THE HARBOR COLUMN:The voice of another parade

Ahoy.

The winds should be calmer now, and the breeze should bring us warmer daytime weather for this weekend. The nights might be chilly with a 30-degree dip in temperature, so if you are boating, take extra warm clothing and blankets for when the sun sets. If you are venturing out into the Pacific, then do check the swell conditions from the online buoy reports (www.lajollasurf.org/socal.html) before you leave the dock. Saturday’s prediction is for increasing swell heights with reduced intervals, and Sunday should be a better day on the ocean.

I have a new target on my radar for this Saturday night, and that course is a terrestrial holiday parade. Saturday evening, I will co-host with parade-announcing veteran Michelle Swanson as the voices of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Holiday Parade in Rolling Hills Estates. This is the second year the parade has moved to a nighttime venue with the theme “Parade of Lights,” and Cox Communications will provide a live broadcast of the event. As I read the parade script, I noticed there are more than 150 entries, including a marching band with 250 members.

By the way, have you noticed that the Palos Verdes Peninsula has topography exactly like the eight Channel Islands? I think the peninsula is the ninth Channel Island that never separated from the mainland.

On to an important boater safety topic: Scott Croft with Boat U.S. advised me of a new, no-fee service on the Web. The Boat U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has launched a free online marine DSC VHF radio tutorial for anyone interested in the new technology. This program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Coast Guard, and the online tutorial, “Can You Hear Me?” is designed to educate boaters on all of the basics of DSC VHF radios. The idea is for all boaters to understand how these radios work, and for boaters to be able to take advantage of the latest innovations in search-and-rescue technology.

As one who has written a book about using your marine band VHF radio, I know how difficult it is for boaters to understand the proper use of the radio. My book is still selling nationally with the help of my publisher, but I am surprised that it is not at the helm of every boat. OK, so I dream my book is at the helm of every boat.

However, Boat U.S. has a 35-minute, narrated, Web-based program that covers all of the basics, and the program even allows viewers to try various radio buttons with sounds on their computers simulating an actual DSC VHF radio. I found the program excellent, and not boring with too much information. I recommend all boaters use the program to learn about the radio for the novice or as a refresher for the seasoned skipper.

Do you know enough about this new marine radio system to help save a life — possibly your own?

You do not need any special computer program to view the seven-part tutorial, and it is compatible with Windows and Mac systems. You have the option of stopping the tutorial at any point and then returning to the same spot later on. Also, you can skip around from chapter to chapter if you know that subject matter. Other topics include emergency signaling, how to install a DSC VHF radio, and an overview of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Rescue 21 program.

The tip of the week is to check out www.christmasboatparade.com. Jeff Parker, vice president of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, is doing a great job updating the site to provide every detail about the rapidly approaching 98th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.

The website includes information about how to register your boat, the parade route, times, history, theme and viewing locations. Also, Parker has added where you will find me, the official voice of the parade, providing live commentary during the parade.

Remember to tune in to the No. 1 boating talk radio show in the nation at noon every Saturday. “Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show” is on KCBQ-AM (1170) and can be heard online at www.boathouseradio.com.

Safe voyages.