Ferryman Alan Brann Working the Waters of the Columbia River

Alan Brann, known better as Kiwi, ferries passengers and cargo to and from the big ships in the Lower Columbia River at the Port of Astoria in Oregon aboard his boat, Miss Molly. In addition to himself and one crewmember, he can carry 18 passengers below or 4500kg of cargo on deck.

While he does more than haul crew and cargo to the ships in the anchorage, that’s his main business, Kiwi’s Water Taxi service. He takes shipping agents, sub-agents, surveyors, Customs officers, inspectors and crews to and from the ships.

Brann speaks highly of his clients; he enjoys meeting them and ferrying them to and from their ships. They’re very honest, he said.

“If there’s ever a mistake out there, it’s me,” he said.

This native New Zealander feels a certain kinship with them. He was a commercial fisherman for 18 years and knows what it’s like to be out at sea and find yourself longing for a friendly port of call.

The Filipino seamen are the most numerous, he said.

“They’re phenomenal; they’re respectful, professional and polite,” he added.

Work on Brann’s boat for any length of time and you’ll encounter seamen from India, China, Indonesia, Europe, Russia, Australia, “All over the world,” Brann said.

Original article by Mike Williams, The Daily Astorian, December 13, 2014.