencies, rescued three lost hikers near Gold Beach, Ore., at approximately 1 p.m., Saturday.

Curry County (Ore.) Sheriff authorities had been searching for the three hikers for six days, before they were located by the Civil Air Patrol earlier today.

Coast Guard Group/Air Station North Bend, Ore., was requested to assist due to the remote location of the hikers. North Bend launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew who located and recovered all three hikers. All three were suffering from hypothermia and one reported chest pains. All three were taken to awaiting emergency medical service personnel, then transferred to Curry General Hospital in Gold Beach.

Coast Guard Group/Air Station North Bend's duties include maritime search and rescue, enforcement of laws and treaties, providing aids to navigation, and marine environmental protection. In addition, the Air Station frequently assists federal, state, county and local agencies by responding to calls for assistance with inland searches and medevacs. Their area of responsibility includes 220 miles of shoreline extending from Pacific City, Ore., south to the California border, west to nearly 60 miles offshore, and east to I-5.

For additional information contact the Curry County Sheriff's Office at (541) 247-3242.

Editors Note: The U.S. Coast Guard Base at Pier 36 will be open for media to cover Healy’s return to homeport. Several crew members will be made available for interviews, as well as the commanding officer, Capt. Beverly A. Havlik. Access to Coast Guard Base Seattle shall be pre-arranged through Chief Petty Officer Robert K. Lanier at 206-220-7093, phone, or (206) 883-4076, mobile. 

SEATTLE — Coast Guard Cutter Healy, the nation’s largest and only operational Polar ice breaker will moor at Pier 36, Coast Guard Base Seattle Sunday at 9 a.m., after completing a 254-day deployment. 

The Healy completed four Arctic science missions during the 2011 field season, as well as an 800-mile Bering Sea ice-escort of the Russian-flagged tanker vessel Renda to Nome, Alaska for a winter fuel delivery by sea.

Healy embarked on the first-ever domestic icebreaking operation in Alaska.  Icebreaking through 800 miles of Bering Sea ice, Healy escorted the Renda to and from Nome, where it safety offloaded 1.3 million gallons of fuel.  Without this delivery, the town of Nome would have run out of its winter fuel reserves by March.

During the Arctic West 2011 deployment, Healy spent seven months underway in the Beaufort Sea and the Arctic Ocean for four separate science operations.  Healy’s crew first worked with researchers from NASA to collect and study water and ice samples, looking to learn more about the refractive properties of sunlight in the Arctic environment. 

Following those operations, the Healy crew participated in its fourth year of collaborative research with the Canadian coast guard icebreaker Louis S St. Laurent to map the seafloor of the Arctic Ocean.  Using seismic and bathymetric techniques, the two vessels surveyed more than 4,000 nautical miles of Arctic seafloor to include the Nautilus Basin, Alpha-Mendeleev Ridge, and the Extended Continental Shelf. 

During the third mission, Healy serviced hydrographic moorings and conducted ocean-current profiling between Barrow Canyon and M’Clure Strait to study the western Arctic Boundary Current.  The fourth mission was a biology-based mission, studying the behavior of copepods in the winter months, and organic carbon, the principal energy source for oceanic bacteria.  The data retrieved from this mission will be the first contributions of data collected in the Arctic during this time of year. 

Healy was commissioned in 2000, and is the nation’s only operational polar icebreaker.  The cutter is 420-feet long and has extensive scientific capabilities.  Homeported in Seattle, the Healy has a permanent crew of 80; and her primary mission is scientific support. 

For more news about Healy’s ice-escort to Nome, please check: http://www.d17.uscgnews.com/go/doc/780/1295039/

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard and Washington Dept. of Ecology are responding to a vessel explosion that occurred at the John Wayne Marina in Sequim Bay, Wash., at approximately 6 p.m., Tuesday. 

An approximately 40-foot vessel exploded while moored and sank in the bay. One person was pulled from the wreckage and airlifted, by an Airlift Northwest helicopter crew, to Harbor View Medical Center in Seattle. The condition of the person and his relationship to the vessel are unknown at this time. 

Clallam County Firefighters are deploying oil containment boom around the vessel to contain any sheen caused by the sinking.

