Sample Float Plan

Leave a copy with friends each time you take an extended cruise for added safety and peace of mind

The US Coast Guard does not accept Float Plans from recreational mariners. The Coast Guard encourages small craft operators to prepare a Float Plan before starting a trip, and leave it ashore with a yacht club, marina, friend, or relative. Be specific. Check-in regularly by radio or telephone at each point specified in the float plan. The "fresher" your last known position, the better the chances of success in locating a missing vessel in the event search and rescue (SAR) operations become necessary. It could also help save you the angst and cost of an SAR launched when an EPIRB goes off by mistake because they'll be able to contact you by alternate means.

FLOAT PLAN

1. Name of vessel's operator:_______________________________________________________

Telephone Number:____________________________________________________________

Name of Vessel:_______________________________________________________________

Registration No.:______________________________________________________________

Description of Vessel: Type:_____________________________________________________

Make:_________________________________________________________

Color of Hull :___________________________________________________

Color of Trim:___________________________________________________

Most distinguishing identifiable feature:___________________________________________________

Rafts/Dinghies: Number:__________ Size: __________Color:__________

2. Radio: Type: _______________Frequencies Monitored:______________________Call sign: ________

Cell phones on board: Numbers ________________ _________________ ____________________

3. Number of persons on board:___________________

Name Age Home Address & Telephone

__________________________________________________________________________________

4. Engine Type: ___________ H.P.:________ Normal fuel supply (days):_____________________

5. Survival equipment on board: (check as appropriate)

_____Life Jackets _____Flares _____Smoke Signals _____ Medical Kit

_____EPIRB _____Paddles _____Anchor ______ Other (specify) __________

6. Food for _______ days; Water for _______ days.

7. Trip:

Date and time of departure: ______________________________________________________

Departure from: _______________________________________________________________

To: ________________________________________________________________________

Expected to arrive by: _______________ and in no case later than _______________________

8. Additional information:_________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

9. Emergency contacts (name, address, phone number):___________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________