Participant Guide

National High Adventure Sea Base, BSA St. Croix Scuba Programs Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S Virgin Islands

St. Croix Scuba Adventure At Camp Wall

Revised Date: 5/20/2021

Mission of the Boy Scouts of America

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Scout Oath

On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Law

A Scout is: Trustworthy. Loyal. Helpful. Friendly. Courteous. Kind. Obedient. Cheerful. Thrifty. Brave. Clean. Reverent.

Mission Statement of Sea Base, BSA

It is the mission of Sea Base to serve councils and units by providing an outstanding high adventure experience for older Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers, Sea Scouts and their leaders. Sea Base programs are designed to achieve the principal aims of the Boy Scouts of America:  To build character  To foster citizenship  To develop physical, mental and emotional fitness

Keys Blessing

Bless the creatures of the Sea Bless this person I call me Bless the Keys, you make so grand Bless the sun that warms the land Bless the fellowship we feel As we gather for this meal Amen

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Table of Contents Payment Plan ...... 4 General Eligibility Requirements ...... 4 General Eligibility at a Glance ...... 4 Adult Leader Eligibility Requirements ...... 6 Sea Base Risk Advisory ...... 7 Policies and Procedures ...... 10 BSA Scuba Diving Policy ...... 12 Preparing for Sea Base ...... 12 Travel and Preparation Plan ...... 12 Check-In Paperwork at a Glance ...... 13 Sea Base Training Plan ...... 13 Program Overview ...... 14 St. Croix Scuba Adventure ...... 16 Scuba Adventure Packing List: ...... 18 Sea Base Traditions and Awards ...... 19 Scuba Medical Information ...... 21 Document Submission ...... 21 Submission Steps: ...... 21 Crew Leader Log-In: ...... 21 Parent and Participant Log-In: ...... 21 Health Conditions and Scuba Diving ...... 22 BSA ...... 24 Scuba Diving Forms ...... 28 St. Croix Scuba Program Frequently Asked Questions...... 36 Appendix ...... 38 BSA Scuba Diving Policy ...... 38

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Payment Plan Payment Schedule: Crews are responsible to know, understand and adhere to the payment schedule. Failure to provide on time payment will result in cancellation. Deposits are non-refundable. Fees are non-refundable unless Sea Base rebooks the cancelled crew. All cancelled crews are subject to a cancellation fee in the amount of the deposit made.

First Payment: Within 30 days of reservation, each crew must send their first payment. The first payment is 10% of the remaining balance after the original deposit. If a unit has reserved multiple crews, it must make payment for each crew reserved.

Second Payment: One half of each crews remaining balance is due on October 1.

Final Payment: February-April Crews due January 15 | May-September Crews due February 1 | December Crews due August 1

Online Payment: Sea Base accepts online e-check payment only. Sea Base does not accept credit cards.

2022 Adventures: Please refer to payment plan for 2022 Sea Base Adventures on our website, www.bsaseabase.org, or at this link: 2022 Payment Schedule

General Eligibility Requirements

General Eligibility at a Glance 1. Registered member of the BSA 2. 13 years of age or older 3. Completed BSA Swim Test as a Swimmer, evidenced by the BSA Unit Swim Classification Record 4. Medically Approved for Participation, evidenced by the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record & meets Sea Base Risk Advisory Medical Requirements 5. Meets BSA Height & Weight Guideline, not to exceed 295lbs. 6. NEW: Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist for each attending participant

1. Registered: To attend Sea Base, youth and adult participants must be registered in one of the following programs:

 Exploring, BSA  Sea Scouts, BSA  Learning for Life  STEM Scouts, BSA  BSA Merit Badge Counselor  Varsity, BSA  Scouts, BSA  Venturing, BSA

2. Age Requirement: Every participant must be at least 13 years of age by their date of arrival at Sea Base. No exceptions can or will be made.

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3. Swim Test: Every participant, youth and adult, must complete the BSA Swim Test as a Swimmer within a year of the start of their adventure. The BSA Swim Test should be documented on the BSA Unit Swim Classification Record and submitted during check in. Non-swimmers and Beginner Swimmers will not be allowed to participate and will be sent home at their own expense. Please note that Sea Base does not provide onsite BSA Swim Tests.

Swim Review: Upon arrival every participant must complete a Sea Base Swim Review in a strong manner. This swim review does not take the place of the BSA Swim Test. Individuals who do not pass the Sea Base Swim Review will not be permitted to participate and will be sent home at their own expense. No refund will be offered to Non-Swimmers.

