Float plan — what to leave with someone ashore
- Boat and voyage basics: boat name, registration or hailing details, description (length, colour, sail configuration, engine make), number of people aboard, and mobile and VHF call-sign or MMSI if you have one. These are the first things authorities or locals will ask for.
- Trip intentions: exact departure location and planned destination(s), intended route or waypoints, planned departure time and expected arrival time (or windows), and intended stops or anchorages. Be explicit about any planned detours or unconfirmed plans.
- Equipment and fuel: main engine/fuel state (hours or range), presence of an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons), satellite phone, handheld VHF, lifejackets and any notable modifications or hazards aboard.
- Communication plan: how frequently you will check in, preferred contact person ashore, and primary and backup communications (VHF channel, mobile, satphone, text schedule). Make a realistic check-in schedule and stick to it.
- Action triggers: specific conditions that will trigger the shore contact to escalate (for example: no check-in within X hours, delayed arrival by Y hours). Agree who they will call next (harbourmaster, local rescue service, police) and when.
- Documents and permissions: where to find the vessel’s paperwork, insurance details and next-of-kin contact for authorities, and any permits relevant to remote anchorages or parks.
Emergency kit — essentials for remote SA cruising Carry items that help you signal, survive and manage incidents until rescue. Scale the list to your boat size and number of crew, but include these basics:
- Distress signalling: registered EPIRB or PLB(s), hand-held VHF with spare battery, waterproof torch/headlamp with spare batteries, orange smoke or high-visibility signalling panel, and a mirror or whistle for short-range signalling.
- Personal safety and flotation: lifejackets for every person (worn in rough or uncertain conditions), throwable flotation, safety harnesses and tether points if you’re moving on deck at night or alone.
- Navigation and location: paper chart(s) and compass as backups, GPS, and spare charged powerbank for devices. Mark known safe anchorages along your route.
- First aid and medical: a comprehensive first-aid kit suited to longer waits for help, seasickness remedies, and any personal medications in clearly labelled waterproof containers. Know how to use the kit; consider a first-aid refresher course.
- Repair and redundancy items: hand pump and bilge supplies, sea anchor or drogue, basic tool kit, strong tape, spare fuel/oil, sail repair kit and anchor warp/chain spare. Include a small, reliable knife that’s easy to access.
- Food, water and shelter: emergency rations (high-energy, long-shelf-life), at least several litres of potable water per person plus a way to collect or treat water, and survival blankets or a foil shelter for hypothermia prevention.
- Lighting and visibility: flares if you choose to carry them (know legal and safe use), long-life LED flares or strobes, and spare batteries for all critical devices.
Why this matters (plain English) Remote stretches of the SA coast can be many hours from professional rescue and often have strong currents, unexpected weather changes and limited mobile coverage. A clear float plan speeds up a coordinated search; a well-chosen emergency kit keeps you alive, stabilises injuries and makes you findable. Both together reduce the time you’re exposed to risk and increase the chances of a successful outcome.
Important factors that change what you need
- Duration and distance of the trip: overnight and multi-day passages need more water, fuel, and redundancy than short day trips.
- Number and experience of crew: less-experienced crews need simpler, more reliable equipment and clearer check-in schedules.
- Boat type and condition: open boats or vessels with single-engine power require different fuel and flotation planning than a well-found cruiser.
- Season and weather: colder months increase hypothermia risk and change clothing, shelter and signalling needs; hot seasons affect water requirements.
Common mistakes or misunderstandings
- Vague float plans: “cruising the coast” or “around the corner” is not useful — be precise about times and places.
- Relying solely on mobile phones: coverage is patchy; carry at least one robust backup (EPIRB/PLB or satcomms) and a hand-held VHF.
- Storing equipment unusably: lifejackets in a locker, dead batteries or EPIRBs not registered reduce effectiveness. Check, service and practise with gear before you leave.
One realistic next step Prepare a simple written float plan template and leave it with a reliable shore contact today. Then run through your emergency kit — check expiry dates, batteries and that everyone aboard can operate the key items (VHF, lifejackets, EPIRB). If you’re unsure about anything, book a short practical safety refresher with a local club or trainer.
Scope and recommended checks This advice is practical and general for recreational skippers in South Australia. For site-specific rules, permitted equipment or formal requirements (for example park permits, carriage requirements for certain waterways, or formal reporting procedures), check the relevant South Australian authorities, harbourmasters or local rescue services before you depart.