Make a Float Plan
Before taking a Plan a Weekend Trip on a Boat, you should always be sure to let someone on shore know your float plan, a detailed agenda of where you expect to be and how long you expect to be gone. A float plan can and should include all of the following information: name, address, and phone number of trip leader; name and number of all passengers, emergency contacts and any special medical conditions; vessel information including type (power or sail), registration information, safety equipment, fuel capacity etc.; trip itinerary; a list of communication and signal equipment on board.
Contents
Steps
- Designate two responsible friends and family members as your float plan guardians.
- Provide your float plan guardians with guidelines as to how long they should wait before contacting authorities when you do not check in as expected per your float plan. Use as many notes as possible to record this information.
- If possible, provide your float plan guardians with contact information for the emergency personnel (Contact the Coastguard Through VHF Radio, marine patrol, etc) where you will be boating.
- As you fill in your destinations and estimated arrival dates (ETAs), take into consideration the predicted weather, realistic boat speed and your ability to contact your float plan guardians to update your float plan as you reach (or change) your planned destinations.
- Don't neglect to fill in the crew and passenger information. Their ages, descriptions, medical information and emergency contacts are vital to search and rescue personnel.
- If your destinations and plans change as you travel, update your float plan so your guardians can easily monitor your progress, avoiding needless worry and unnecessary calls to emergency personnel.
- Remember to close out your float plan by checking in at your final destination.
Tips
Related Articles
References
- Original article used with permission from Discover Boating