4. Completed BSA Annual Health and Medical Record: Sea Base participants must be in good health. All participants must provide a current and complete BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (BSA AHMR). BSA AHMR’s are current for 12 months from the end of the month in which they are completed. For example, if the medical form is signed and dated on June 2, 2020, it is valid until June 30, 2021. No other medical form will be accepted. Further, scuba participants must meet all BSA Scuba requirements to scuba dice at Sea Base. Participants who do not meet the BSA Scuba requirements may be allowed to participate as snorkelers if medically approved. Sea Base Medical Director has final approval

5. Completed PADI or RSTC Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire: Sea Base participants must be fit for scuba diving. All participants must provide a current and complete RSTC Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire per BSA Scuba Policy, the questionnaire must be signed by a physician even if the participant answers NO to all questions on the form. Sea Base Medical Director has final approval

6. Weight Requirements: If you exceed the maximum weight for height as explained in the following chart and your planned high-adventure activity will take you more than 30 minutes away from rescue by USCG, you may not be allowed to participate. Due to rescue equipment restrictions and evacuation efforts from remote sites, under no circumstances will any individual exceeding 295 pounds be permitted to participate. Anyone arriving at Sea Base exceeding 295 pounds will be sent home at their own expense. No refund will be given.

Maximum Weight for Height Height Max. Height Max. Height Max. Height Max. (inches) Weight (inches) Weight (inches) Weight (inches) Weight 60 166 65 195 70 226 75 260 61 172 66 201 71 233 76 267 62 178 67 207 72 239 77 274 63 183 68 214 73 246 78 281 64 189 69 220 74 252 79 and over 295

7. NEW: Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist: Sea Base crews must provide a completed Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist for each attending participant. This document is required at check-in.

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Adult Leader Eligibility Requirements

1. Registered Member of the BSA 8. Completed BSA Safety Afloat Training 2. 21 Years of Age or Older 9. Completed BSA Safe Swim Defense Training 3. Passed BSA Swim Test as a Swimmer 10. Completed BSA Hazardous Weather 4. Meets Sea Base Medical Requirements and Training medically approved for participation. 11. CPR/AED Certification, Minimum of 1 Adult 5. Meet BSA Height & Weight, not to exceed per Crew 295lbs. 12. Wilderness First Aid Certification, Minimum 6. Proper adult supervision of 1 Adult per Crew 7. Completed BSA Youth Protection Training

General Eligibility Requirements: Adult leaders must meet all General Eligibility Requirements (see section above).

6. Proper Adult Supervision: As required by BSA Youth Protection, every crew must have at least two adult leaders over the age of 21. Sea Base crews with co-ed (male & female) youth participants, must have at least one female adult leader over the age of 21.

7-10. Adult Leader Training: Every adult leader must be a registered member of the BSA and complete Youth Protection Training, BSA Safe Swim Defense, BSA Safety Afloat, and BSA Hazardous Weather Training.

11-12. Adult Leader Medical Training: At least one adult leader in each crew must complete Wilderness First Aid Training (WFA) and Basic CPR/AED from an agency approved by the American Camping Association or hold a higher professional license such as MD, DO, EMT, RN, LPN or WFR. Documentation of higher professional license must be submitted during check-in. Multiple crews require multiple trained leaders. Sea Base highly recommends that every adult leader completes WFA and CPR/AED.

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Sea Base Risk Advisory

Sea Base Experience: Sea Base Adventures are Special Needs or Medical Concerns: Individuals not risk free. Participants must follow safety with special needs or medical concerns must measures and take personal responsibility for have an onsite advocate who understands the their health and safety. Climate conditions individual’s condition and treatment who is include temperatures ranging from 45 to 95 prepared to provide support to the individual. degrees, high humidity, heat indexes reaching 110 degrees, and frequent, sometimes severe Trained Leadership: Each crew is required to tropical weather. Prolonged, rigorous activities have at least 1 adult trained in Wilderness First include snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, Aid and CPR/AED or who has a greater canoeing, sailing, hiking, and others. It is the professional medical certification. This leader responsibility of participants, participant’s acts as the primary first response until parents/guardians, participant’s healthcare emergency services arrive. There are no-onsite teams and unit leaders to ensure that each facilities for treatment or extended care at Sea individual, youth and adult, can safely Base. Sea Base does not staff professional participate in Sea Base Adventures. medical personnel.

