** Important Note: Due to low enrollment, and in recognition of the Coast Guard’s already demanding schedule and responsibilities, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Missions Day this year. While we regret that this portion of the program will not take place, we are grateful for your enthusiasm and commitment to strengthening the partnership between industry and the Coast Guard.
Background on Missions Day:
Hosted at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, USCG Missions Day offers CRSOA members and industry partners a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the Coast Guard’s vital work on the Columbia River and along our shared waterways. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how the Coast Guard’s national mission—ensuring maritime safety, security, and stewardship—directly intersects with the needs of our regional maritime community.
Sector Columbia River carries out a wide range of critical missions, including search and rescue, aids to navigation, marine safety inspections, port and waterway security, and more. These responsibilities require close coordination with agents, pilots, ports, shippers, and other maritime partners to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient vessel traffic throughout the region.
Background on the Columbia Basin Leadership Training (COBALT):
The COBALT program is designed to familiarize newly assigned USCG personnel in Sector Columbia River and the Northwest District with the operations, stakeholders, and unique characteristics of the Columbia River maritime region. Through briefings and discussions with industry professionals—including vessel agents, ports, pilots, shippers, tug and towing operators, launch companies, terminal managers, state and federal agencies, professional associations, and others—participants gain a broad understanding of the region’s maritime activities and the partnerships that support them.
Traditionally a week-long series of presentations, tours, and discussion sessions for every newly arriving U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port/Sector Commander, COBALT has grown over the years to also include other Coast Guard officers and enlisted professionals. Offered at least once annually since 1997, 2025 marks the 29th year of the program!
The Coast Guard selected the name Columbia Basin Leadership Training (COBALT) to reflect the program’s focus and scope. Coordinated by the Columbia River Steamship Operators’ Association (CRSOA) and presented by maritime industry leaders along with state, local, and federal agency representatives, each session is prepared by the presenting organization to provide operational perspectives, regional priorities, and information that supports collaboration between the Coast Guard and the maritime industry.
Sessions are structured to acquaint executive and mid-level federal decision makers with the Columbia River maritime industry’s priorities, challenges, and opportunities, and to promote open dialogue with the region’s private sector leaders.
Background on Missions Day:
Hosted at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, USCG Missions Day offers CRSOA members and industry partners a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the Coast Guard’s vital work on the Columbia River and along our shared waterways. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how the Coast Guard’s national mission—ensuring maritime safety, security, and stewardship—directly intersects with the needs of our regional maritime community.
Sector Columbia River carries out a wide range of critical missions, including search and rescue, aids to navigation, marine safety inspections, port and waterway security, and more. These responsibilities require close coordination with agents, pilots, ports, shippers, and other maritime partners to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient vessel traffic throughout the region.
Background on the Columbia Basin Leadership Training (COBALT):
The COBALT program is designed to familiarize newly assigned USCG personnel in Sector Columbia River and the Northwest District with the operations, stakeholders, and unique characteristics of the Columbia River maritime region. Through briefings and discussions with industry professionals—including vessel agents, ports, pilots, shippers, tug and towing operators, launch companies, terminal managers, state and federal agencies, professional associations, and others—participants gain a broad understanding of the region’s maritime activities and the partnerships that support them.
Traditionally a week-long series of presentations, tours, and discussion sessions for every newly arriving U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port/Sector Commander, COBALT has grown over the years to also include other Coast Guard officers and enlisted professionals. Offered at least once annually since 1997, 2025 marks the 29th year of the program!
The Coast Guard selected the name Columbia Basin Leadership Training (COBALT) to reflect the program’s focus and scope. Coordinated by the Columbia River Steamship Operators’ Association (CRSOA) and presented by maritime industry leaders along with state, local, and federal agency representatives, each session is prepared by the presenting organization to provide operational perspectives, regional priorities, and information that supports collaboration between the Coast Guard and the maritime industry.
Sessions are structured to acquaint executive and mid-level federal decision makers with the Columbia River maritime industry’s priorities, challenges, and opportunities, and to promote open dialogue with the region’s private sector leaders.
| COBALT 2025 Agenda |
COBALT 2025 Presentations
