How long should float plans be filed?

How long should float plans be filed?

• A. One day past ETA
• B. One week past ETA
• C. One month past their ETA
• D. Three months past ETA

Answer: (C)

Float plans exist to pass voyage details to a responsible person or authority and to guide search and rescue if a vessel goes overdue. The practical rule is to have the float plan filed and kept current within about 30 days after the estimated time of arrival. This window provides a timely trigger for action if the vessel doesn’t make the ETA, while avoiding retaining outdated information for too long. Action too soon after the voyage begins doesn’t give the crew time to encounter delays, and waiting much longer can delay SAR efforts and complicate the response. So, filing within one month past the ETA is the appropriate guideline.

Float plans exist to pass voyage details to a responsible person or authority and to guide search and rescue if a vessel goes overdue. The practical rule is to have the float plan filed and kept current within about 30 days after the estimated time of arrival. This window provides a timely trigger for action if the vessel doesn’t make the ETA, while avoiding retaining outdated information for too long. Action too soon after the voyage begins doesn’t give the crew time to encounter delays, and waiting much longer can delay SAR efforts and complicate the response. So, filing within one month past the ETA is the appropriate guideline.