Adult Participants: It is the role of Medications: Individuals requiring medication accompanying adults to ensure youth safety. should continue medications as prescribed and Because of this, adult participants must arrive in bring an appropriate supply. Each crew must good physician condition and have no medical develop a plan to secure, lock and dispense conditions that could result in diverting the Sea medication. Base staff’s attention away from the youth participants. Allergies: Participants with allergies that may result in severe reactions or anaphylaxis should Sea Base participants must be able to: bring an adequate supply of epinephrine auto-  Swim in a strong manner. injectors (EpiPen) to last up to three hours.  Climb a 6 ft. ladder, unassisted, in inclement weather, from the water Recommendations Regarding Chronic Illness onto a rocking vessel. and/or Compromised Immune System: Persons  Self-rescue if found overboard in with chronic conditions and/or compromised inclement weather. immune systems should seek medical advice Location: Sea Base adventures are conducted at and education regarding medical risks sea, often far from land, with limited access to associated with harsh marine environments emergency services. Response times can be before participating. Individuals with open affected by weather, seas, location, and can be wounds or who are at risk for chronic illness or delayed for hours. Individuals with medical immune disease should not attend Sea Base. conditions that require immediate or nearly immediate access to professional medical care Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): should not attend Sea Base. Participants should have a blood pressure less than 140/90. Individuals with hypertension Right to Refuse: Sea Base reserves the right to should have the condition treated and well- deny participation based on health and safety controlled before attending. concerns and/or medical history. The Sea Base Medical Director reserves the right to make Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes must be well- final medical decisions regarding the controlled. Hypoglycemia can lead to participation of individuals at Sea Base. unconsciousness and drowning.

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 Persons under age 18 with the diagnosis of diabetes will not be permitted to scuba Asthma or Reactive Airway Disease: Persons dive. being treated for asthma will not be permitted  Persons using insulin to control diabetes to scuba dive. will not be permitted to scuba dive.  Persons with a history of asthma who have  Persons with diabetes, who are non-insulin been asymptomatic and have not used dependent and who have had recurrent medications to control asthma for five problems and/or hospitalizations for years or more may be allowed to scuba diabetic problems, should not participate. dive if resolution of asthma is specifically  Persons having a documented or confirmed by their physician and includes suspected hypoglycemic event requiring provocative pulmonary function testing treatment or assessment in the previous conducted by a pulmonologist. Provocative 12 months will not be permitted to scuba testing can include exercise, hypertonic dive. saline, a hyperpnea test, etc.  Diabetes is considered well-controlled when the following are met: Recent Musculoskeletal Injuries & Orthopedic o The acceptable oral medications for Surgery: Persons with musculoskeletal diabetic control are as single agents problems or orthopedic surgeries within the last 6 months must provide a letter from their only: metformin and metformin analogs; treating physician to participate. DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin, vildagliptin,

alogliptin, saxagliptin & linagliptin); or Psychological and Emotional Difficulties (ADD, SGLT2 inhibitors and analogies. ADHD, anxiety, and depression): Any condition o Persons who control their diabetes with should be well-controlled without the services exercise and diet (without the aid of of a mental health practitioner. medication, except metformin) and  Many medications are not compatible with document HbA1c test value less than 7.0 scuba diving. in the last 6 months) may be approved to  Persons taking more than one medication scuba dive. for any of these conditions are not  Persons with any HbA1c test greater than permitted to scuba dive. 7.0 in the previous 12 months will not be Persons with anxiety disorder requiring permitted to scuba dive. medication are not permitted to scuba

dive. Seizures or Epilepsy: Seizures while snorkeling Weight Limits: If you exceed the maximum or scuba diving are extremely dangerous and weight for height as explained in the chart on often fatal. page 5 and your planned high-adventure

 No participant with a history of seizures activity will take you more than 30 minutes will be permitted to scuba dive. away from rescue by USCG, you may not be  Prospective participants with a history of allowed to participate. Due to rescue infant febrile seizures may be considered equipment restrictions and evacuation efforts for diving after formal consultation with a from remote sites, under no circumstances will neurologist. any individual exceeding 295 pounds be  No participant taking anti-epileptic permitted to participate. Anyone arriving at medication will be permitted to scuba Sea Base exceeding 295 pounds will be sent dive. home at their own expense. No refund will be given.

