Float Plan Template - Get FREE Editable PDF

Float plan template

About the Float plan template

A float plan template is essential for ensuring the safety and preparedness of your boating trips. This template provides your team with a structured approach to planning voyages, ensuring all critical details are documented. By using this checklist, you can enhance safety, coordinate logistics, and ensure communication with emergency contacts. This template empowers your organization to proactively manage boating safety, facilitating thorough planning and timely updates.

Streamline your planning process and prevent emergencies

The primary goal of our float plan template is to provide a comprehensive framework for documenting essential trip details and ensuring safety on the water. This template ensures all critical areas are covered, helping your team manage trip logistics and maintain communication. By using this template, you can streamline the planning process, address potential risks early, and enhance overall trip safety. Regular use of this float plan helps prevent emergencies and ensures your organization is prepared for any situation. It supports a proactive approach with detailed documentation and regular updates. Ultimately, this template fosters a safe and enjoyable boating experience, enhancing preparedness and peace of mind for your team and passengers.

Key elements of the float plan template

Our template includes crucial components to ensure thorough planning:

Boat information: Record details such as the boat name, type, registration number, length, and color. This foundational information helps identify your vessel and ensure comprehensive coverage during the trip.
Trip details: Document departure and arrival locations, dates, and times. Include fuel capacity and estimated fuel consumption to ensure your trip is well-planned and resources are managed effectively.
Safety equipment: Verify the presence of essential safety equipment such as life jackets, flares, radios, flashlights, and emergency locator beacons. Ensuring this equipment is on board and functional is vital for maintaining safety during your voyage.
Emergency contacts: Provide contact information for primary and alternate emergency contacts. This ensures that someone onshore is aware of your trip details and can initiate a response if necessary.
Additional notes: Include any additional information or special considerations relevant to your trip, such as weather conditions, crew members, or specific safety protocols. This section allows for customization and ensures all aspects of the trip are considered.

Each section guides your team through essential planning tasks, ensuring nothing is overlooked. This comprehensive approach enhances boating safety management, promoting preparedness and security within your organization.

Get started with Lumiform’s float plan template

Ready to ensure a safe and well-prepared boating trip? Download Lumiform’s free float plan template today and implement a robust strategy for managing your voyages. Our user-friendly template will help your team ensure safety, coordinate logistics, and maintain high standards. Act now—take the first step towards a secure and enjoyable boating experience! Download your free template and set new standards with Lumiform.

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Preview of the template

Vessel Information

Instructions: Complete this plan before any boating activity, and share it with trusted people whom you can depend on to alert the Coast Guard and other rescue agencies should you not return or check-in as scheduled. You should notify (e.g. send a notification using this digital checklist or call them via phone) the people holding your float plan in case of changes or delays. If you return safely, notify the people who have your float plan.

Identification

Take a photo of your boat from the docking area

Vessel's Name

Hailing Port

Document/Registration Number

Hull Identification Number

Year, Make & Model

Length

Type

Draft

Hull Material

Hull and Trim Colors

Prominent Features

Propulsion

Input the 1) Type, 2) Engine, and 3) Fuel Capacity

Primary

Auxiliary

Communication

Email Address

Cell/Satellite

Radio Call Sign/Number

DSC MMSI No.

Type

Channel/Frequency Monitored

Navigation

Do you have a working compass?

Do you have charts?

Do you have a radar?

Do you have a clear map?

Do you have a working GPS/DGPS?

Do you have a depth sounder?

Other items available

Trip Details

You can attach an image (in .jpg or .png) of the map of your itinerary for visual reference

Attach image here

Departure

Departure Date and Time

Location/Waypoint

Have you checked-in?

If you chose 'Yes' for the question above, you may a) click on the paper clip icon and b) choose 'Add Action' to send a check-in notification email to the person/s you shared your float plan with. You may also opt to attach a selfie of you which recipients can access when they open the email notification.

Stopover Points

If there stopovers in your itinerary, click "Add Stopover Point"

Reason for stop

Arrival at Stopover Point

Departure from Stopover Point

Location/Waypoint

Arrival

Arrival Date and Time

Location/Waypoint

Have you checked-in?

Safety and Survival Equipment On Board

For a more thorough check of safety equipment, you can use the Boat Safety Equipment Checklist as appendage to this Float Plan. OPEN LINK below to access the checklist. https://public-library.Lumiform.io/products/boat-safety-equipment-checklist

Visual Distress Signals

Do you have an electric distress light (for night use)?

Do you have a flag (for day use)?

Do you have aerial flares (for day and night)?

Do you have handheld flares (for day and night)?

Do you have a signal mirror (for day use)?

Do you have smoke signal (for day use)?

Audible Distress Signals

Do you have bells?

A horn?

A whistle?

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

Unique Identity Number (UIN)

Additional Equipment/Tools

Do you have an anchor?

Anchor's line length

Do you have charts/maps?

Do you have a dewatering device?

Do you have a compass?

Do you have paddles?

Do you have fire extinguishers?

No. of Fire Extinguishers Available

Do you have flashlights/searchlight?

Do you have raft/dinghy?

Do you have flashlights/searchlights?

Do you have sufficient food and water per person onboard the vessel?

How much food and water are available?

Persons Onboard

Operator

Full Name

Complete Address (e.g. House/Building No., Street, City, State, Zip Code)

Age

Gender

Home Phone Number

Mobile Phone Number

Radio Channel (HF):

Radio Channel (VHF):

Radio Channel (MF):

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) UIN

Do you have your Personal Flotation Device (PFD)?

Did you have experience with this vessel?

Are you familiar with the boating area?

Did you bring a vehicle (e.g. tow vehicle or trailer) to the port?

Vehicle (Year, Make, Model, and Color)

Vehicle License No.

Vehicle's Parking Location

Passengers/Crew

Identify all on board. EPIRB and PLB registration required by Federal regulations.

Name

Address

Age

Gender

Emergency Contact Information

PFD

Passenger PLB UIN

Additional Note

Contact List

Contact Person's Name

E-Mail

Mobile Number

Home Number

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Frequently asked questions

Why is it important for your organization to have a float plan?

Having a float plan is crucial for ensuring the safety of your team during maritime activities. A float plan details your intended route, estimated time of return, and emergency contacts, which can be invaluable in case of an emergency. By sharing this information with a trusted person onshore, you enhance the chances of timely assistance, thereby safeguarding your team and assets.

What common mistakes might your team make when creating a float plan?

Common mistakes in creating a float plan include providing incomplete information, failing to update the plan with changes, and not informing a reliable contact. These errors can hinder effective emergency response. Training your team to include all necessary details, such as vessel description and communication equipment, and to update the plan as needed, ensures that your organization is prepared for any unforeseen situations.

How can your organization effectively communicate float plans to ensure safety?

To effectively communicate float plans, your organization should establish a clear protocol for sharing this information with designated contacts. Utilize both digital and physical copies to ensure accessibility. Encourage your team to review and understand the plan before departure. Implementing a checklist can help ensure all critical information is included, thereby enhancing the safety and security of your maritime operations.

What should your team do if there are changes to the float plan during the trip?

If there are changes to the float plan during the trip, it is essential to communicate these updates immediately to your designated contact. This includes changes in route, estimated time of return, or any emergencies encountered. Ensuring your team is equipped with reliable communication tools and trained to provide timely updates can significantly improve response times and enhance the overall safety of your maritime activities.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.