A passage plan is a vital part of boating safety

Sep 22, 2025

For many recreational boaties, the allure of a quick trip to a nearby anchorage or a short hop along the coast can make careful planning feel unnecessary. After all, how hard can it be to get from point A to point B when you can practically see your destination from the cockpit? But here’s the truth—a proper passage plan is not just for long voyages; it’s a vital part of boating safely, no matter how near or far you’re going.

A well-thought-out passage plan isn't just a checklist—it’s a safety net that ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or someone who boats purely for leisure, knowing the critical components of a passage plan could save you time, stress, and even lives. Below, we'll walk you through why every boatie, regardless of their experience level, should create a passage plan for every trip and consider investing in boating education.

What Is a Passage Plan?

At its simplest, a passage plan is a roadmap for your time on the water. It includes essential details to guide your trip and ensure safety, such as where you’re starting, where you’re heading, how you’ll get there, and what to do if things don’t go to plan. It’s mandatory for commercial vessels and highly recommended for recreational boats. Here’s what a good passage plan looks like:

- Position

- Destination

- Course

- Tidal Information

- Safety Consideration

You might think, "I know where I’m going, so why do I need this?" The answer lies in the unpredictable nature of the water. Even on the most straightforward trips, variables like weather, tides, and mechanical issues can cause trouble if you’re not prepared.Keep reading as we explore why each component matters and how it contributes to safer time on the water..

1. Position – Your Starting Point

Why is knowing your current position so important, even if the destination is nearby? Simply put, everything else in your plan relies on it. Your position is your baseline—it tells you where you are so you can determine where you’re heading.

Imagine leaving the marina without checking your position on the chart or GPS. You might think you can just "head towards the bay," but without precision, you could drift off course before you realise. And if something goes wrong, rescuers will need to know your exact last known location to respond quickly.

Pro Tip: 

Learn how to use your GPS chart plotter and how to read a nautical chart to pinpoint your position. This is a skill taught in the Day Skipper and Boatmaster courses that’s invaluable in real-life situations.

2. Destination – Your Goal

You might think, “My destination is obvious—it’s the next anchorage!” But identifying your destination in your passage plan means far more than just naming it. A proper plan includes knowing your destination’s entry points, depth, and hazards, so you don’t run into trouble on arrival.

For example, you may head for an anchorage but arrive to find it overcrowded or unsuitable due to changing weather. Having a secondary destination (or two) in your plan can prevent last-minute panic and ensure you always have a safe haven.

Scenario: 

You’re heading to a sheltered bay, but the wind shifts unexpectedly, and now the anchorage is exposed. If you’ve planned an alternate spot nearby, you can change course immediately rather than scrambling to figure it out while under stress.

3. Course – The Path to Take

Your course is like the skeleton of your passage—it connects your position to your destination. Plotting your course on a chart helps you avoid dangers like shallow areas, rocks, and limited speed zones such as Auckland Harbour and Torey Channel. It also ensures efficiency, saving you fuel, time, and potential frustration.

However, without a planned course, even short journeys can go haywire. You might take longer than expected, putting your fuel reserves under pressure, or drift into an area with restricted access.

Key Point: 

A planned course enables you to track progress and notice quickly if something isn’t right, such as being pushed off course by tidal streams or wind.

4. Tidal Information – The Pulse of the Ocean

Tides and currents play a massive role in passage planning. Misjudging tidal streams could make a short trip take twice as long or push you dangerously close to hazards. If the tide is against you, you might find yourself making slow progress or even running out of time to reach your destination safely before nightfall.

For recreational boaters, this isn’t always obvious. Tides don’t just rise and fall; they affect how water moves beneath and around your boat. Understanding how to factor tides into your plan is critical—this is something you can learn in a Day Skipper course that will dramatically improve your confidence and ability.

Example: 

If you’re anchoring, failing to check tide heights could leave your boat aground as the water recedes. Knowledge of tidal ranges and heights ensures you’re always prepared.

5. Weather Forecast – Planning for the Unpredictable

Weather is one of the most unpredictable factors on the water, and failing to check the forecast properly is a common mistake among less experienced boaties. That lovely sunshine at the dock can easily turn into gusty winds or heavy rain halfway through your trip.

Understanding weather reports is not just about comfort—it’s about safety. Strong winds or poor visibility can greatly increase the risk of accidents. A solid passage plan includes detailed consideration of the forecast, helping you prepare or postpone if conditions look unfavourable.

Fun Fact: 

Courses like Boatmaster include modules that teach you how to read and interpret weather charts so you can forecast changes before they happen.

6. Safety Considerations – Planning for the Worst

No one likes to imagine things going wrong, but emergencies don’t wait until you're ready. A thoughtful passage plan includes safety considerations, such as:- -

The location of life jackets, flares, and other emergency gear.

Emergency contact details for marinas or Coastguard units along your route.

Plans for what to do if you lose power, run aground, or need navigation assistance.

When safety is part of your habit, you’re ready for whatever the water throws at you—even on the shortest trips.

Did You Know? 

Practical safety routines are a major part of training in Coastguard education courses. You’ll build confidence in handling emergencies, which makes all the difference out at sea.

Why Education Matters

There’s no doubt that boating should be fun. But fun shouldn’t come at the expense of safety. Many boaters without qualifications might think it’s overkill to get training for recreational trips—but the reality is, even basic education can protect you, your passengers, and your vessel.

Courses like the Day Skipper or Boatmaster give you the tools to become a confident and capable boatie. You’ll learn navigation techniques, reading weather patterns, safety protocols, and much more. Plus, having a recognised qualification gives you credibility and opens the door to new adventures.

Learn More with Coastguard Education 

Don’t wait for a problem to happen before you start preparing. Investing in your knowledge is one of the smartest decisions you can make on the water. Start your training with the Day Skipper or if you are looking to further your skills then why not take your Boatmaster course and enjoy boating with peace of mind.

Key Takeaway

No matter how short or simple the trip seems, a passage plan isn’t just a task—it’s a lifesaving habit.