What information should a float plan contain?

A float plan is an essential safety tool for boaters that outlines critical information about their trip. The inclusion of a date and time for authorities to be contacted is particularly important because it establishes a clear timeline for when to initiate a search and rescue operation if the boat or crew does not return as scheduled. If something goes wrong, such as an accident or the boat becoming lost or stranded, having this specific information helps rescuers know when to start looking, increasing the chances of a successful recovery.

The other options, while relevant to boating safety, do not serve the same critical purpose that a date and time for contacting authorities does. A pre-departure checklist is more about ensuring that the boat is ready for the journey. A storm advisory listing pertains to weather conditions, and knowing emergency radio frequencies is helpful for communication. However, these elements do not provide the direct action needed for a rescue scenario, which is the primary focus of a float plan.