About Float Plans: Filing Your Plan

"Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things."

--Peter F. Drucker

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Filing Your Plan

Dependability, Reliability, and Trust


	Photo by Michael Brodey, District 11 SR

Now that you've finished preparing your Float Plan, you need to leave it with someone--someone you trust. A person who will follow-up if you don't check-in or return as planned. A family member, a neighbor, marina operator, park ranger, and so on. You may not, however, file your plan with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Help for the Holder of Your Plan

A key component of the float plan is the Boating Emergency Guide™. The exclusive guide is designed specifically for the holder of your Float Plan, and is only available from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and Float Plan Central. It provides important step-by-step instructions on what to do should you not check-in or return as planned. You can either:

Print the Guide on the Reverse Side of the Float Plan

Printing the guide on the back of the Float Plan ensures that the guide cannot be inadvertently misplaced. This approach is ideal when you are giving a copy of your plan to someone.

Print it Separately

Many plan holders also like to leave a copy of their plan on top of the dash board of their vehicle. When using this approach, print the guide on a separate sheet of paper. That way both the plan and guide are visible from the windshield of your vehicle.

As a further convenience to you and the holder of your plan, the Boating Emergency Guide™ is also available online, and accessible from Float Plan Central's homepage.

Generally speaking, you should print two (2) copies of your float plan. One for you to take with you for reference, and one to file with the person you designated to hold you plan. If you have a change of plans, it is a simple matter of noting the changes on your copy and notifying the holder of those changes.

WARNING:

Many boaters have indicated that they like to leave an additional copy on the dash of the their vehicle. Although the idea is good in theory, in today's world, there is a definite risk associated with leaving a document containing personally identifiable information in easy view for anyone to see. Therefore, Float Plan Central does not recommend this practice.