What is the primary function of a float plan?

The primary function of a float plan is to communicate trip information to family or friends. A float plan provides critical details about your boating trip, such as the vessel's name, registration number, the exact route you plan to take, the number of passengers on board, and the expected return time. This information is vital in case of an emergency, as it allows search and rescue teams to quickly identify where you might be and what your intended route was. By leaving a float plan with someone who is not on board, you enhance safety by ensuring there is a point of contact who can alert authorities if you do not return as planned. The other options, while related to boating safety and operations, do not encapsulate the core purpose of a float plan.