Sea Scouts is a specialized segment of the Venturing program, which was organized to address members’ boating skills and promote knowledge of our maritime heritage. It is a co-education program offered to young adults between the ages of 14 and 21.
Sea Scout units, called “ships,” focus on sailing and cruising either sailboats or power vessels. During the boating seasons, Sea Scouts learn to maintain and operate then vessel, with a focus on learning the safe and proper methods of handling boats. Sea Scouts also learn the meaning of buoys and lights, how to take advantage of wind and tide, and how to drop anchor or approach a dock.
4.4.1.1 Apprentice Rank
Active Sea Scouts learn ideals, courtesies, procedures, and responsibilities, and how members of a ship are organized and uniformed. Basic swimming and beginning seamanship skills are required, as is knowledge of safety, emergency procedures, and Safe Swim Defense. Sixteen hours of service in ship projects, activities, or equipment maintenance fill out the requirements.
4.4.1.2 Ordinary Rank
Active Sea Scouts attain Ordinary rank through additional service, knowledge of the Sea Scout emblem, U.S. flag etiquette, and land and sea protocols. Successful candidates will participate in strengthening ship membership, serve as an event chair, complete quarterdeck training, pass the Swimming merit badge requirements, and qualify on various safety and emergency procedures, drills, communication methods, and Safety Afloat. They learn about the galley, build on seamanship and boathandling skills, and learn about anchoring, piloting and navigation, and related regulations. Overnight cruise planning and participation provides for skills application, and completing three electives broadens horizons.
4.4.1.3 Able Rank
Sea Scouts master ceremony presentation and demonstrate knowledge of maritime history. They also teach others—perhaps Boy Scouts and Venturers—about the program and fulfill leadership responsibilities. They must pass the Lifesaving merit badge requirements and develop further expertise in safety and first aid. There is a continued progression in seamanship, boat handling skills, anchoring, and piloting and navigation, as well as a deeper understanding of maritime environmental issues. The Sea Scout Long Cruise badge is required for Able, as is completion of three electives.
Quartermaster Award
4.4.1.4 Quartermaster Rank
The highest award for Sea Scouts presents a challenge that, when met, will affect a young person lifelong. The Quartermaster candidate must think analytically about how the program is delivered and supported, while developing a deeper understanding of Scouting ideals. Most requirements represent intensification of what was learned for previous ranks, but with significant additions in the Quartermaster service project, cruise, and study of weather and forecasting. The cruise involves taking long-term command of a vessel and crew and conducting critical drills.
Sea Scout Awards and Recognition
- Small Boat Handler
- Qualified Seamen
- Long Cruise Award
- Sea Scout Marksmanship Program
- Sea Scout Leadership Award
- USPS Finley Sea Scout Service Award
There are 8 ships currently active in the Mt. Diablo Silverado Council Sea Scouts;
- Ship 52, Ship 107 (Herms District)
- Ship 771 (Lake District)
- Ship 1776 (Meridan District)
- Ship 72, Ship 236 (Muir District)
- Ship 7090, Ship 7091 (Silverado District)
Annual Sea Scouting Events
Northland Practice Regatta (Richmond) 2nd weekend in March
Sea Farer’s Regatta (Martinez) 1st weekend in April
Old Salt’s Regatta (Redwood City) 4th weekend in April
Ancient Mariner’s Regatta (USS Hornet) Memorial Day weekend
Westgate Weekend (Terminus) 2nd weekend in August
Lakeport Splash-in (Clearlake) 3rd weekend in September
Redwood Rendezvous (Redwood City) 3rd weekend in September
Safety at Sea (Yerba Buena Coast Guard Station) 3rd weekend in October
Pirates Regatta (Martinez) 4th weekend in October
Napa Mini-regatta (Napa) 3rd weekend in November
Chief Solano currently does not have a ship, but we are looking for parents and sea scouts to start aship in our district. If you have an interest, email me at: Advancement@ChiefSolanoBSA.org
Sea Scouts in Chief Solano District
Information on this page was found at www.scouting.org and seascout.org
Advancement Chair, Chief Solano District – Cathy Walton-Woodson
email: Advancement@ChiefSolanoBSA.org
Mt Diablo Silverado Council
BSA National Office
World Organization of the Scout Movement