Free insurance

As spring progresses and the welcomed conditions of summer inevitably creep up on us, a great number of anglers will venture to distant fishing grounds for extended periods of time in search of spectacular catches. Fair weather and calm seas trigger Gulf Coast fishermen to resume their regular schedule of running in excess of a hundred miles to fish platforms and oil rigs in the hopes of cashing in on the northern Gulf’s favorite pelagic predators.

West coast anglers will invest hours of travel time in the early morning hours slicing through small wavelets to reach the Elbow, Middle Grounds and other famed deep water haunts where they hope to connect with back-breaking grouper and record size snapper. Adventurous crews departing Key West Harbor will shoot straight for the Dry Tortugas or Marquesas on overnight excursions, while the state’s southeast fishermen will keep their bows pointed toward Bimini and the bountiful Bahamas.

Before departing on any extended trip, we highly recommend you leave a detailed float plan with a local marina, relative, or close friend. Float plans can also be filed and posted on the internet. There are a variety of boating related web sites designed to keep tabs on traveling boaters. Either way, make sure your land based contact is clearly aware of how to access and interpret the information. A float plan can be as lengthy and/or as detailed as you would like.

Use your best judgment, but at the bare minimum, your float plan should include the following pertinent information:

• Detailed vessel description: boat length, numbers, color, make, capacity, horsepower, type of engine(s), distinguishing characteristics, fuel capacity, etc.

• Expected departure time, intended destination(s), intended route, reason for visit, anticipated length of visit, expected return time.

• Date, time and location of pre-determined regularly scheduled check-ins with land based contact.

• Passenger information, names, brief descriptions, addresses, contacts for each in case of emergency.

• Clear, explicit instructions on who to contact, when to contact them, and exactly what actions to take in case the float plan is not followed.

Pre-Departure Checklist

You can assure a safe overnighter to a distant oil rig or an uneventful multi-day excursion to the islands by performing this simple pre-departure checklist.

• First and foremost, leave your detailed float plan with a responsible party who is clearly aware of what action to take in the event of an emergency.

• Check steering and throttle controls.

• Check to insure all lights are operational. Carry spare bulbs and fuses.

• Check engine compartment for oil leaks.

• Check hose connections and make sure all clamps are tight. Carry spare hose clamps.

• Drain water from engine compartment and be sure the bilge plug is secure (if applicable).

• Check ignition safety switch and wrist lanyard.

• Check to make sure you have required number of PFDs and that they are in perfect condition.

• Carry extra potable water and rations.

• Carry complete tool box, jumper cables, spark plugs, hoses, spare parts, etc.

Spending just a few minutes to file a float plan could mean the difference between life and death. Keep in mind, in the untimely event of an unexpected tragedy, a float plan by no means insures rescue. However, a detailed float plan will help commence a rescue operation and will greatly assist in considerably narrowing down the likely search area. For all the pieces to come together, it’s imperative that regularly scheduled communications with your land based contact be adhered to and that any changes in destination, route, or scheduled return time are clearly relayed to avoid false alarms. From all of us to all of you, be safe on the water this upcoming summer season. Catch ‘em up!

(Create a document of a Sample Float Plan with dotted lines around it:)

Captain:
Name________Address____________________phone______Brief Desc.____________
Passengers:
Name________Address____________________phone______Brief Desc.____________
Name________Address____________________phone______Brief Desc.____________
Name________Address____________________phone______Brief Desc.____________
Name________Address____________________phone______Brief Desc.____________

Destination:____________________________________________________________
Route:_________________________________________________________________
Anticipated check-in_______________Date____________Times______Location_____
Anticipated check-in_______________Date____________Times______Location_____
Anticipated check-in_______________Date____________Times______Location_____
Anticipated check-in_______________Date____________Times______Location_____

Vessel description: Make____Name______Model_______Size_________Color___________Numbers____
Power_________Fuel_______Distinguishing Characteristics______________________

Navigation & Communication Equipment Onboard________________Call Sign#_____
Safety Equipment onboard__________________________________________________

Emergency Contacts:______________________________________________________

Instructions: ____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________