Photo by Chase Fountain / TPWD
SKILL BUILDER
Boating Safety Tips
The largest contributing factor related to the cause of boat accidents is operator inattention. It’s easy to get distracted when you’re out on the water with family and friends, having fun. Here’s a technique to help you stay aware: Search, Concentrate, Analyze and Negotiate (SCAN).
- SEARCH the area all around your boat, everything in the water, 360 degrees.
- CONCENTRATE on what you are seeing. What is it? What is it doing? Is it moving, how fast?
- ANALYZE what you are watching. Is it stationary, moving away from you or closing in on you? Remember, if you’re getting closer to something in the water and its relative position to you is not changing, you are on a collision course. Never assume that another boater sees you or knows how to maneuver properly in every situation.
- NEGOTIATE what you are going to do. Slow down, turn away or head in a different direction? Remember the navigation rules. Know the proper action to take while meeting head on, crossing or overtaking another boat.
