A Float plan is a document that contains the information about one’s trip. This includes destinations, boat’s model, number, color, proper timing (time of departure as well as time of return), the routes that has to be taken, dates, days, number of passengers, their contact information (if possible) etc. The float plan is very crucial for the proper arrangement of the outing especially when it is destined for several days. It is like a timetable of what and where one is going to do something in the upcoming days. Therefore, before heading out on a journey, one must make a float plan for the outing.
- A Float Plan: There are certain steps to carry out a float plan. These steps are described below:
- It should include as much detail as can be possible. All the dates, time, routes, etc should be well mentioned in the float plan.
- The information of the other boaters or the passengers must also be included in the float plan because this can prove to be of great value in case something unfortunate happens.
- Also the information about the boat must be added. This includes the model, colour, type, and shape of the boat.
- The contact numbers must also be included. In case of an emergency, this can be very useful for the security purposes. Also in case of the loss of contact with the boaters, these emergency contact numbers can be dialled and then they can prove to be of high significance.
- Important measures:
The float plan must be shared with some trustworthy person. The person must be someone who can act quickly in case if the contact is lost and if the time of arrival is exceeded and there are no signs of the return of those who are on outing. The person must immediately contact the authorities and take some actions. In such matters, time is of great significance. Time must not be lost. The person should act immediately and fastly so that almost no time is lost in any of such cases. While someone has handed a person with a float plan, that person must not get himself busied in something else and must be vigilant at all costs.
For instance, Two young boys (originally from Florida, 1916) went missing when they go out on boating the pacific ocean. They did not make any float plans even if they do, they did not share it with any one. Unfortunately, they went missing. There were no modes of contact and the security took time. They searched as much as possible but could never find the two lost boys. This incidents highlights the importance of making a float plan and sharing it with a trustworthy person.
- Conclusion:
The stressed laid on making a float plan is of great value but the float plan is completely useless until and unless it is shared with some person. The making and sharing both plays a crucial role.