What is a Float Plan? A float plan is a document that details your trip's itinerary, including the vessel information, number of passengers, departure and return times, planned route, and contact information.
A float plan should be left with a reliable person on land so the authorities can quickly begin a search if you do not return as expected; essentially acting as a safety measure to help locate missing boaters in case of an emergency.
Why should you take the time to prepare a float plan? Easy - there are just too many details that need to be accurately remembered and conveyed in an emergency. Without a float plan you are relying on someone else’s memory, a friend, neighbor, or family member, to remember detailed information needed by rescue personnel in order to find you. Important information that can make a difference in the outcome.
If you are going for just a few hours on your boat, let someone know where you expect to be and when you expect to return. If you plan a longer cruise, leave a copy of a written float plan with your marina, yacht club, or friend.
What should you include in a float plan?A float plan includes a description of your boat, who is on board, a description of the safety equipment you are carrying, where you expect to be, and when you expect to be there. Instruct the person holding the float plan to notify the NJSP, Coast Guard or other appropriate agency if you do not return within a reasonable time after your scheduled arrival (taking into account weather, etc.). When you arrive at your destination, or if your plans change, notify the person holding your float plan to avoid unnecessary worry and possible waste of search and rescue resources.
There is no special or official form that you must use for a float plan, though you may find convenient pre-printed ones available in boating supply stores and catalogs, or you can generate a form using these links: floatplancentral.cgaux.org/download/USCGFloatPlan.pdf
The Coast Guard and NJSP will not accept float plans. Do not attempt to file the form with either agency.
Who should prepare a float plan?
First and foremost, any boater going out on the water by themselves.Don't think for a minute that this is only for those with big expensive boats. A Float Plan is equally effective for the owner of an 8-foot kayak or flat-bottom skiff as it is for a 50-foot express cruiser, a 120-foot fishing vessel or luxury yacht. Typically, the operator of the vessel is the individual who prepares the Float Plan. However, any member of the crew can be assigned the preparation and filing duty.
So, what kind of boaters prepare float plans?
Canoeists Day cruisers Hunters Jet Skiers KayakersPower boaters Private charter boat services Rafters Rowers
Sail boaters Sport fisherman Water skiersBasically, any one spending time on the water!
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