File a Float Plan
The Coast Guard is regularly called out to search for overdue boaters without knowing where along the seaboard the boater may be or exactly what the boat looks like. This makes it almost impossible to find the missing boater. Sometimes no one even knows the boater left, and therefore no searches will be made in time to make a difference.
A float plan describes your vessel and tells where you are going and when you expect to return. If you have trouble, the Coast Guard or local authorities will have some idea of where to search for you.
When you go boating, fill out the float plan and leave it with a reliable person, such as a relative, a neighbor or someone who will be responsible to call the Coast Guard if you are overdue. (If you launch from a ramp, you can leave a copy under your windshield wiper.) Tell the person with whom you leave the plan to inform the Coast Guard or a local authority if you do not return when expected. When you return, be sure to let the person know you are back.
Click on the box below to download a Word document containing a generic float plan that you can print out. You can customize it with your own personal information making it fast and easy to use it.
Float Plan Central's web address is http://www.FloatPlanCentral.org.
