YOUR FLOAT PLAN
.... Don't Leave Port Without It!
If there is no record of your boating plans on file, there could be
dangerous delays trying to locate you when.... 
- batteries or alternators fail
- phone, radio or other communications don't work
- emergency location devices do not function properly
- weather changes drive you off course or capsize your vessel
- other unexpected occurences put you in danger
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When an emergency at sea occurs, time is extremely important. Letting the Coast Guard know where and when to begin a search can save considerable time
and effort. A float plan can help avoid lost rescue opportunities.
Rob Buckles, Captain, USCGR |
What is a FLOAT PLAN?
Just as all pilots are required by the FAA to file a flight plan, all
boaters are advised by the US Coast Guard to file a FLOAT PLAN
before every boat outing, whether for a few hours, or..... around
the world. A FLOAT PLAN is your lifeline to prompt rescue should
anything go wrong.
The special registration information you provide when registering
for our service is designed to help USCG or Rescue personnel to
locate you as quickly as possible and with supplies that may be
needed for your rescue including any medical needs, safety or
survival equipment.
Just as you shouldn't leave the dock without your life
jackets, don't leave without filing your Float-Plan.
Jan Saxton, Past President
Marine Industries Association of South Florida |
How does it work?
Using a special form we provide, you register information about yourself
and your vessel with BoatFloats.com Float Plan Registration Service.
This initial registration information is exactly what Rescue Operations
will need in the event of a problem. Too often, even when Rescue is
notified that a boat is overdue, they do not have the specific information
they need to do their job in the most effective manner.
Once we receive your registration information, we will make a web page
for you that is your unique page for filing your float plans. Each time you
take your boat on a trip you fill in a simple "quick-file" form on this page
that gives details of your boating plans (your Float Plan). This could be
an excursion of 2-3 hours, days or a trip of any length. In the case of
long voyages the float plan would be broken down into segments. Your
registration information will already be in place on this form so you will not
need to fill it in each time.
The form can now be printed and faxed or given to a friend/relative
of your choice (or more than one). Or you can copy and paste the
contents into an email and email it to a friend.
If you do not return on time, they will have ALL the technical information
they need to alert Search and Rescue and locate you promptly.
 Why can't I just file with the Coast Guard direct?
Because the Coast Guard does not accept float plans. Most people leave float plans with friends or relatives but too often the information is incomplete for quick search and rescue. With our service, the proper registration information is always available and using "quick-file" it will just take you a few moments to file a new plan.
Whether you are a professional Captain or a new boat owner, a Float Plan could save your life!
Richard A. McCleary, Retired
FBI, Pilot and Boat Captain |
Filing a float plan means more than just helping search and rescue forces find you if you are overdue. It tells them WHEN to start looking.
Ted Rankine
Chairman, Safe Boating Council |
Can I amend my registration
information when something
changes?
Yes, you may change your registration information anytime
at no additional cost. You may register additional boats at a
reduced cost.
DO NOT BE CAUGHT UNPREPARED... PRACTICE SAFE
BOATING BY FILING A FLOAT PLAN FOR EVERY TRIP
YOU MAKE!
Click below to enroll for your Float Plan Registration. Once you have paid,
you will be redirected to a website where you can fill in your initial vessel
registration.
Your web page will be created for you within 48 hours and from that point
on you can quick-file your future float plans.
SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICING:
JUST $9.95
NOTE: it is often possible to receive a discount on your insurance provided a
FLOAT-PLAN was on file at the time of your loss.
I firmly believe that consistent use of float plans will enhance the boating public's safety and assist the Coast Guard and other search & rescue organizations by helping to eliminate some of the "search" from search and rescue.
J.J. Hamilton
Captain, U.S, Coast Guard |
FUTURE 24/7 PROFESSIONAL MONITORING OF FLOAT PLANS:
We are in the process of developing custom-designed proprietary
software that will run on dedicated servers with full back-up and
monitored by humans 24 hours a day. When an alert (overdue vessel)
sounds, a staff member will initiate the pre-com, then if necessary
the alerting of search and rescue. This will ensure professional
monitoring of your trips 24 hours a day. Those enrolled in our float
plan registration will receive a special discount on this service.
BoatFloats.com is owned by
Captain Stanley G. Konz, AMS
Accredited Marine Surveyor
10443 Waterbird Way
Bradenton, Florida, 34209
Toll-free: 888-857-9116
Local: 941-792-9116
Fax: 941-761-8908
Email: captstan@boatquotes.com
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