Float Plan & Departure Checklist
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional maritime safety advice, navigation guidance, or emergency response training. Always follow official Coast Guard regulations, NOAA weather advisories, manufacturer instructions, and certified training programs. In emergencies, contact the Coast Guard immediately on VHF Channel 16 or call 911.
Why this matters: A float plan reduces search time if you’re overdue. It gives a shore contact the exact “who/what/where/when” to hand to authorities fast.
Float Plan Checklist
- Vessel: name, registration/documentation, make/model, length, color, hull type
- Electronics: VHF/DSC, MMSI, handheld backup, phone numbers, sat device if any
- Safety gear: PFDs, flares, first aid, EPIRB/PLB if carried
- Departure: date/time, launch location, trailer/vehicle plate + parking location
- Route: intended route, waypoints, planned stops, fuel plan
- Return: expected return time + your “overdue threshold”
- POB: names, ages, medical needs, emergency contacts
Departure Checklist (Fast)
- Marine forecast + radar checked
- Fuel + range plan
- Bilge pump test / battery check
- Radio check (DSC on, channel plan)
- Float plan sent and confirmed
If You’re Overdue: Shore Contact Steps
- Try phone/text + VHF contact attempts.
- Call marinas/ramps or expected stops.
- If beyond the overdue window: contact authorities/USCG and provide float plan details.
What to Include in a Complete Float Plan
Vessel Information
- Vessel name and hailing port
- Registration/documentation number and state
- Make, model, year, length, and hull color
- Engine type, horsepower, and number of engines
- Trailer plate number and tow vehicle description + parking location
Communications Equipment
- VHF radio — fixed mount and/or handheld
- MMSI number (DSC-equipped radios)
- Cell phone numbers for all crew
- Satellite communicator or EPIRB/PLB if carried
Safety Equipment Aboard
- Number and type of PFDs
- Flare type and expiration date
- First aid kit, fire extinguisher
- EPIRB or PLB: make/model and MMSI/beacon ID
- Anchor and rode
Trip Details
- Departure point, date, and time
- Planned route and waypoints
- Destination(s) and planned stops
- Expected return time and overdue threshold
- Fuel capacity and range plan
Persons on Board (for each person)
- Full name, age, and physical description
- Medical conditions or special needs
- Emergency contact name and phone number
- Swimming ability (optional but useful)
Where to File Your Float Plan
The Coast Guard does NOT officially accept float plans — filing one with them creates no obligation. Instead, leave your float plan with a reliable shore contact who knows what to do if you're overdue.
- Shore contact: A responsible person who knows when to call for help — give them a specific overdue time
- Marina: Many marinas will hold a float plan — confirm they have a procedure for overdue vessels
- Digital options: Coast Guard Auxiliary Float Plan Central (floatplancentral.cgaux.org) stores your plan and provides a link to share with your shore contact
Offshore vs Coastal Float Plan Considerations
Coastal day trips: Basic vessel ID, route, return time, and one shore contact is sufficient.
Overnight and offshore passages: Add watch schedules, waypoints with ETAs, satellite contact schedule (if applicable), and emergency rendezvous points. Include EPIRB/PLB registration numbers explicitly.
Check-in schedule: For multi-day passages, establish a regular communication schedule (e.g., daily SSB or sat phone check-in). Missed check-in triggers a predetermined escalation process.