Coast Guard and Ecology personnel are en route to the scene to coordinate cleanup efforts and begin an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. 

For additional information contact the 13th Coast Guard District Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.

ASTORIA, Ore. — A U.S. Coast Guard Adanced Helicopter Rescue School (AHRS) student is lowered from a Royal Canadian Air Force CH-149 Cormorant rescue helicopter near Cape Disappointment, Wash., Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012.

U.S. Coast Guard pilots from Air Station Astoria at Sector Columbia River, Ore., flew MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters and Royal Canadian Air Force pilots from the 442nd Squadron out of Comox, B.C., flew a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter in support of the AHRS class for the week of Jan. 23 - 27, 2012.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate Littlejohn

ASTORIA, Ore. — U.S. Coast Guard Senior Chief Petty Officer Thomas Beaudry (right), lead instructor of the Advanced Helicopter Rescue School (AHRS) in Astoria, gives classroom training to a unique group of students Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012.

The U.S. Coast Guard AHRS class for the week of Jan. 23 - 27, 2012 included students from the Los Angeles City Fire Department, Santa Barbara County, Calif., Fire Department and the Royal Canadian Air Force 442nd Squadron out of Comox, B.C.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate Littlejohn

ASTORIA, Ore. — U.S. Coast Guard Advanced Helicopter Rescue School (AHRS) students pose for a class photo on Waikiki Beach near Cape Disappointment, Wash., Friday, Jan. 27, 2012 while a Royal Canadian Air Force CH-149 Cormorant rescue helicopter hovers in the background.

The U.S. Coast Guard AHRS class for the week of Jan. 23 - 27, 2012 included students from the Los Angeles City Fire Department, Santa Barbara County, Calif., Fire Department and the Royal Canadian Air Force 442nd Squadron out of Comox, B.C.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate Littlejohn

ASTORIA, Ore. — Senior Chief Petty Officer Thomas Beaudry narrates footage taken from a unique week of joint agency Advanced Helicopter Rescue School (AHRS) at Cape Disappointment, Wash., for the week of Jan. 23 - 27, 2012.

The unique U.S. Coast Guard AHRS class included students from the Los Angeles City Fire Department, Santa Barbara County, Calif., Fire Department and the Royal Canadian Air Force 442nd Squadron out of Comox, B.C.

U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate Littlejohn

ASTORIA, Ore. — The U.S. Coast Guard Advanced Helicopter Rescue School (AHRS) in Astoria hosted the first joint agency class of its kind Jan. 23-27, strengthening partnerships and sharing knowledge with agencies with similar search and rescue missions on the west coast of North America. 

U.S. Coast Guard AHRS normally trains U.S. Coast Guard helicopter rescue personnel. This unique class included civilian rescue air crewmembers from the Los Angeles City Fire Department and Santa Barbara County, Calif., Fire Department as well as military Search and Rescue Technicians from the Royal Canadian Air Force 442nd Squadron out of Comox, B.C.

U.S. Coast Guard instructors provided pilots and crews with training in heavy weather and heavy surf conditions.

The entrance to the Columbia River provides the surf, cliffs, caves and weather ideal for training air rescue personnel to perform in extreme conditions.

For more information, please contact Petty Officer Nate Littlejohn at (503) 861-6132.

ASTORIA, Ore. - The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Columbia River, in Astoria, Ore., issued the closure of the Siuslaw River and Coos Bay bars in Oregon and due to hazardous conditions Wednesday.

Both closures apply to all vessels and any request to transit the bars prior to reopening must be approved by the COTP. Mariners may contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or Sector Columbia River by telephone at (503) 861-6211 for further information or to request crossing.

The Coast Guard will re-evaluate the bar closures on an ongoing basis and will re-open the waterway as soon as the offshore weather improves.

The Coast Guard understands the effects these closures have on commerce and will make every effort to re-open these waterways as soon as they are considered safe for navigation.

The Coast Guard reminds boaters it is dangerous to fish during high surf conditions.

Marinas and boaters are reminded to check that boats in port are properly secured, bilge pumps are functional, and all loose items are removed from decks. Report any boats adrift, pollution or other maritime emergencies to the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802 or your local Coast Guard unit.

