Why File a Float Plan?

Several times each season, BoatUS gets a phone call from a distressed spouse--a boat is overdue. Maybe the missing skipper "is always home by a certain hour" or "has never been this late before." The overdue skipper almost always calls; everything is fine. But a lot of worry and frustration could have been prevented by taking a few minutes to file a float plan.

A float plan lets your family and friends know your whereabouts and, should a trip come to grief, the plan will give the searchers a valuable head start locating your boat.

Whether you are on the water for an afternoon or a month-long excursion, a float plan can be a lifesaver. Print out our easy to use form (below), fill it in and leave it with a spouse, other relative and/or a friend. You may even want to leave a copy with your marina manager.

The Float Plan starts with the basics: phone numbers to be called if the boat is overdue, a description of the boat, registration numbers, etc., that can be penciled in at the start of the season. Copies can then be made and details added before each trip.

Note: The Coast Guard does not accept float plans and should only be notified by your spouse or friend if there is a "deviation" (you are overdue) from the float plan.