Float Plan : a written statement of the details of an intended trip usually filed with a friend that specifically describes the kayaks , the equipment/gear , the names of all participants, and an itinerary of the trip.
A float plan is typically divided into 5 major sections:1. Kayak/Canoe section
- identify the boat, color, make, model, etc.
2. Safety & Survival section
- what gear/equipment was brought along on the trip
3. People section
- how many people they need to look for, identifying characteristics of each person
4. Itinerary section
- arrival and departure dates/times
5. Emergency guide section
- what to do if someone has not checked-in or returned as planned.
The plan can often be supplemented with
- a map or drawing of the trip area, with the route clearly identified.
- digital photos of the kayaks or canoes
- digital photos of the participants
ONLY give the Float plan to a dependable, reliable, trustworthy person
who will follow-up if you don't check-in or return as planned.
When the trip has ended - shut it all down - close all loose ends - let everyone know it's over.
It is your responsibility to let others know the plan can then be discarded.
Consequences of not closing:
- Failure to close a plan promptly may result in waste of (SAR) search and rescue resources.
- It of paramount importance to close your plan as one of the first things you do when you return home.
To read the original article or to find other articles by Willi Gutmann please check out his page on Examiner.com
Tuesday, 12 October 2010 17:56
Kayaking float plans save lives and resources
Written by Willi Gutmann
A float plan is a Life Saving Device via a mere piece of paper with numerous facts accurately written for emergencies. Everyone thinks accidents only happen to "the other guy", not themselves. The outcome of an emergency is determined by communication of proper information in a timely manner. Relying only on the memory of someone you spoke with verbally is a big mistake that could cost lives.
Published in
How To Paddling
Tagged under
Kayak Reviews
The list below shows all the kayak brands that have been reviewed by our editors and community members.
- 3 Waters
- Advanced Elements
- Aquaglide
- Ascend
- BIC Sport
- Blue Sky Boatworks
- Bonafide
- Cabela's
- Crescent
- Current Designs
- Diablo
- Diablo Paddlesports
- DragonFly
- Driftsun
- Eddy Gear
- Eddyline
- Elie
- Elkton Outdoors
- Emotion Kayaks
- Evoke
- Feelfree
- Field and Stream
- Freedom Hawk
- Future Beach
- Hobie
- Hurricane
- Innova
- Jackson Kayak
- Kaku Kayak
- KC Kayaks
- Lifetime
- Liquidlogic
- LIVE Watersports
- Malibu
- Native Watercraft
- NRS
- NuCanoe
- Ocean Kayak
- Old Town
- Pelican
- Perception
- Riot Kayaks
- Santa Cruz
- Sea Eagle
- Sevylor
- Sun Dolphin
- Vanhunks
- Vibe
- Vibe Kayaks
- Viking Kayaks
- Wavewalk
- Wilderness Systems
Latest From The Forum
-
-
- Reloading the box
- Nice looking work !
- 15 hours 7 minutes ago
-
-
-
- Tournament Win and a bucket list fish
- Congratulations !
- 15 hours 11 minutes ago
-
-
-
- WTT - 2015 ride 135 for ride 115
- Still looking to trade if anyone is intrested.
- 1 day 2 hours ago
-
-
-
- Mid-Chesapeake Bay Report - 5/15/19
- 3 days 4 hours ago
-
-
-
- SonarChart Shading
- Here is the current list of coverage areas with SonarChart Shading, available with Navionics Hot Maps and Platinum+ updates....
- 3 days 4 hours ago
-
Recent How To's
More Related Articles Below! ___________________________
-
Bending Branches Angler Navigator is Proof that Paddles are Here to Stay
Despite the numerous ways that have been discovered to propel water vessels over the years, paddles have stuck around and remain as popular as ever. -
Fish Monkey Wants You To Catch More Fish With Their Cold Weather Series Gloves
If cold hands are the thing that is preventing you from performing at your peak kayak angling capacity, then Fish Monkey is confident that they can help. Their cold weather… -
Kayak Fishing Fails To Learn From (Part One)
As we all know, kayak angling is one of the greatest hobbies known to mankind and there is no better way to spend your free time. Unfortunately, it is also… -
Inflatable Kayak Maintenance Tips
There are still a lot of misconceptions when it comes to inflatable kayaks, especially when it comes to their strength and robustness. -
Tether for Low Tides
Tethers, they said, were useful for shallow water inshore fishing. I’ve had a tether on my kayaks ever since and found them essential if you want to fish any type…
Top How To's
Most Popular This Year! ___________________________
-
Kayak Fishing Fails To Learn From (Part One)
As we all know, kayak angling is one of the greatest hobbies known to mankind and there is no better way to spend your free time. Unfortunately, it is also…
-
Tether for Low Tides
Tethers, they said, were useful for shallow water inshore fishing. I’ve had a tether on my kayaks ever since and found them essential if you want to fish any type…
-
Fish Monkey Wants You To Catch More Fish With Their Cold Weather Series Gloves
If cold hands are the thing that is preventing you from performing at your peak kayak angling capacity, then Fish Monkey is confident that they can help. Their cold weather…
-
Inflatable Kayak Maintenance Tips
There are still a lot of misconceptions when it comes to inflatable kayaks, especially when it comes to their strength and robustness.
-
Bending Branches Angler Navigator is Proof that Paddles are Here to Stay
Despite the numerous ways that have been discovered to propel water vessels over the years, paddles have stuck around and remain as popular as ever.