Tensions are mounting along the Columbia River as two groups of pilots serving inland ports are asking for rate hikes and as agents representing the steamship lines that pay the pilots remain adamantly opposed to the increases. At issue are requests from the Columbia River Bar Pilots, who navigate vessels from the open sea across the treacherous Columbia River Bar, and the Columbia River Pilots, who guide vessels four to six hours upriver to the Port of Longview, Port of Portland and Port of Vancouver, USA. Although all parties involved are reluctant to discuss the most recent rate demands, they acknowledge that the bar pilots initially asked for a nine percent increase in fees, while the river pilots initially asked for hikes in excess of 60 percent. Both requests are slated to be considered by an administrative judge in late March.

From the Cunningham Report, February 9, 2010