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Scuba Participants: Persons with conditions Questions or concerns: Youth, parents, dive listed as severe by the Recreational Scuba supervisors, and physicians with questions or Training Council (RSTC) will not be permitted to concerns about diving with specific medical scuba dive. Persons with condition prohibited conditions should consult the UHMS Diving by BSA scuba policy will not be permitted to Medical Guidance to the Physician, Recreational scuba dive. Various risk factors may exclude a Scuba Training Council (RSTC) and the Divers person from scuba diving, either temporarily or Alert Network (DAN). DAN medical permanently. Risk factors include, but are not professionals are available for non-emergency limited to, ear and sinus problems, recent surgery, spontaneous pneumothorax, asthma or consultation by telephone at 919-684-2948 reactive airway disease, seizure disorders, during business hours or via email. diabetes, leukemia, sickle-cell disease, pregnancy, panic disorders, active psychosis, Closing: Sea Base, BSA is an industry leader in certain medications, and narcolepsy. maritime adventures with an excellent safety record. If you have questions regarding medical Severe Risk Factors: Persons with conditions policies, medical concerns, or medical approval listed as “severe” by the Undersea & Hyperbaric please contact Sea Base at 305-664-4173. Medical Society (UHMS) are not permitted to scuba dive. See: UHMS Diving Medical Guidance to the Physician (2020).

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Policies and Procedures

Adult to Youth Ratios: Sea Base Crews must Scout Oath, Scout Law, Outdoor Code: have more or an equal number of youth to Participants are expected to act in accordance adult participants. Individuals under the age of with the Scout Oath, Scout Law and Outdoor 21 may be counted as youth participants. Code. Scouts with Special Needs are counted as youth participants regardless of age. Alcoholic Beverages or Illegal Substances: There is no place in Scouting for the possession Buddy System: Adult and youth participants or use of alcohol or illegal substances. Anyone must adhere to the buddy system. While found in violation of this policy will be snorkeling, dive buddies must remain within required to vacate their adventure and may be arms distance. While onshore, participants reported to local law enforcement and their must travel in groups of two or more. In Key local council. If the unit is unable to provide West, Bahamas and US Virgin Islands Crews proper leadership to satisfy BSA YPT, the entire must travel as a group. crew will be required to vacate their adventure.

Unit Leader Responsibilities: Prior to arrival, Smoking, Vaping, Smokeless Tobacco: Use of unit leaders are responsible to ensure that all tobacco products and vaping is only permitted paperwork and trainings are up to date and in designated areas. complete. This includes requiring all participants to submit BSA AHMR and RSTC Scout Appropriate Language: Sexual Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire forms conversations of any nature including “jokes” by or before the deadline date (pg. 17 &29) are prohibited. Racial, ethnic, religious, sexist and uploading the crew roster 90 days prior to and sexual orientation slurs are prohibited. arrival. A PADI and medical document walkthrough is available on pg. 29-42. Upon Uniform: All participants are expected to arrive arrival, Unit Leaders are responsible to act as in either field or activity uniform. the first line of treatment when medical issues arise, fulfill Safe Swim and Safety Afloat Attire: Clothing worn by participants must not responsibilities, follow and enforce BSA Youth promote illegal drugs, alcohol, violence, sexual Protection Policies, ensure that youth activity, racism, sexism or bigoty. participants follow Sea Base policies and direction from captains and staff members. Unit Swimming Attire: Swimsuits must be modest. Leaders must also actively participate in the For males, tight fitting swim briefs or swim adventure; Sea Base is not a passive experience. bottoms short enough to allow exposure are not allowed. For females, bikinis are not Youth Crew Leader Responsibilities: Sea Base allowed. Modest tankinis or one-piece should be a youth led adventure. Crews must swimsuits are appropriate. elect a seasoned youth crew leader prior to onsite arrival. Sea Base should not be the Footwear: Footwear is required by all youth’s first leadership experience. Youth will participants while onshore. Footwear make duty assignments for both youth and requirements vary by program. Please review adults, and ensure that those duties are the provided Packing List for your chosen completed, following up with the crew when adventure under Program Overview in this they are not. guide. While on base, most participants choose to wear flip-flops.

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Open Swimming: Open Swimming at any Sea Bullying, Hazing, Fighting, Play Fighting, Base-owned or contracted marina is prohibited. Wrestling: All forms of physical confrontation including “play” are prohibited. Open Scuba: Only individuals participating in Scuba Adventure, Scuba Certification, Scuba Sexual Contact: Sexual contact of any kind, Live Aboard or St. Croix Scuba may Scuba dive including public display of affection is while at Sea Base. prohibited.

