Digital Float Plan
A valuable search and rescue resource should an unexpected event occur.
Vessel Identification
Search and rescue teams must sometimes distinguish your vessel from others so clear information identifying a vessel. Some fields in the report are name, hailing port, identification numbers, hull material, color, trim color, dimensions, manufacturer and model.
Communication Equipment
Knowing what communication equipment is onboard and the method of use also helps searchers. Fields may include call sign, MMSI number, radios onboard, AIS onboard and EPIRB numbers.
Propulsion
While a vessel powered by wind or motor is good to know, additional information such as fuel onboard, backup propulsion systems are used with tracking data to target the vessel's location and distance it might have traveled.
Navigation
With modern navigation tools it is rare that a vessel gets lost at sea. However, and incident such as total loss of power or a lightning strike could render navigation tools unusable. It helps teams to know what tools are onboard.
Safety & Survival
Should an unfortunate even occur the safety and survival equipment onboard is critical. It helps to provide information on equipment available, distress signals to look for (audible and visual) and the available food water to keep the crew healthy.
Crew & Guests
An accounting of the captain and crew is critical and helps support teams to know what resources make needed to provide assistance once arriving at the crews location.
Passage
Information is included on the port and country of departure, port and country targeted for arrival, planned and actual departure and arrival times.
Planned Route
Data incorporated in the original GPX route file and any updates uploaded and available in the systems are included to show planned waypoints and anticipated arrival times.
Actual Track
Detailed is available as of the most recent update on the actual track the vessel. Information may include latitude, longitude, local time, rate of movement, distance from last entry, wind speed, wind direction and last waypoint passed. This information is critical for a search team as it helps pinpoint the last vessel location.