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Float plan could make or break trip

By WILBUR SCOTT
Published August 27, 2006

I have written many articles in the past regarding safe boating operations and what kinds of safety equipment and other emergency items you should have on board before leaving the dock.

There is one important item that I need to drive home to each and every boater, regardless of the size or type of vessel.

The difference between this small item and the other equipment that I have written about and recommended in the past is the fact that this item is one that remains ashore, and not on the vessel, and yet it can very well spell the difference between a happy ending or a tragedy on the water.

It is called a "float plan."

It is nothing more than a piece of paper that you will leave with a reliable person who can be depended upon to notify authorities if you fail to return as scheduled.

The paper should contain the numbers and names of all people on board, any special medical considerations, where you plan to go, the location of the launch area or marina where you will depart from, a complete description of your vessel, types and quantity of survival equipment on board, whether you have a marine radio and navigational equipment on board, and when you expect to return.

The following instructions should also be included: "If operator has not returned or arrived by: Date _____ Time ____, call the U.S. Coast Guard (or other local authority) at (352) 447-6900 (Yankeetown station).

It may interest you to know that more than half of the calls received at the U.S. Coast Guard's Yankeetown station are from worried callers reporting boaters who have not returned from a fishing or pleasure boat trip.

But when the callers are asked for vital information that could help in a rescue, they often are unable to provide it.

Also, if for any reason you should decide to delay your return, remember to notify the person with whom you left your float plan, and also advise the person of the time you now expect to return.

All of us at Homosassa Flotilla 15-04 of your U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary wish you and yours a safe and pleasant time on the water.

Editor's note: This is one of a series of guest columns that are run periodically.

Today's column is written by Wilbur B. Scott, assistant public affairs officer for Flotilla 15-04 of Homosassa. Visit its Web site www.uscgaux.org/~0701504. To contact him, e-mail seacapt34447@yahoo.com or write to P.O. Box 2084, Homosassa Springs, FL 34447-2084.

[Last modified August 27, 2006, 06:40:15]