Here are some tips for those who choose to go out on the water during the upcoming heavy weather:

* - Leave a float plan with a responsible individual who knows your intentions, location and who they should call if you do not return as scheduled.

* - Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and set the example for your passengers or paddling partners.

* - Carry a marine VHF radio and other reliable means of communication.

* - Be prepared for the shock of sudden immersion and the disabling effects of cold water. Plan for the worst: dress as though you are going to get wet and be cold.

* - Maintain awareness on the water - be aware of activity around your vessel including changing weather, and always know your location.

* - Be responsible - Know that alcohol and drugs cause accidents and sometimes death.

* - Don't boat alone - Boating alone is not recommended. Recreational canoeists and kayakers often travel with a single canoe and one partner, or even solo, but it is recommended you canoe, kayak or boat with at least three people or two craft.

* - Know your limitations - Be honest with yourself and your companions. Your life and the lives of those in your party may depend on how everyone understands each other's capabilities.

For additional information contact the District 13 Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.

ASTORIA, Ore. - The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Columbia River, in Astoria, Ore., issued the closure of the Yaquina Bay and Umpqua River bars in Oregon and due to hazardous conditions Wednesday.

Both closures apply to all vessels and any request to transit the bars prior to reopening must be approved by the COTP. Mariners may contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or Sector Columbia River by telephone at (503) 861-6211 for further information or to request crossing.

The Coast Guard will re-evaluate the bar closures on an ongoing basis and will re-open the waterway as soon as the offshore weather improves.

The Coast Guard understands the effects these closures have on commerce and will make every effort to re-open these waterways as soon as they are considered safe for navigation.

The Coast Guard reminds boaters it is dangerous to fish during high surf conditions.

Marinas and boaters are reminded to check that boats in port are properly secured, bilge pumps are functional, and all loose items are removed from decks. Report any boats adrift, pollution or other maritime emergencies to the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802 or your local Coast Guard unit.

Here are some tips for those who choose to go out on the water during the upcoming heavy weather:

* - Leave a float plan with a responsible individual who knows your intentions, location and who they should call if you do not return as scheduled.

* - Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and set the example for your passengers or paddling partners.

* - Carry a marine VHF radio and other reliable means of communication.

* - Be prepared for the shock of sudden immersion and the disabling effects of cold water. Plan for the worst: dress as though you are going to get wet and be cold.

* - Maintain awareness on the water - be aware of activity around your vessel including changing weather, and always know your location.

* - Be responsible - Know that alcohol and drugs cause accidents and sometimes death.

* - Don't boat alone - Boating alone is not recommended. Recreational canoeists and kayakers often travel with a single canoe and one partner, or even solo, but it is recommended you canoe, kayak or boat with at least three people or two craft.

* - Know your limitations - Be honest with yourself and your companions. Your life and the lives of those in your party may depend on how everyone understands each other's capabilities.

For additional information contact the District 13 Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.

ASTORIA, Ore. - The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Columbia River, in Astoria, Ore., issued the closure of the Tillamook Bay and Depoe Bay bars in Oregon and due to hazardous conditions Wednesday.

Both closures apply to all vessels and any request to transit the bars prior to reopening must be approved by the COTP. Mariners may contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or Sector Columbia River by telephone at (503) 861-6211 for further information or to request crossing.

The Coast Guard will re-evaluate the bar closures on an ongoing basis and will re-open the waterway as soon as the offshore weather improves.

The Coast Guard understands the effects these closures have on commerce and will make every effort to re-open these waterways as soon as they are considered safe for navigation.

The Coast Guard reminds boaters it is dangerous to fish during high surf conditions.

Marinas and boaters are reminded to check that boats in port are properly secured, bilge pumps are functional, and all loose items are removed from decks. Report any boats adrift, pollution or other maritime emergencies to the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802 or your local Coast Guard unit.

Here are some tips for those who choose to go out on the water during the upcoming heavy weather:

* - Leave a float plan with a responsible individual who knows your intentions, location and who they should call if you do not return as scheduled.

* - Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and set the example for your passengers or paddling partners.

* - Carry a marine VHF radio and other reliable means of communication.

* - Be prepared for the shock of sudden immersion and the disabling effects of cold water. Plan for the worst: dress as though you are going to get wet and be cold.

