THE HARBOR COLUMN:

Only five more days until the start of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, brought to you by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. Remember, you can join me nightly to watch the parade at the Fun Zone in Balboa, where I will be announcing the boats nightly from the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum. The parade arrives at the Fun Zone area at about 8 p.m. nightly, but come early.

Once again, it is time for my annual parade boating tips. I have generated these tips from years as a professional captain participating in this and many other parades.

Let’s start with everyone striving to boat smart, using prudent seamanship and being extra courteous.

Remember boater’s etiquette, especially in those close-quarter situations. Follow the directions from the parade control boats, and use the inland rules of navigation.

The parade officials will be monitoring VHF marine channel 68, and you can hail “Parade Control” on 68 for any questions. However, for all emergencies only use channel 16 to hail “Newport KDG” (Newport Harbor Patrol).

You cannot interfere with the parade to leave your slip or to dock. So before you leave the dock, review the parade map and estimated time schedule.

I always designate someone who will help me with the lines and fenders, and is able to assist should a situation arise onboard.

Find out who in your group has any boating knowledge or can keep a level head in a crisis.

Once underway, always follow the flow of traffic, keeping your starboard side nearest to shore and passing oncoming vessels port to port.

Tip of the week is for you to give a brief safety announcement and show all your passengers the locations of the life jackets, fire extinguishers, ring buoy and other safety equipment before you leave the dock.

Remember to tune in every Saturday at 11 a.m. to Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show on AM 830.

Safe Voyages.

MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating columnist. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to mike@boathousetv.com or go to www.boathousetv.com.