THE HARBOR COLUMN:Time change may foul navigation

Ahoy.

I remember Y2K and all the warnings that computers were going to crash. We made it through Y2K, but not without losing a few older GPS units on some boats. Now we have what is being called a “mini-Y2K” occurring this Sunday at 0200 hours — 2 a.m. for you landlubbers.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 changed the date for the new daylight saving time that could affect your electronic equipment. GPS software engineers could not anticipate a change in the law prior to 2005, so these units might not automatically adjust the internal clock. Accurate time is essential for navigation, and time is the basis for how GPS operates.

The U.S. Coast Guard issued this statement: “There is a potential GPS user-equipment issue related to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, specifically, the new USA Daylight Savings Time (DST) change. Upon commencement of DST beginning 2 a.m., March 11, 2007, GPS receivers that automatically correct for DST may not display correct local time when DST takes effect. Users should check to ensure the proper DST correction is applied. Software or firmware updates may be required. Users should check with their receiver’s manufacturer for these updates. Users may contact the NAVCEN’s Navigation Information Service via the Internet or at (703) 313-5900 regarding GPS questions or issues.”

In 1763, John Harrison won a British prize for developing a chronometer that could be used aboard ships. This was very significant, as clocks operating with a swinging pendulum do not work well on a pitching, tossing and swaying ship. Harrison’s clock allows sailors to calculate their longitude, opening up the seas to ships that previously had to sail close to shore to find unknown landmarks.

So what should you do for the boat’s or auto’s GPS unit? If it was released after 2005, then the software will most likely include the new daylight saving time adjustment. GPS units produced before 2005 will need to have new firmware downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. Please check the manufacturer’s website for any mini-Y2K notices and please check the date and time before you leave the dock, as I would hate to hear that you missed the Hawaiian Islands on your voyage this weekend.

Lastly, your ship’s or home’s PC could be affected too, so download the patch from Microsoft if you use the Windows operating system. Keep in mind that you can manually adjust your system’s time if your yacht’s PC does not have Internet access. If all else fails, grab your German Black Forest cuckoo clock off your kitchen wall, but it might not work so well on your boat.

The tip of the week is to let me know where the Web cams in Newport Harbor are located and their Internet address. My favorite Web cam from Lido Marina Village is no longer active since Tony Shaw, owner of Seaside Financial, moved his offices to Tustin Avenue and West Coast Highway. Talesofbalboa.com displays a camera that is at Balboa Boat Rentals, and this camera, which refreshes every 10 seconds, shows a great view across the bay to the Balboa Island Ferry landing.

The Cannery Restaurant has two Web cams with one pointed away from the restaurant and the other across the Rhine Channel looking at the restaurant. I usually find these cameras not current, though, and the images days old.

I am not aware of any other Web cams, so I need your help to send me your links for active Web cams in Newport Harbor. You should check out Catalina’s Web cams at Avalon and Two Harbors at www.visitcatalinaisland.com/avalon/webcam.php .

A blip on my radar is the Newport to Ensenada race, and again this year I will be the official announcer for the Newport Ocean Sailing Assn. on the Corona del Mar bluffs.

Tune in to the No. 1 boating radio talk show in the nation, “Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show,” on our new flagship station at KLAA-AM (830) from noon to 1 p.m. So, join me with my motley crew, Chandler Bell and Eric Hovland, as we talk about all things boating.

Safe voyages.