Hints for the Unit Commissioner on
Sea Scouting

 

Background/Purpose:

Sea Scouting was started in 1912 and has a long and colorful tradition. Sea Scouting is the oldest maritime youth training program in the United States. Sea Scouting’s purpose is to provide positive experiences to help young people mature and prepare them to become responsible and caring adults through the lore of the sea. A program element within the Venturing Division of the Boy Scouts of America, Sea Scouting is developed for young men and women who are 14 through 20 years of age. Units, commonly called Ships, maintain a membership from 15 to 18 members annually involving a minimum of two to four adult advisors, and a support committee. Sea Scouting follows a challenging skills development program to earn the Eagle and Quartermaster Awards. Nationally, over 500 units are chartered of which over a dozen units are chartered locally.

Role of the Unit Commissioner:

When visiting a Ship, the Commissioner is looking for the same program elements as all scouting units: youth leaders administering the meeting, planned activities and skills development; and supportive adults. The Venturing Unit Commissioner checklist provides information related to all elements of the Venture program. The Scout field uniform is appropriate wear when visiting a Sea Scout unit.

Some Hints and Insights (Ashore):

• Most formal meetings start and end with a landship ceremony lead by the unit’s boatswain. If you are not accustomed to nautical customs, simply follow the lead of the Ship’s Skipper.

• The business portion of the meeting should be about 30 minutes covering both past and future program activities. Following the business portion, usually advancement and/or training is conducted.

• The boatswain chairs the quarterdeck meetings (youth leader meetings). Using an agenda, the boatswain should be soliciting input from all present. The agenda should include review of the annual program calendar and long cruise preparation.

• Council/Multi-Unit events:

• Fall Rendezvous (October): Informal competitive event and BBQ
• Sea Scout Leader Specialized Training (November): Adult training
• Council Bridge of Honor (February): Recognition event and dance
• Mert Wells Regatta (March) : Weekend competitive maritime skills events
• National Good Turn Day (May): Public Land Clean Up
• National Quality Unit: Review and promote, whenever possible

Some Hints and Insights (Afloat):

• Vessel has USCG or USCGA certification displayed

• Sea Scouts are operating the boat through an established watch bill system and following the “Learn Through Doing” principle of the Scouting program.

• Safety and mechanical equipment is in good repair. Boat is tidy.

• Sailing/Cruising is incorporated into the annual program for both day and overnight events. Long cruise is scheduled. Program equipment present and in use.

 

Terms: Meanings:
Skipper Adult unit leader (Scoutmaster)
Mates Adult leaders supporting the Skipper.
Boatswain (Bosun) Senior youth leader responsible for implementing the Ship’s program both afloat and ashore.
Boatswain’s Mate Supports Boatswain: Administration/Program and Membership
Yeoman Administrative youth leader (Scribe)
Crew Leader/Asst. Crew Leader Ship is divided into administrative crews and a youth leader is assigned. Also, a second is appointed. Crews are titled: Starboard & Port
Ship BSA Unit name (Troop). Units have both names and numbers. Members identify more closely with the Ship’s name.
Waterway 18 Council moorage location located on Lake Union 2223 North Northlake Way (E. of Gasworks Park)
Commodore Senior Council Sea Scout leader
Vice Commodore/ Council Boatswain Council Sea Scout leader supporting the Commodore. Senior Sea Scout youth leader.
Quarterdeck Meetings Monthly youth leader planning & coordination.
Regatta/Rendezvous Multiple unit maritime skills competitive and social event (camporee)
Skippers & Mates Association Monthly roundtable of Sea Scout adult leaders.

Sea Scout Leader Specialized Training:  Complementary adult training for both Sea Scout and Venture Leaders upon completion of the Venture Basic Leader training.

Reference:  Chief Seattle Council Sea Scout Web Site: WWW.SEATTLESEASCOUTS.ORG

Thomas Fawthrop
Commodore, Chief Seattle Council, BSA
October, 2004
 

  

trustworthy ~ loyal ~ helpful ~ friendly ~ courteous ~ kind ~ obedient ~ cheerful ~ thrifty ~ brave ~ clean ~ reverent