New Online Boating Safety Course Targets Distracted Boating
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has launched a new free online course designed to help boaters avoid one of the most common causes of accidents: distraction. The new micro course, S.C.A.N. – Improving Boater Situational Awareness, provides practical instruction and tools to help recreational boaters improve focus, better anticipate danger, and avoid collisions.
The timing couldn’t be better. According to U.S. Coast Guard accident data, “operator inattention” and “improper lookout” consistently rank among the top five primary contributing factors in recreational boating accidents. Whether it’s fiddling with electronics, chatting with passengers, or being overwhelmed in busy waterways, distraction can happen fast—and have serious consequences.
The new S.C.A.N. course teaches boaters a four-part method: Search, Concentrate, Analyze, Navigate. It emphasizes maintaining a proper lookout and using the rules of the road effectively. Through a mix of short videos, real-world scenarios, and interactive quizzes, students learn to spot distractions and develop simple techniques to stay alert.
The entire course is designed to be completed in less than 30 minutes, making it a quick and accessible option for anyone who wants to refresh their awareness skills before heading out on the water.
“The growing list of distractions aboard a boat only made us more determined to offer a new and innovative accident avoidance course that will sharpen anyone’s skills,” said Ted Sensenbrenner, Director of Boating Safety for the BoatUS Foundation.
Funded by a grant from the U.S. Coast Guard and support from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, the course is available now at BoatUS.org/Courses.
While S.C.A.N. does not fulfill state boating education requirements, the Foundation also offers the only free online safety course that provides NASBLA certification in 37 states, along with a variety of other specialized paid offerings.
Whether you’re a weekend sailor, powerboater, or just getting started, S.C.A.N. offers a fast, effective way to sharpen your skills and make every trip safer.
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