Personal Injury Law

What is a float plan?

By Steve Lombardi

A float plan is like a flight plan that pilot's use to advise potential rescue crews about the intended flight, the vessel, the safety equipment on-board and the means of communication available to the crew. In the case of a boat we are talking about the vessel itself, it's identification, the means of propulsion, telecommunications, navigation available to the boat crew, what visual distress signals rescuers should look for, what audible distress signals were available, what PFD's were on board, the ground tackle available and other gear for life saving measures. The float plan lists the operator's name, the type of boat and the names and addresses of the passengers expected onboard.

The Float Plan is free for the asking just follow the link. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary provides it and the Boating Emergency Guide for the asking.

Before leaving the dock fill out the plan and leave it with a responsible party who if you don't show up as planned can advise the Coast Guard and other available search and rescue operations.

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on July 15, 2009 (boomark / email).