Fill this out before every trip and get a copy to someone ashore. If you're not back when you said, they know what boat to look for, where it went, and who to call.
A searcher in a helicopter sees the top of your boat, not the side. Canopy, bimini and deck colour matter more than the hull.
Fuel and range set how big an area has to be searched. If you carry an EPIRB or PLB, its registered ID is the single most useful thing on this page.
Searchers usually check the ramp parking lot first — a truck and trailer still sitting there is the fastest confirmation that a boat never came off the water.
This person holds your float plan. Agree a grace period before you leave — and call them when you're back so nobody launches a search you don't need.
If overdue — what your shore contact does
Call 911
911 is right everywhere. Dispatch will pass it to whoever owns the search.
On coastal and navigable water, you can also hail the Coast Guard directly on VHF channel 16.
On inland lakes and rivers, search and rescue is usually run by the county sheriff rather than the Coast Guard. 911 reaches them.
A float plan left on your own laptop protects nobody. Send it to someone before you go.
Boat the same water often? Save your boat, crew, and shore contact so the next plan fills itself in, and close it out when you are back.