What is a Float Plan, and Why Use It

Before setting out with your boat, file a FLOAT PLAN. You will find a copy of a suggested Float Plan included here on the website. You can download it and fill in the descriptive facts about you and your boat. Make photocopies, saving for later printing, and then all you have to do is fill out the rest of the information each time you take a trip.

File your float plan with a friend, relative or neighbor. The plan tells them where you are going and the route you will take. It also tells them when you will be back and whom to call if you don't return on time. Most often you will ask that the Coast Guard be notified if you are overdue. The Coast Guard does not accept Float Plans, but will mount a search as soon as you are reported overdue.

When you are trailering and you can't find someone to accept your Float Plan, leave a copy under your windshield wiper. Some police authority will find it, probably soon after dark. Cancel your Float Plan when you return! The person with whom you left it may not know you have returned and a needless search may be started.

Float Plan

You are invited to download and save this Float Plan to your machine, and then to utilize each time you take your boat out on the water. To view the following document, you will need Adobe Acrobat. Click here to download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Float Plan Download

New Color Version with instructions (.pdf file)

This single full page float plan has all the information needed including a second page bonus which has a boating emergency guide.

Float Plan Download here. (file size: 429k)