Unplug: Use of phones, tablets and other Cleanliness: Dorms, base, galley, marinas, and transmission electronics should be restricted to vessels are expected to be cleaned and emergency or camera use. Please place phones maintained by participants. Youth and adults on airplane mode and stow away. Sea Base is are expected to shower when they have the not responsible for damage to phones by salt, opportunity. sand, water or wave motion damage. Please keep phones stowed away. Disposal of Trash: Litter becomes marine debris and negatively impacts the Florida Keys Lost, Stolen or Damaged Items: Sea Base is not National Marine Sanctuary, Everglades National responsible for personal items. Please properly Park, US Virgin Islands National Park, Sea of stow and safeguard your valuables. Sea Base is Abaco, marine life and our ocean. Participants not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged must ensure that all recycling and garbage is items. secured and disposed of properly.

Intentional Damage to Sea Base Vessels, Conservation: For your own protection and the Facilities, Contracted Facilities, Public or protection of the environment, Sea Base Personal Property: Anyone intentionally participants must not touch, harass or harm damaging property, including pranks that result wildlife. Sea Base participants must not take or in damage, will vacate their adventure and will collect rocks, shells or marine species. Special be held financially liable for damages. care must be taken when snorkeling in sensitive areas, such as coral reefs.

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BSA Scuba Diving Policy The BSA has a complete Scuba Diving Policy that Sea Base and all other camps offering scuba diving are required to follow. For the complete BSA Scuba Diving policy please follow this link or find it in the appendix section of this guide on page 41.

Preparing for Sea Base Travel and Preparation Plan Please place copies of all necessary check-in paperwork in a notebook or folder to keep with you during travel. This is for travel and emergency purposes and not necessarily to be turned in, as Sea Base will review your documents prior to arrival. Sea Base crew number, participant emergency contacts, travel information, and training certificates should be duplicated and placed into a secondary book held by a unit leader or parent who is not accompanying the crew to Sea Base. Parents, guardians and/or spouses should keep a copy of the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record and the RSTC Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire forms for each participant. Please remember, while you are traveling you are not only representing your unit, but also the Boy Scouts of America.

Travel: Each crew is responsible to plan, secure and finance travel to Sea Base including ground transportation. Travel Insurance is highly recommended. The unit chartering organization, unit committee, local council, parents, and participants should be made aware of all travel plans.

Airports: Crews must fly into Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX).

Ground Transportation: Units will need to arrange their own transportation and Robert and Sons LLC is commonly used. Units can contact Paul Roberts at 340.277.1118, his team has always been accommodating to our Scout groups and they are generally always able to pick up units coming to camp Wall. When calling, mention that you are participating in a scout camp summer program.

Please Note: THE BSA DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE QUALITY OF ANY SERVICE PROVIDER NOR DOES THE BSA RECOMMEND ANY PROVIDER.

Arrival: All Sea Base Crews are to arrive between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm, having already eaten lunch. Crews arriving after 4:00 pm may be unable to complete necessary pre-adventure training and will force their adventure to be delayed. Please arrive at: Camp Howard Wall-Boy Scout Camp Christiansted, St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands

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Departure: Crews may depart Sea Base as early as travel dictates. Scuba Crews should allow 24 hours between their last dive (noon) and scheduled flight to reduce the risk of decompression sickness. Early, continental breakfast can be served at 7:00am upon request. Regular breakfast is at 8:00 am. All crews must vacate Sea Base before 10:00 am.

Side Trips and Additional Adventures: St. Croix is an amazing location for discovery. Side trips can add depth to your unit’s experience. However, do not plan to leave Sea Base until your adventure is complete. If you or your unit chooses to leave Sea Base for any reason other than medical emergency or religious observance your adventure will be vacated, and you will not be permitted to return.

Check-In Paperwork at a Glance

Specific to Sea Base Scuba Adventures, the Scuba Department reviews all required documents prior to arrival. You will not need to present your documents during check in unless specifically asked. However, Sea Base requests and strongly encourages that you to bring a copy of all documents for your crew for travel and medical emergency purposes. Please see page 16 for list of required documents.  St. Croix Scuba Adventure required documents listed on page 16.

Sea Base Training Plan

Sea Base Adventures are aquatics-based and require participants to be fit, competent swimmers. It is recommended that your unit, in consultation with physicians and local council BSA Aquatics Director or a qualified aquatic professional, develops a crew training regimen. This regimen should include frequent pool training sessions, basic snorkeling instruction and the BSA Swim Test, which is a requirement.

Program Specific Training 1. Become strong, competent swimmers 9. Familiarize yourself with local hazards (monthly swimming sessions are 10. Review: Divers Alert Network Dan’s Smart recommended). Guide to Safe Diving 2. Snorkel. Practice clearing a mask and 11. Review appropriate Guide to High snorkel. (Snorkel BSA) Adventure Scuba Power Point with leaders, 3. Complete one or more pool or open water participants and parents dives 12. Adult leaders play an important role in 4. Learn about Fort Christianvaern ensuring safety aboard and in the water. 5. Review the park brochure and map Adults must understand BSA Safe Swim 6. Learn about the history and culture Defense and Safety Afloat Guidelines and 7. Learn about St. Croix historical figures be prepared to assist in emergency 8. Learn about Christiansted stories situations. Want to earn college credit for scuba diving? Visit PADI to find out more.

