PAGE 4 • WINTER 2005 THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SAILING ASSOCIATION
SAFETY AT SEA - FLOAT PLANS ARE KEY
By Wayne Spivak, USCG Auxiliary
W
hen you think of the Coast Guard, what comes
BOSTON June 13th- Coast Guard First
to mind? For many, the orange and blue racing
District received a call at 3:15 p.m.,
stripe; others talk about how the Coast Guard
today from the brother of an overdue
does maritime search and rescue missions.
boater aboard the sailing vessel Exody
who was expected to arrive in Bass
While the Coast Guard and Auxiliary do practice and
Harbor, Maine, at the Morris Yachts.
hone their search and rescue (SAR) techniques, we are
Steve Willingham, 57, left the Long
even more interested in preventing the recreational
Wharf in Boston for Bass Harbor, Maine,
boating public, as well as commercial boaters, from
in a 26-foot sailing vessel Exody June 4.
getting into situations where SAR is required.
Willingham last communicated with his
brother from his cell phone while he was
For recreational boaters, we have developed a simple five-
in the vicinity of Gloucester, Mass. No
minute form that can literally save your life. Every parent
one has since heard from Willingham.
I know, when they leave their children with a babysitter,
asks the following question as they walk out the door:
This press release was submitted shortly before this article
“You have our contact numbers, right?” As a boater, why
was written. This is a perfect example of how a Float Plan
not do the same? A float plan is a simple to use form
can be of major assistance to the Coast Guard. A Float Plan
that, like the telephone number you leave the babysitter,
asks the following types of questions: The vessel’s name,
is a means for the Coast Guard to know who to look for,
type, propulsion, types of electronics (radio and navigation),
where to look, and what type of boat you’re on, in the
safety and survival equipment, the crew, (who are they,
event that you don’t return home when you planned.
where do they live, etc.) and finally, the vessel’s itinerary.
What is a Float Plan?
What do I do with my Float Plan?
A Float Plan is similar to a pilot’s flight plan in that it is
The Float Plan is given or sent to those people who are
a simple form that lists the information about you and
expecting the vessel at each stop on its itinerary. So you
your vessel. The difference is, unlike a flight plan, which
would give a copy to a neighbor who would expect you
is filed with the FAA, the float plan is not filed with the
home at a given time, a marina that you headed to as
Coast Guard. However, the Float Plan asks the questions
either a stop over or even a major fueling point, and your
that will assist the Coast Guard, should your vessel fail to
final destination.
reach its intended port at the appropriate time.
continued on page 8
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