The Columbia River Bar Pilots recently honored the Tongue Point Job Corps Center’s seamanship program. The Bar Pilots “ensure the safety of ships, crews and cargoes crossing the treacherous Columbia River Bar, which is recognized as one of the most dangerous and challenging navigated stretches of water in the world.”

Columbia River Bar Pilot Captain Kurt Nehring presented the director of the Tongue Point Job Corps seamanship program, Captain Len Tumbarello, with a plaque in honor of their partnership.

The plaque reads in part:

In grateful recognition of your valuable contribution to the Maritime Industry. Your commitment to excellence has allowed you to consistently supply quality personnel to the U.S. Flag Fleet. Their exemplary performance has shone throughout the Marine Community. The Bar Pilots have, and will continue to draw on this exceptional personnel pool.

The Tongue Point Job Corps Center and Columbia River Bar Pilots are partners in the relief deckhand program. The program was created to address the operational needs of the Bar Pilots’ fleet and to teach and train the top students in the center’s seamanship program.

Students must earn the privilege of being asked to serve in this capacity. During their regular training in the seamanship program with the Bar Pilots they learn what is expected of them. Those displaying exceptional abilities and stellar conduct are handpicked and offered the opportunity to be a part of the relief deckhand program.

This intense training program has resulted in full-time jobs with the Columbia River Bar Pilots and great opportunities with other maritime companies and organizations.

Captain Len Tumbarello concluded,

“Our seamanship program is so fortunate to have one of the premier maritime entities in the world in our own backyard. Our quality cadets help them perform their vitally important mission and the Columbia River Bar Pilots training & guidance give the students deserving enough, to work with some of the finest mariners anywhere. This is a real win-win partnership, and we look forward to many more years to come.”