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Diver Responsibility As scuba divers, you are responsible to follow safe diving practices and the rules set by Sea Base and your guides/instructors. The rules are designed for the safety of each diver and all participants in the crew. Failure or unwillingness to follow those rules will result in termination of your diving activities, potentially for the remainder of your adventure.

Program Overview

Epic Adventures begin with planning and preparation. Upon arrival (1:00- 4:00pm), each crew will have paperwork reviewed and complete the check in process. Any participants, youth or adult, who do not meet the height and weight requirement outlined on page 5 or cannot pass the BSA Swim Test and/or Sea Base Swim Review, for safety purposes, will be required to forfeit their adventure. Please inform your crew to ensure that no one is disappointed. Upon arrival, youth participants will join their Divemaster/ Instructor to review expectations, while unit appointed adult leader(s) attend a quick orientation with the Camp Director or Program Director. Once the initial check in is complete and adult leaders have rejoined the group, Crews will tour camp, take a crew photo, and be directed to their tents. From here everyone will have a few minutes to settle in and take in the view until evening flags. Crew photos are available for purchase through the Ship Store.

Sea Base Captains: Every captain under charter at Sea Base is licensed by the United States Coast Guard. His or her primary responsibility is to keep your unit safe. It is essential that each crew understands that a request by the captain is an order delivered kindly. The captain is the final authority while aboard.

Sea Base Vessels: Every vessel chartered or owned by Sea Base either goes through a United States Coast Guard Inspection or Examination prior to providing charters. Each vessel is also pre-screened by Sea Base. Only vessels deemed safe and capable are chartered.

Youth Crew Leaders: Sea Base Adventures should be youth led. Please elect a seasoned youth crew leader prior to arrival. The youth crew leader will work hand in hand with Sea Base Staff to ensure that all duties are assigned and completed.

Cell Phones/Electronic Devices: We strongly encourage all participants to “unplug” for the entirety of their Sea Base Adventure, especially while on board a diving vessel. Please keep in mind that the ocean environment is not conducive to phones and other electronic devices.

Tent Sleeping Arrangements: Crews will be assigned to a tent during their adventure. Depending on the structure of each crew, additional tents may be assigned to adhere to all BSA Youth Protection Policies. Males and females are not permitted to sleep in the same tent.

Camping: Sea Base St. Croix requires active participation. In addition to your adventure, youth and adult participants will cook, clean, and take an active role in preparations. Be prepared to assume tasks given

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Restrooms and Showers: There is a restroom and shower house onsite. For males, a bathroom with each restroom and shower has an individual locking stall is available. For females there is a single locking shower / restroom available as well as another bathroom including a locking restroom stall and a double shower with privacy curtains.

Hiking: Crews may have an opportunity to hike if weather prohibits scuba diving. While hiking, crews must remain on the trail and should have a solid working knowledge of NPS Plants to Avoid While Hiking.

Going Offsite: Crews will go offsite frequently to explore St. Croix, Historic Fort Christianvaern, hike, board vessels and scuba dive. Crews, youth and adults, are required to stay together. While offsite; crews represent themselves, Sea Base and the Boy Scouts of America. Crews vandalizing property, disturbing sea turtle nests, touching or breaking coral, stealing, or consuming alcoholic beverages will be forced to vacate their adventure.

Scuba Gear: Sea Base provides fins, regulators, BCD with weight-integrated pockets, weights and tanks. Individuals are welcome to bring their own equipment, other than tanks, for use at Sea Base provided the equipment is inspected and approved by Sea Base staff. Each diver is required to bring a mask, snorkel and a dive watch suitable for scuba diving. These watches may also be purchased at the Ships Store.

Dive Computers: Divers are permitted to bring a dive computer if they so choose and are familiar with how they function. Sea Base does not provide dive computers.

Snorkeling Gear: New Requirements for 2021 Adventures Individuals are required to use their own mask and snorkel at Sea Base. The only snorkeling gear provided by Sea Base is a mesh bag, fins and PFD. Full face masks are not permitted at any Sea Base location.