* - Maintain awareness on the water - be aware of activity around your vessel including changing weather, and always know your location.

* - Be responsible - Know that alcohol and drugs cause accidents and sometimes death.

* - Don't boat alone - Boating alone is not recommended. Recreational canoeists and kayakers often travel with a single canoe and one partner, or even solo, but it is recommended you canoe, kayak or boat with at least three people or two craft.

* - Know your limitations - Be honest with yourself and your companions. Your life and the lives of those in your party may depend on how everyone understands each other's capabilities.

For additional information contact the District 13 Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.

ASTORIA, Ore. - The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Columbia River, in Astoria, Ore., and the COTP Sector Puget Sound in Seattle issued the closure of the Columbia and Quillayute River bars in Oregon and Washington due to hazardous conditions Wednesday.

Both closures apply to all vessels and any request to transit the bars prior to reopening must be approved by the COTP. Mariners may contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or Sector Columbia River by telephone at (503) 861-6211 or Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound at 206-217-6001 for further information or to request crossing.

The Coast Guard will re-evaluate the bar closures on an ongoing basis and will re-open the waterway as soon as the offshore weather improves.

The Coast Guard understands the effects these closures have on commerce and will make every effort to re-open these waterways as soon as they are considered safe for navigation.

The Coast Guard reminds boaters it is dangerous to fish during high surf conditions.

Marinas and boaters are reminded to check that boats in port are properly secured, bilge pumps are functional, and all loose items are removed from decks. Report any boats adrift, pollution or other maritime emergencies to the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802 or your local Coast Guard unit.

Here are some tips for those who choose to go out on the water during the upcoming heavy weather:

* - Leave a float plan with a responsible individual who knows your intentions, location and who they should call if you do not return as scheduled.

* - Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and set the example for your passengers or paddling partners.

* - Carry a marine VHF radio and other reliable means of communication.

* - Be prepared for the shock of sudden immersion and the disabling effects of cold water. Plan for the worst: dress as though you are going to get wet and be cold.

* - Maintain awareness on the water - be aware of activity around your vessel including changing weather, and always know your location.

* - Be responsible - Know that alcohol and drugs cause accidents and sometimes death.

* - Don't boat alone - Boating alone is not recommended. Recreational canoeists and kayakers often travel with a single canoe and one partner, or even solo, but it is recommended you canoe, kayak or boat with at least three people or two craft.

* - Know your limitations - Be honest with yourself and your companions. Your life and the lives of those in your party may depend on how everyone understands each other's capabilities.

For additional information contact the District 13 Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.

ASTORIA, Ore. — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Columbia River, in Astoria issued the closure of the Coos Bay, Ore., bar due to hazardous conditions Sunday.

The bar closure applies to all vessels and any request to transit the bars prior to reopening must be approved by the COTP, Sector Columbia River. Mariners may contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or Sector Columbia River by telephone at (503) 861-6211 for further information or to request crossing.

The Coast Guard will re-evaluate the bar closure on an ongoing basis and will re-open the waterway as soon as the offshore weather improves.

The Coast Guard understands the effects these closures have on commerce and will make every effort to re-open these waterways as soon as they are considered safe for navigation.

The Coast Guard reminds boaters it is dangerous to fish during high surf conditions.

Marinas and boaters are reminded to check that boats in port are properly secured, bilge pumps are functional, and all loose items are removed from decks. Report any boats adrift, pollution or other maritime emergencies to the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802 or your local Coast Guard unit.

Here are some tips for those who choose to go out on the water during the upcoming heavy weather:

* - Leave a float plan with a responsible individual who knows your intentions, location and who they should call if you do not return as scheduled.

* - Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and set the example for your passengers or paddling partners.

* - Carry a marine VHF radio and other reliable means of communication.

* - Be prepared for the shock of sudden immersion and the disabling effects of cold water. Plan for the worst: dress as though you are going to get wet and be cold.

* - Maintain awareness on the water - be aware of activity around your vessel including changing weather, and always know your location.

* - Be responsible - Know that alcohol and drugs cause accidents and sometimes death.

* - Don't boat alone - Boating alone is not recommended. Recreational canoeists and kayakers often travel with a single canoe and one partner, or even solo, but it is recommended you canoe, kayak or boat with at least three people or two craft.

