Final answer:
A float plan should be filled out and left with a friend or family member before leaving on a boating trip, ensuring that they can alert authorities if necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
A float plan should be filled out and left with a friend or family member before you leave on all boating trips. By doing so, you are ensuring that someone knows your itinerary and can alert authorities if you do not return as scheduled. While it is also a good idea to inform marina staff or local authorities about your plans, especially for longer or more hazardous trips, the primary concern is that someone responsible and reliable has the details of your trip. This person should have information such as your destination, the expected return time, the types and registrations of your vessel, descriptions of other vehicles involved, and the number of passengers along with their contact information.