Food: Sea Base offers food appropriate for the experience. If a participant has specific diet restrictions, please contact the Sea Base food service department at [email protected] and submit a dietary restrictions notification form in advance. Please understand that the Galley may not be able to accommodate a food preference if is it not medical or religious.

Paperwork: Every scuba medical must be reviewed prior to arrival. Some individuals with specific medical conditions may take longer than others to be cleared or denied by the Sea Base Medical Director. Participants and Crew Leaders are responsible to complete and input all necessary documents in a timely manner. Individuals and crews who submit after the deadline date risk not being cleared to scuba dive. Incomplete forms cannot be accepted. Individuals who do not meet the BSA SCUBA Policy Medical Requirements/Restrictions, provide incomplete forms or do not turn in necessary paperwork by the deadline date will be allowed to participate as snorkelers provided they are medically cleared to do so. Deadline for paperwork:  Summer Crews (May-August) must submit paperwork online no later than March 1

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Sea Base Specific First Aid Kit: Every crew must provide their own first aid kit. A Sea Base Specific First Aid Kit includes all items found in a traditional back country first aid kit along with the following items:

1. SPF 35 or greater sunscreen 5. Non aerosol insect repellent 2. SPF 35 or greater lip balm 6. Swimmers ear drops 3. Small bottle of vinegar (less than 3oz.) 7. Benadryl 4. Sea sickness medication 8. Hand sanitizer (required)

Tipping Policy: Staff members of Sea Base are prohibited from accepting monetary tips from participants. If you feel that your staff member has provided exceptional service feel free to give them one of your crew t-shirts, a nice letter from the crew or something that shows your appreciation without giving them money.

St. Croix Scuba Adventure

Overview: The St. Croix Scuba Adventure is an incredible, educational diving program. Focused on improving your crew’s scuba diving skills and learning about our ocean environment, crews will spend their days diving in the pristine waters surrounding St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. When not diving on the immaculate reef system, crews will take time refining their scuba diving skills and learning about ocean conservation through presentations given by Sea Base Divemasters and Instructors. Weather permitting, your crew may participate in as many as 10 open water dives while at Sea Base. During the crews’ final full day at Sea Base, participants will tour the historic Ft. Christianvaern and learn about the historic town of Christiansted. All dives will be conducted within the PADI-recommended 60 ft. limit for Open Water Divers. There will not be any opportunity to work on advanced certifications. Please note that daily activities are dictated by weather, tides, and the ability of the crew. Your activity plan can vary, sometimes widely, due to these factors.

Crew Size: 8 individuals. This number includes both youth and adult participants. Crews may not exceed the maximum number allowed.

Length of Adventure: 6 nights, 7 days including arrival and departure dates.

Program Specific Preparations: All scuba crews are required to complete and submit all mandatory documents prior to arrival. These mandatory documents are listed below.

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Program Specific Documents: Prior to arrival at Sea Base, we must receive all of the following documents:  Printed Crew Roster (Crew Roster must be  Wilderness First Aid Certificate or greater uploaded 90 days prior to arrival) certification for at least one adult  ID with birth certificate or passport  CPR/AED Certificate for at least one adult  BSA Unit Swim Classification Record with  BSA Annual Health and Medical Records for each participant listed each participant  BSA Safe Swim Certificates for each adult  Copies of Insurance Cards (front and back) leader for each participant  BSA Safety Afloat Certificates for each adult  RSTC Diver Medical Participant leader Questionnaire  BSA Youth Protection Certificates for each  PADI Release for Certified Divers adult leader  St. Croix Boat Travel and Scuba Diving  BSA Hazardous Weather Certificates for  Scuba Certification Cards each adult leader  NEW: Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist

IMPORTANT Travel Information: Scuba participants must not fly for a minimum of 18 hours (24 hours recommended) after diving. Tentative Schedule:

Arrival Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Arrive 1-4 Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast PM Swim Navigation Shark PADI Coral Review & & buoyancy Awareness Diving Departure Conservation Snorkel BSA skills Presentation

Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Check In

Tour of Ft. Diving Diving Diving Diving Christianvaern

Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner

Please note that program is dictated by weather, tides and the ability of the crew. Your activity plan can vary, sometimes widely, due to these factors.

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Scuba Adventure Packing List:

Sea Base provides meals, gear bags, scuba equipment, and nearly everything else you will need on your adventure. Below is a list of personal and crew items required or recommended for your adventure.

