How to analyze and respond to boaters around you is part of the learning process with the new free online course, “S.C.A.N. - Improving Situational Awareness,” from the BoatUS Foundation. (Credit: Stacey Nedrow-Wigmore)
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A new online course from the BoatUS Foundation introduces and helps boaters master the S.C.A.N. method (Search, Concentrate, Analyze, Navigate) to stay focused and avoid collisions.
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SPRINGFIELD, Va., July 7, 2025 – A quick look at the annual U.S. Coast Guard recreational boating accident statistics shows “operator inattention” and “improper lookout” to be perennial placeholders in the top five primary contributing factors in boating accidents. A new online micro course, “S.C.A.N. – Improving Boater Situational Awareness,” aims to address the issue head-on by helping boaters avoid distracted boating and enhance situational awareness and boating safety skills. The free accident-avoidance course is designed to make boating safety instruction accessible and fits into busy schedules, typically taking less than 30 minutes to complete.

Course takers will learn the importance of maintaining a proper lookout, understanding and applying the nautical rules of the road, and mastering the S.C.A.N. method (Search, Concentrate, Analyze, Navigate) to help stay focused and avoid collisions. The course also covers common distractions and practical strategies to mitigate them, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable boating experience.

Through engaging video scenarios and interactive quizzes, learners will also practice key techniques and reinforce their knowledge. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with essential tools to navigate waterways confidently and responsibly.

“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 BoatUS Foundation Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner.

The new course was created in partnership with a grant from the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety and funding from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.

While the S.C.A.N. course does not meet any state education requirements, the Foundation separately offers the only free online boating safety course that provides required NASBLA boating safety certification in 37 states, as well as a range of other paid courses.

For more, go to BoatUS.org/Courses.

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About the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the more than 725,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways, and keeping boating safe for all. A range of safe and clean boating courses – including the nation's only free online boating safety course – can be found at BoatUS.org/Courses.