File a Float Plan Before Heading Out !
July 10, 2012 A float plan is a written description that you leave with someone before you head out in your boat (or kayak, or canoe, etc.) It's an easy way to insure that you will be missed if you don't return and will tell those looking for you the information they’ll need to know. It also allows the marina to make sure a transient guest is not in your slip when you return. Even if you are just going for a few hours, let someone know where you expect to be and when you expect to return. If you plan an overnite or longer cruise, leave a copy of a written float plan with the Dock Master, marina or friend. A float plan includes a description of your boat, who’s on board, where you plan on going, and when you expect to return. If your plans change, notify the person holding your float plan to avoid unnecessary worry and possible waste of search and rescue resources. Instruct the person holding the float plan to notify the Coast Guard or other appropriate agency if you do not return within a reasonable time after your planned return date, taking into account weather, etc. Do not attempt to file the form with the Coast Guard, as they will not accept float plans. Some links for preformatted float plans are below. Please note that these can be filled out and saved, allowing you to only change the dates and destination info as required for future trips! Fill them out, save and e-mail them to the appropriate contact or if you trailer launch, put it on the dash of your car at the ramp. http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/FloatPlan.pdf http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/float_planning.aspx http://www.usps.org/cgi-bin/fplan.cgi There's even an app for that !! http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/float-plan/id515421694?ls=1&mt=8 Contacts: Harbor Master, Norwalk Cove Marina: E-Mail: val@norwalkcove.com Ph (203) 838-5899 Fax (203) 853-8168 Harbor Master, Rex Marine: E-Mail: wgardellajr@rexmarine.com Ph (203) 866-5555 Fax (203) 866-2518 Capt. Rick DelfosseCategories: None