Float plan checklist
Version 1 · https://conformata.io/checklists/aviation-marine/float-plan-checklist · Made with Conformata. Guidance, not legal advice; sources at https://conformata.io/checklists/aviation-marine/float-plan-checklist/sources
Float plan checklist
Free float plan checklist: vessel description, people aboard, route, return time and shore contact, plus the federal safety equipment to have on board.
- Sections
- 7
- Checks
- 41
- Critical
- 2
- Sources
- 34
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Fill this in before every trip, give a copy to a person you trust who stays ashore, and tell that person when you are back. If your plans change on the water, tell them too.
Vessel name, if any
Registration number shown on the bow, or documentation number
Type of vessel *
PowerboatSailboatPersonal watercraftKayak or canoeStand-up paddleboardOther
Length of the vessel *
ft
Hull color, deck or cabin color, and any stripes or markings *
Other features that help someone recognize the vessel from the air or water
Recent photo of the vessel
Use “Photo” below to add photos from this device.
Engine type and number of engines
Fuel capacity
US gal
A marine VHF radio is on board
YesNo
Radio channel monitored and call sign, if any
Mobile phone number of someone on board *
A distress beacon (EPIRB or personal locator beacon) is on board
YesNo
Record what is actually on board. Federal carriage rules for recreational vessels are summarized in the help text; your state may add its own.
At least one wearable life jacket (PFD) is on board for each person *
YesNo
Number of wearable life jackets on board
A throwable flotation device is on board
YesNoN/A
Every child under 13 aboard will wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket while under way, unless below decks or in an enclosed cabin *
YesNoN/A
Visual distress signals for day and night use are on board
YesNoN/A
A launcher is on board for any distress signal that needs one
YesNoN/A
A whistle, horn or other means of making an efficient sound signal is on board *
YesNo
The boat carries the number and type of fire extinguishers that apply to it
YesNoN/A
Fire extinguishers are accessible, unused, within their service life and in working condition
YesNoN/A
The certificate of number (registration), in paper or digital form, is on board
YesNoN/A
Other survival gear on board
Name of the operator *
Operator's familiarity with this vessel and area
Familiar with both the vessel and the areaFamiliar with the vessel, new to the areaFamiliar with the area, new to the vesselNew to both
Total number of people on board *
Name, age and phone number of each person on board *
Vehicle and trailer left at the launch point: make, color and license plate
Departure point (marina, ramp or beach) *
Departure date and time *
Route and destination, including planned stops *
Expected return date and time *
Time after which your contact should call for help if they have not heard from you *
The marine weather forecast for the trip area has been checked *
YesNo
Name and phone number of the person holding this float plan *
Numbers your contact should call if you are overdue *
A copy of this plan has been given to the shore contact *
YesNo
After the trip: the shore contact was told you are back
YesNo
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Frequently asked questions
What safety equipment has to be on a recreational boat?
At least one wearable life jacket for each person [18], plus a throwable PFD on recreational vessels 16 ft or longer [19]. On coastal waters, boats 16 ft or longer also carry visual distress signals [4] [9], and motorboats carry fire extinguishers unless an exception applies [28]. Your state may add more.
Do children have to wear life jackets on a boat?
Do kayaks and canoes need life jackets?
Built from 34 official sources
Every check traces to the text it is based on. Read the purpose, how to use it, the rules behind it, what it does not cover and every source.
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Guidance, not legal advice. It does not replace the law, the manufacturer's instructions or your organization's competent people, and completing it does not certify that work is safe.