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Prepare & File a Sail Plan:

Emergencies can, and do occur beyond the sight of others and outside the range of radio and cell-phone communications. Also, the nature of a difficulty may be such that there is little or no opportunity to issue a distress signal.  A properly filed sail plan will tell searchers where to look, in the event that you fail to arrive at your destination, or if you fail to report in as arranged.

Search and Rescue helicopter saving people in the water.

Before heading out on the water, operators of pleasure craft should inform a responsible person onshore as to where they plan to go, and their expected time of return (even if it's just a "three hour tour"

Ontario Boating League
8 - 63 Main St.
PO Box 5085
Penetanguishene ON
L9M 2G3
Phone: (705) 549-6500
Fax: (705) 549-6463
Emergency: (705) 528-9927

If your trip is expected to last more than a day, arrange to keep the appointed person informed of your current position, and any change of plan, so as to avoid unnecessary emergency actions.


No one you know on shore available to tell?  Sail plans (also called float or trip plans) may be filed with the Canadian Coast Guard, either in person, by telephone, or by calling them on your VHF marine radio.  Thunder Bay Coast Guard Station (serving the upper Great Lakes Region) telephone is (807) 345-5190

Provide your shore contact with the following information;

Sail & Float Plans

The Search & Rescue Telephone Number to call:          1 800 267-7270  (All of Central Canada)
(other locations, look on the first page of your local telephone book for the number)


  • Name, or license number of your boat.
  • Identify the boat as a powerboat or sailboat.
  • Owner or operators name, address, and telephone number, (onboard cell number if available).
  • Number of persons onboard.
  • Size, make and colour of the vessel.  Engine type, (gas, or diesel).
  • Distinguishing features of the vessel.radio type, (VHF, H.F., MF), and channels monitored.  (typically VHF, channel 16).
  • Safety Equipment carried, (rafts, dinghy, flares, and lifejackets).
  • Trip details, (departure date & time, destination, proposed route, stopover points, expected time of return)
  • Instructions, in case of emergency.
Once you have arrived at your destination, remember to close your sail plan, (by letting the person you filed your plan with know that you have arrived), to avoid launching a costly and unnecessary Search & Rescue Operation!

Shown at right is a Sail Plan Form from Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide.  It's a tear-out form that may be photo-copied, completed and given to your shore contact.  To order a free copy call, 1-888-830-4911.