A very important part of using a plan is closing it.  That is, notifying the person or persons holding your plan that:

• Your trip has ended

• You and your crew are safely ashore

• The plan may be immediately discarded

Your Responsibility

Under normal circumstances, you (the preparer) are responsible for closing your plan.

However, if a Search and Rescue has taken place as a result of you not checking-in or returning as planned, your Float Plan will be closed by the rescuing agency when mission has concluded.

Consequences of not Closing

What can happen if you don't close your plan?  A lot!

Failure to close a plan promptly may result in a needless application of search and rescue resources, since the holder of the plan is expected to follow through on what they would perceive as you not checking-in or returning as planned.

It is paramount then, that you make closing your plan one of the first things you do when you return home.