What is a float plan?

A float plan is a list of specific trip information that your family and friends can use and provide to search and rescue teams in the event a planned trip becomes unplanned. A float plan will give the searchers a valuable head start in locating your boat.

Why prepare a float plan?

Float plans are important for anyone who, for more reasons than one, cannot get in contact with anyone to request assistance. Boat fire, sinking or collision, loss of electrical power, loss of radio or phone signal and medical reasons are just a few to name. An automated float plan from USfloatplan.com can assist you in an emergency situation by revealing the details of a trip during a time of distress. This important information helps determine the outcome of your rescue.

Who should prepare a float plan?

This is one of the most commonly misunderstood questions. You would be surprised how much loss of life occurs on inland lakes and rivers. Float plans are FREE and easy to fill out, they are for anyone and everyone going out on the water it only takes minutes to help insure your safety in time of need.

Any of the following would benefit from filing a float plan with USFloatplan.com:

Canoeists Family day cruisers Hunters Jet Skiers Kayakers Private charter boat services

Power boaters Rafters Rowers Sail boaters Sport fisherman Water skiers

Don't rely on the owner of the boat to prepare and file your float plan. If you're a passenger it's your safety to. Coordinate with the captain of the boat to make sure a float plan is filed.

How do I file a float plan?

Members of USFloatplan.com only complete 3 easy steps to file a float plan.

• Prepare your float plan information
• Open your float plan
• Close your float plan

Emergency Procedures

1. Review the Overdue notification email. Check the Float plan for the date and time of the scheduled check-ins, and make sure that the check-in “is” overdue. Continue only if you still have concern.
2. Attempt to contact the CAPTAIN of the vessel using the cell phone number(s) listed in the filed Float Plan. Continue only if you still have concern.
3. Attempt to contact the CREW of the vessel using the phone number(s) listed under the crew list within the Float Plan. Ask if anyone at that number has any info on the status of the captain and crew of the vessel. Continue only if you still have concern.
4. If the CAPTAIN and/or CREW are located, advise the Captain that an “overdue notification” email has been sent by USFloatplan and that the Float Plan needs to be Closed. Continue only if you still have concern.
5. If the Captain and Crew have not been contacted and you still have concerns for their safety and well being, dial 911.
6. Tell the dispatcher that you are "reporting a boat overdue for check-in" or a "marine safety concern". The dispatcher will instruct you.
   

Note: The U.S. Coast Guard does not accept float plans and should only be notified by your contacts if there is a "deviation" from the intended float plan.