MarAd donates motor lifeboat to Clatsop Community College

(ASTORIA, Ore.) — Clatsop Community College (CCC) has acquired an enclosed motor lifeboat, donated by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd), from M/V Cape Horn at Vigor Shipyard in Portland, Ore. The donation, received by the CCC Foundation, will be used in the college’s maritime training programs. This significant addition to the Maritime Science Department allows the college to meet training requirements for future mariners.

“This lifeboat comes at a crucial time,” said Capt. Michael Lee, CCC maritime science instructor. “With recent U.S. Coast Guard regulations mandating motor lifeboat operation training, this donation ensures our students receive all the needed elements of maritime education.”

Transporting the lifeboat to the college’s MERTS campus presented unique challenges due to its size. Without the help of maritime industry partners, getting the lifeboat to Astoria would have been a costly endeavor. CCC thanked Tidewater Barge Lines for its support in towing the vessel down the Columbia River, and Vigor Shipyard for facilitating the launch and transport logistics that made it possible for the lifeboat to arrive safe and sound.

Clatsop Community College photo

CCC also acknowledged and thanked the following individuals and organizations whose dedication made this initiative possible:

• Tidewater Barge Lines: Port captains Craig Nelson, Josh Nichols and Brian Fletcher; Capt. Tim Troutman, M/V Liberty; Capt. Sasha La Greide.
• Vigor Shipyard: Project manager Sebastien Laleau.
• MarAd: Katrina McRae, Gene Dawydiak, Mike Streblow and Eric Hayes.
• Patriot Contract Services: The crew of M/V Cape Horn, port engineer Tom Preston, James Dyer and program manager Chris Sterling.

“This collaborative effort underscores the maritime community’s commitment to education and safety,” said Lee. “We look forward to the enhanced training opportunities this lifeboat will provide.”

– Clatsop Community College

By Professional Mariner Staff