The Harbor Column:

The small-craft warnings should be lifted by the time you read my column, but be cautious if you plan to go boating this weekend. The weather system blowing through our area might produce rain that will wash debris down the rivers and storm drains directly into the ocean and the harbor.

The first rain of the season, even if it is a slight sprinkle, can fill our waters with junk, technically called non-point source pollution. We have not had any rain in a long time, so think about all the debris that is just waiting to be washed down to sea level.

Be careful if you go boating because the debris clogs sea strainers, dings propellers and tarnishes the hull. In the worse case scenario, you pay a visit to Davy Jones’ Locker after hitting something floating in the water, and the object punctures a hole in your boat’s hull.

Tip of the week is my continuance of decorating your boat for the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. The parade is only four and a half weeks away so do not procrastinate in getting your boat decorated safely.

On a technical note, most people do not know that unless you are actually participating in a sanctioned parade, it is not proper to display any external lights, such as Christmas lights, that distract from the navigational lights. The Harbor Patrol and the Coast Guard are using their discretion in enforcing this regulation during December, so cruise safely.

Because you will be cruising at night, the decorations cannot interfere with the vessel’s normal navigational lights and never install any extraneous lights, especially spotlights that shine into another skipper’s eyes. You will notice that the more seasoned boaters will enhance their navigational lights by using red bulbs by the port light and green lightbulbs by the starboard light. Boating safety regulations require that none of the decorations obstruct or prevent the deployment of any required safety devices aboard your vessel, including ring buoys, life rafts, life jackets and fire extinguishers.

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 .