Filing a float plan electronically

DAILY DOT COM - Many experts say their number one complaint, when searching for a missing boater, is having little information to go on because the individual didn’t file a float plan.

“While the use of EPIRBs, PLBs, radios, and cell phones are great safety measures, filing a float plan is the most important & basic form of safety any boater of any size vessel can do, “said Jay Helms, Big Tuna apps.  

Whether it's fishing for red snapper, or a little kayaking trek up Wolf Bay; it's a good idea for recreational boaters to leave a float plan behind.  Most float plans include a description of your boat, a list of who is on board, what kind of safety equipment you have, where you expect to be, and when you expect to be there.

There's no special or official form, most people use some sort of template like this  one .  However  Big Tuna apps  say using your smartphone or computer tablet might be easier.

“Sometimes written float plans can be cumbersome and time consuming,” Helms said.

The Perdido Key based-company recently developed  Float Plan .  It’s an application that offers an alternative to a written float plan.  Users download the app to file a float plan electronically…the makers say it only takes about a minute.

"We believe every boater, regardless of vessel size or expected trip length, should file a float plan,” explained Helms.  “That can be from a paddle boat, or kayak to a cruise off shore vessel or anything in between."

The Float Plan will send copies to your love ones, yacht club, or marina.  In addition to having the following updated features:

• Added iCalendar integration - automatically sets up reminders to cancel your float plan and let your loved ones know you have returned safely 
• Added Trace Route functionality - now provide your loved ones with an image of the route you expect to take. 
• Split out Power/Sail Boat options vs. Paddle Boat options 
• Added options specific for Paddle Boats (kayaks, canoes, paddle boards) 

The app costs $1.99 in Apple’s iTunes store.