Boating Trip Plans

Trip Plans

Another useful safety measure is filing a trip plan. Before heading out, the operator of a pleasure craft should complete a thorough trip plan and file it with a responsible person who is familiar with the instructions to follow in case of emergency. During the trip, the plan should be updated to avoid an unnecessary call for help should you decide to deviate from your original plan. Filing a trip plan will assist rescuers when it is necessary to initiate a call for search and rescue in case of emergency.

The trip plan should contain the following information:

• name and registration number of craft
• type of craft .. sailing or power driven
• name, address and phone # of owner
• number of persons on board
• size, type and colour of craft
• engine type (inboard, outboard)
• distinguishing features of craft
• type of radiotelephone and channel monitored
• safety equipment on board
• emergency instructions
• trip description: departure time, return time, and proposed route

Pre-departure Checklist

Another helpful tip is to make and fill-out a checklist of all required equipment and supplies prior to leaving the dock. This will help to avoid situations which could lead to unnecessary emergencies, (such as running out of fuel, dehydration, hypothermia etc).

Emergency Kit

An emergency kit is an item that is often overlooked when equipping a pleasure craft. These items could be kept in a plastic bag or a sealable watertight plastic container of sufficient size.

This kit should include:

• a flashlight
• a whistle
• a knife
• a first aid kit
• emergency rations
• drinking water
• dry clothing.