* - Know your limitations - Be honest with yourself and your companions. Your life and the lives of those in your party may depend on how everyone understands each other's capabilities.

For additional information contact the District 13 Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.

ASTORIA, Ore. — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Columbia River, in Astoria issued the closure of the Yaquina Bay bar and the Columbia River bar, due to hazardous conditions Sunday.

The bar closure applies to all vessels and any request to transit the bars prior to reopening must be approved by the COTP, Sector Columbia River. Mariners may contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or Sector Columbia River by telephone at (503) 861-6211 for further information or to request crossing.

The Coast Guard will re-evaluate the bar closure on an ongoing basis and will re-open the waterway as soon as the offshore weather improves.

The Coast Guard understands the effects these closures have on commerce and will make every effort to re-open these waterways as soon as they are considered safe for navigation.

The Coast Guard reminds boaters it is dangerous to fish during high surf conditions.

Marinas and boaters are reminded to check that boats in port are properly secured, bilge pumps are functional, and all loose items are removed from decks. Report any boats adrift, pollution or other maritime emergencies to the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802 or your local Coast Guard unit.

Here are some tips for those who choose to go out on the water during the upcoming heavy weather:

* - Leave a float plan with a responsible individual who knows your intentions, location and who they should call if you do not return as scheduled.

* - Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and set the example for your passengers or paddling partners.

* - Carry a marine VHF radio and other reliable means of communication.

* - Be prepared for the shock of sudden immersion and the disabling effects of cold water. Plan for the worst: dress as though you are going to get wet and be cold.

* - Maintain awareness on the water - be aware of activity around your vessel including changing weather, and always know your location.

* - Be responsible - Know that alcohol and drugs cause accidents and sometimes death.

* - Don't boat alone - Boating alone is not recommended. Recreational canoeists and kayakers often travel with a single canoe and one partner, or even solo, but it is recommended you canoe, kayak or boat with at least three people or two craft.

* - Know your limitations - Be honest with yourself and your companions. Your life and the lives of those in your party may depend on how everyone understands each other's capabilities.

For additional information contact the District 13 Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Columbia River, in Astoria, Ore., and the COTP Sector Puget Sound in Seattle issued the closure of multiple river bars within Oregon and Washington due to hazardous conditions Sunday. 

The bars at Siuslaw River, Ore., Depoe Bay, Ore., and Quillayute River, Wash., are closed.

The bar closure applies to all vessels and any request to transit the bars prior to reopening must be approved by the COTP, Sector Columbia River. Mariners may contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or Sector Columbia River by telephone at (503) 861-6211 or Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound at 206-217-6001 for further information or to request crossing.

The Coast Guard will re-evaluate the bar closure on an ongoing basis and will re-open the waterway as soon as the offshore weather improves.

The Coast Guard understands the effects these closures have on commerce and will make every effort to re-open these waterways as soon as they are considered safe for navigation.

The Coast Guard reminds boaters it is dangerous to fish during high surf conditions.

Marinas and boaters are reminded to check that boats in port are properly secured, bilge pumps are functional, and all loose items are removed from decks. Report any boats adrift, pollution or other maritime emergencies to the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802 or your local Coast Guard unit.

Here are some tips for those who choose to go out on the water during the upcoming heavy weather:

* - Leave a float plan with a responsible individual who knows your intentions, location and who they should call if you do not return as scheduled.

* - Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and set the example for your passengers or paddling partners.

* - Carry a marine VHF radio and other reliable means of communication.

* - Be prepared for the shock of sudden immersion and the disabling effects of cold water. Plan for the worst: dress as though you are going to get wet and be cold.

* - Maintain awareness on the water - be aware of activity around your vessel including changing weather, and always know your location.

* - Be responsible - Know that alcohol and drugs cause accidents and sometimes death.

* - Don't boat alone - Boating alone is not recommended. Recreational canoeists and kayakers often travel with a single canoe and one partner, or even solo, but it is recommended you canoe, kayak or boat with at least three people or two craft.

* - Know your limitations - Be honest with yourself and your companions. Your life and the lives of those in your party may depend on how everyone understands each other's capabilities.

For additional information contact the District 13 Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.