Why is the USCG’s Float Plan Important?
Float Plans are necessary paperwork that could save your life! Creating a detailed float plan before leaving the dock is one of the best ways you can prepare for a boating emergency.
While I am just guilty as most and do not do this every time I leave the dock as I should, I do always make sure to fill one out before going out on an extended day trip. This document needs to be completed every time you venture out on the water, whether you are kayaking for the day, going to the sandbar with friends, or taking a fishing trip out into the ocean.
While leaving a note on the counter is great for letting loved ones that you have taken the boat out for the day, it doesn’t let them know any details that could potentially save your life if you do not return home when expected. Please don’t count on someone else to remember all the facts accurately and convey them to emergency personnel when your life depends on it. Searching for an overdue boat has a much greater chance of being successful if the US Coast Guard or other rescue agencies have certain facts.
What is a Float Plan, and what should be included in it?
The more detailed you can be, the better. Remember, this is the one document meant to help save your life when you are out on the water. The more accurate the information, the faster rescue personnel will be able to find you. While the USCG is very detailed, most of the information can be filled in once, saved on your computer, and you can fill in the other essential details for each trip.
What should you do with a float plan after creating it?
First and foremost, do NOT file this plan with the Coast Guard.
You need to pass it off to someone who cares enough about you to make sure that you come home safe! You want someone to take action if you do not show up back at the dock as expected! Please notify the person you entrusted with this plan that you have returned safely. There is nothing worse than wasting valuable resources searching for someone who decided to hit the bar when they got back before telling anyone.
Click here to create your float plan! Fill out the information that you wish to save, then download the form with “With Your Changes.” This will allow you to have a float plan with the majority of the information already filled out. Then when you go out, you can fill in the rest of the basic information!