THE HARBOR COLUMN:Time to think about safety

Ahoy.

The sea and weather conditions are questionable for boating this weekend as I look to the north and at the pressure systems. The chance of rain diminishes each day, and the seas do look huge heading in our direction along the Pacific Northwest coast.

The outer waters and the seas to our immediate north will remain under small-craft warnings this weekend. Therefore, boaters should be careful when venturing past Catalina Island in search of fish, or when above Point Dune. This is wintertime, and we have an upper-level, low-pressure system over the area, which can bring cooler air temperatures and gusty winds. These are the preconditions for unexpected thunderstorms and water spouts out in the Pacific.

The winter weather conditions along with the recent rescue of the Newport Beach sailor off the Chilean coast, should raise the importance of safety in every boater’s mind.

Let me ask a few simple questions. First, if you were cruising along Newport Harbor and your engine or engines suddenly shut down, what would you do to prevent crashing into other boats?

Next, you are sailing or motoring to Catalina Island and a fire engulfs your boat, which you are unable to extinguish, how would you abandon your vessel, and what could you realistically grab from the boat?

Lastly, a simple question. You are five miles off the coast and your boat is disabled, so who do you call and how?

I throw out this challenge to every boater: Before you leave the dock on your next voyage, close your eyes. Now, find all your safety equipment that is required by the Coast Guard, plus any additional safety items that you have brought aboard.

Let’s start with the question about a faulty engine. If you are in a sailboat then you will be able to steer around any obstacles because of the boat’s keel. You will, however, lose complete steering ability in most power boats, leaving you at the mercy of momentum, the wind and the current. What you should do is drop your anchor. And remember, this will help too if you are in the ocean drifting closer to the surf line.

Next, what to do if a fire engulfs your boat can vary greatly from boat to boat. You can help save yourself and guests by having the lifejackets easily accessible. I like to have the lifejackets out in the open in the lifejacket soft bag if the Portable Flotation Devices are not being worn. Also, where is your hand-held radio, flare kit, and if you have a dingy aboard, how easy is it to deploy? Remember, cellphones are good and have been helpful, but the Coast Guard can’t triangulate on cellphone transmissions like VHF radios, and other boaters nearby can only hear VHR radio transmissions.

Lastly, let me tell you who and how to call for assistance if your boat is disabled a few miles out to sea. Boaters should sign up with a marine-towing service like BoatUS on an annual basis, and I recommend this to every new boat owner I teach. Otherwise, you can very calmly radio the Coast Guard over the VHF marine band radio on channel 16. If it’s shallow enough, drop your anchor. And remember, if the situation dictates it, break out your onboard flares.

Most importantly, all boaters should plan different scenarios before leaving the dock, and show guests where the safety equipment is located. Like I mentioned, on most trips I will actually bring the safety equipment out of hiding and place items where I can grab them at a moment’s notice.

Remember, my radio show, “Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show,” is now airing on KLAA-AM (830) from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday. Tune in to the No. 1 boating talk show in the nation blasting with 50,000 watts to Southern California.

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