What must be completed prior to embarking on a boating trip?

The completion of a float plan is crucial prior to embarking on a boating trip because it serves several essential purposes for safety and communication. A float plan outlines your travel itinerary, including the departure and arrival times, the routes you plan to take, and details about your vessel and passengers. This information is vital for alerting authorities and loved ones about your whereabouts in case of an emergency. If you do not return as planned, the float plan enables rescuers to have a clearer understanding of where to search for you.

While checking weather reports, conducting trailer inspections, and performing fuel checks are all important aspects of preparing for a safe boating experience, they do not provide the same level of critical information for safety and search-and-rescue purposes as a float plan does. Therefore, filing a float plan is a fundamental step in ensuring that you have taken the necessary precautions for your trip and that others know how to respond if something goes wrong.