Trip Planning

Step 1: Check the Weather and Tides

• NOAA Forecast: San Francisco & Monterey
• San Francisco PORTS Info
• Tide Information
• Tide Tables
• Wind Information
• NOAA Ocean Prediction Center
• Air Quality: San Francisco Bay Area

Step 2: Plan Your Route

• Select your starting point, your end point, and any stops along the way.
• Stay out of the mud and off the rocks! Check your charts to select a route that avoids obstacles and insures sufficient depth.
• Enter route into your chartplotter.
• Use the Tide and Current information you collected in step one to validate sufficient depths along route and best best time to depart or return.
• Online Chart Viewer
• NOAA Chart 1: Symbols and Abbreviations used on Charts
• ActiveCaptain: Built in chart with information on launch ramps, marinas and navigation notes.
• Maps & Waterway Guide: Both Coasts
• Coast Pilot Volume 7: California

Step 3: File A Float Plan

• Who do you give the Float Plan to? A family member or friend. They can call the Coast Guard if you don't return when expected.
• USCG Float Plan

Step 4: Make sure the Boat and Crew are Ready

• FUEL! Do you have enough fuel, plus a reserve?
• Create and use a "Pre-Flight Checklist"
• Give a safety briefing to new crew members
• Have a Great Day on the water!

Navigation Resources

• Navionics: Navigation App for Android and Apple Devices
• Maptech Navigation Products
• West Coast Cruising Guides
• Waggoner Pacific Northwest Cruising Guides
• Cruising the Northwest Coast
• Ship Traffic: San Francisco Bay
• NOAA: Find Nautical Charts
• US Coast Guard: Notice to Mariners

Books

• Coast Pilot Volume 7: California
• Charlie's Charts
• Pacific Northwest
• Cruising the Northwest Coast
• Waterway Guide: Both coasts