THE HARBOR COLUMN:Some change in the harbor is hard to fathom

Ahoy.

Newport Harbor is experiencing many changes around the water’s edge, and boaters might soon experience a major change in who can operate a vessel. Through the years, I have seen the harbor change from the days of water skiing in the Back Bay to a world-class boating mecca, and we need to keep evolving with boating and water access in the center of the radar.

I find a few changes hard to watch, though, such as Pride of Newport, which is locally known as the former Reuben E. Lee and is soon to disappear. It’s painful to watch another shipyard on the endangered list and to not see the topsail ketch Argus secured at its home port behind the Newport Sea Base. I do like some changes — like the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum revitalizing the fun zone area, but losing the rides and the proposed marina at Marina Park is hard.

There may be a major change looming for recreational boat operators after Assembly GOP leader Mike Villines of Clovis introduced a bill requiring them to have a state-issued boating certificate. Recreational Boaters of California is helping to sponsor the bill that the organization’s president, Lenora Clark, said aims “to ensure that vessel operators have the necessary knowledge on the laws and regulations that apply to the operation of vessels, through certification, in order to reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities.”

Now, I do not want to hear anyone say, “What, I didn’t know?” I have been discussing and emphasizing this forthcoming legislation in this column and on my radio show. It is time for recreational skippers to learn the “rules of the road.” And who can argue with those demanding that boat operators have basic skills?

The bill stipulates that the state-issued certificate would be good for life to the individual once he or she meets the requirements, which would be developed by the California Department of Boating and Waterways. A phase-in would be planned with Jan. 1, 2011, as the start for everyone up to 20 years old. After which, phase-in would continue by age groups until 2018 when everyone must have a certificate. Those who can prove that they have successfully completed a boating class or test could opt out of the state exam.

There are conditions for those visiting from other states, renting boats, minors under adult supervision, and those engaged in organized regattas, boat races or water ski races.

The bill will now work its way through the process, and public input is crucial. I just hope the bill will not be watered down to a meaningless hurdle or get bogged down with useless piggyback amendments.

The tip of the week is this: Why wait until you are required to learn the boating basics when you can start now? Do you know what a professional captain is telling you when you hear three short whistle blasts, or what is significant about the green No. 11 channel maker off Bay Island in Newport Harbor?

Most boaters in the harbor do not understand the various right-of-way rules between a boat under sail and a boat under engine power. Hint, a boat under sail does not always have the right-of-way.

There is help on the Web and in the classroom, but you need to make the effort. Do not wait to change at the last moment, but start your change now so that you will not become extinct.

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. Saturdays. So join me with my motley crew, Chandler Bell and Eric Hovland, as we talk about all things boating.