A USCG Float Plan functions as a safety agreement between a vessel’s skipper and a designated onshore contact (a reliable family member, marina manager, or trusted friend).

Crucial Operational Rule: Never file a float plan directly with the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard does not accept or track float plans for recreational vessels. Keep the plan with your onshore contact, who will use it to alert authorities if you become overdue.

Page 1: Vessel Identification, Propulsion, and Safety Gear

Page 1 provides search and rescue (SAR) teams with visual identification details and emergency equipment capabilities.

Section 1: Vessel Description

  • Vessel Name: Enter the registered name appearing on the transom or bow.
  • Registration / Documentation Number: Enter state registration numbers (e.g., CF 1234 AB) or USCG Coast Guard Official Documentation numbers.
  • Manufacturer & Model: Specific make and model (e.g., Boston Whaler Outrage 230).
  • Length & Type: Overall length in feet; specify hull type (e.g., Open Center Console, Flybridge Cruiser, Sloop, Kayak).
  • Hull & Trim Colors: Primary hull color and distinguishing accent colors (e.g., White hull, Navy Blue canvas top, Red boot stripe).
  • Prominent Distinguishing Features: List items visible from the air or at distance (e.g., Radar arch, outriggers, yellow kayaks on deck, cracked starboard windshield).

Section 2: Propulsion System

  • Engine Type: Specify Outboard, Inboard, Stern Drive (I/O), Jet, or Sail/Manual.
  • Number of Engines & Horsepower: Number of engines and rated HP (e.g., Twin 150 HP Outboards).
  • Fuel Type & Capacity: Total onboard fuel capacity in gallons (e.g., 120 Gallons, Gasoline).
  • Auxiliary Engine / Trolling Motor: Note secondary motors, horsepower, and fuel sources.

Section 3: Onboard Survival & Safety Gear

Check every box that applies and fill in specific quantities:

  PFDs / Life Jackets      [X] Quantity: 6 (4 Adult Type II, 2 Child)
  Distress Flares          [X] Expiration Date: 08/2028
  EPIRB / PLB              [X] Beacon Identifier: AD06B89220001C1
  Liferaft / Dinghy        [X] Capacity: 6 Person / Color: Bright Orange
  Medical / First Aid Kit  [X] Standard Offshore Kit
  Visual / Sound Signals   [X] Signal Mirror, Air Horn, Flashlight
  Food & Water             [X] 3 Days Emergency Rations / 10 Gal Water

Section 4: Electronics & Communication Equipment

  • Marine VHF Radio: Indicate fitted radios. List Call Sign and 9-digit MMSI Number for Digital Selective Calling (DSC).
  • Cellular Phone(s): List primary mobile numbers on board.
  • Satellite Phone / Messenger: Note handheld satellite devices (e.g., Garmin inReach ID / SPOT Tracker).
  • Radar & AIS: Indicate if active AIS transmission is equipped.

Page 2: Passenger Manifest & Towing Logistics

Page 2 identifies everyone on board and tracks vehicles parked at the launch point.

Section 5: Operator & Crew Manifest

  • Vessel Operator: Full name, phone number, physical address, and age. Detail boating experience level and medical conditions.
  • Passenger List: Full name, age, phone number, and physical address for every passenger.
  • Medical Information: Note allergies, prescription medications, or mobility issues (vital information for rescue personnel).

Section 6: Tow Vehicle & Trailer Description

If launching from a ramp:

  • Tow Vehicle: Year, Make, Model, Color, and License Plate State/Number.
  • Trailer: License Plate State/Number and description.
  • Parking Location: Facility or ramp name (e.g., Shelter Island Launch Ramp, Lot B, Space 42).

Page 3: Route Waypoints, Itinerary, and Timetable

Documenting route waypoints isolates the search area if communication is lost.

                     FLIGHT / ROUTE WAYPOINT TIMELINE
   
   [Departs Marina] ──► [Waypoint 1: Buoy A] ──► [Waypoint 2: Cove] ──► [Return Marina]
    0800 HRS             0930 HRS                 1200 - 1500 HRS         1800 HRS

Section 7: Flight / Route Itinerary

  1. Departure Point: Marina, ramp, or slip name; departure date and time.
  2. Intermediate Waypoints: List planned stops, fishing grids, or anchorages with estimated arrival/departure times:
    • Waypoint A: Catalina Harbor Anchorage (Arrive: 1100 / Depart: 1400)
    • Waypoint B: Farnsworth Bank Fishing Grid (Arrive: 1430 / Depart: 1630)
  3. Destination / Return Point: Final destination, expected arrival date, and target time.

Page 4: Emergency Contact Instructions for Plan Holder

This page acts as an operational algorithm for your onshore contact.

Section 8: Overdue Thresholds and Contact Triggers

  • Target Return Time: Fill in the scheduled return time (e.g., 1800 Hours).
  • Overdue Deadline: Set a firm “hard panic” time (e.g., 2000 Hours). If the holder has not heard from you by this time, they must initiate emergency contact.
<Sequence>
  <Step title="Attempt Direct Contact" subtitle="Wait Time: 0-15 Minutes past Overdue Deadline">
    The plan holder attempts to reach the skipper and passengers via Cell Phone, Satellite Messaging, or VHF Relay through local marinas.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Facility Status" subtitle="Wait Time: 15-30 Minutes">
    The plan holder contacts the destination harbor master or marina office to confirm whether the vessel has arrived or docked without calling in.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Notify Emergency Authorities" subtitle="Immediate Action at Overdue Deadline">
    If the vessel is unreached and overdue, the holder calls the local U.S. Coast Guard Sector Command Center or 911.
  </Step>
</Sequence>

Section 9: Coast Guard Reporting Protocol

Instruct your plan holder to have the completed float plan ready and report the following details to rescue operators:

  1. Vessel Registration and Physical Description
  2. Last Known Position and Route Waypoints
  3. Number of Passengers and Critical Medical Conditions
  4. Onboard Emergency Equipment (EPIRB / Flares / Raft)

Official Blank Float Plan PDF

Download the official fillable float plan form from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary:

DOWNLOAD BLANK FLOAT PLAN PDF (USCG AUXILIARY OFFICIAL FORM)

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