WHAT TO BRING: (Personal Items)

 ID and birth certificate or passport  1 pair dive booties or neoprene socks  1 UPF +30 long sleeve shirt (optional)  1 UPF +30 short sleeve shirt  1 festive closing campfire shirt  Wide brimmed hat with strap & buff  Light rain jacket  16oz +45 Biodegradable sunscreen  1 sleeping cover NO SPRAYS. MUST BE REEF SAFE. o Late Spring/Summer Crews:  Insect repellent, non-aerosol Sleeping bag insert  Polarized sunglasses with strap  1 Small pillow, backpacking recommended  Water bottle with carabiner, coffee mug  Sleeping pad (optional-cots provided)  Dive watch  2 Towels  Dive logbook and certification cards  Toiletry Kit  2 pairs of shorts: (1) swim trunks or  Flashlight, headlamp swimsuit (1) dry pair for land  Prescription medications  1 light pair of pants, zip off trek pants  Soft-sided packable lunch box & recommended Tupperware style sandwich  3 pairs of socks container sufficient for 2 sandwiches  2 pairs of shoes  Spending money ($125-$175) o (1) Teva or Chaco style sandals  Camera, waterproof recommended o (1) good walking shoes (open-toed  NEW for 2021: Mask and Snorkel (can be shoes are permitted) purchased from the Sea Base Ship Store in advance and shipped)

WHAT TO BRING: (Crew Items)

 Sea Base Specific First Aid Kit  Wilderness First Aid Training Certificate  Copies of all required paperwork (see pg.  CPR/AED Training Certificate 16)  Unit Swim Classification Record

WHAT NOT TO BRING

 We encourage ALL participants to “unplug”  Skateboards or bicycles during the entirety of their adventure.  Aerosol sunscreen or insect-repellent Phones and all electronic devices are  Personal music players or video games strongly discouraged, especially on the  Mess kits water.  Valuable or unnecessary items  Firearms or fireworks  Spear guns are prohibited  Fishing gear  Dive Knives https://store.bsaseabase.org/

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Sea Base Traditions and Awards

Leave No Trace: Take only memories and leave Base, your crew will need to develop a plan for only bubbles. Sea Base Adventures are advancement prior to arrival. conducted in ecologically sensitive environments. Participants must not touch or Triple Crown and Grand Slam Award: harm wildlife including coral. Participants must Individuals who attend Sea Base and two other not take coral, artifacts, or shells from the BSA National High Adventure Bases are eligible Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. for the Triple Crown Award. Individuals who Participants must properly dispose of and when attend all four BSA National High Adventure possible recycle all trash and refuse. Bases are eligible for the Grand Slam Award. Applications for these awards can be found at Flag Ceremonies: Flags Ceremonies Assembly www.nationalhighadventureawards.org. for raising begins each morning at 7:45. Assembly for retreat begins at 5:45. Project SCENE: Sea Base became the only Scouting facility in the US to be designated as a Council Shoulder Patches and Unit Numbers: Scout Center for Excellence of Nature and Units completing a Sea Base Adventure may Environment affix its unit numbers and council patch to the (S.C.E.N.E.). conference room wall with assistance from Through their Sea Base Staff member. participation in environmental Uniforms: Sea Base requires units to arrive on programs like site in uniform. Uniforms, field or activity, must exotic plant be worn to flag ceremonies. eradication, potential and Scholarships: Every youth deserves the actual marine opportunity to accompany their unit to Sea debris removal, fish ID and counts, Sea Base Base regardless of financial position. crews can earn a Project SCENE Award. Learn Scholarships are available to individuals with a more here: Project S.C.E.N.E. demonstrated need. Learn more here: Sea Base Scholarship Application. Goal: Clean Seas: Marine debris is one of the most widespread and persistent forms of Sea Base Custom Crew Gear: Every Sea Base pollution affecting the world's ocean and participant should arrive with (2) long sleeved coastal waters. Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys is UPF 30 or greater shirts, a hat and buff. Sea a community-led program developed in the Base provides the opportunity for units to order wake of Hurricane Irma in 2017 to address the customized, official apparel through the Ship threat of marine debris to ecosystems within Store. Orders should be placed at least 6 weeks Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Sea prior to onsite arrival to ensure on-time Base is working with Florida Keys National delivery. Marine Sanctuary and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation to identify and remove Advancement and Merit Badges: Advancement marine debris throughout the Florida Keys. is not part of the formal Sea Base experience. Sea Base does not offer structured merit badge Duty to God: Sea Base encourages individuals programs or merit badge instructors. If your and units to celebrate creation while at Sea unit is interested in advancement while at Sea Base. Sea Base Duty to God Award is designed to enhance adventure by propelling participants

Page | 19 to find evidence of Higher Purpose in the Closing Campfire: Weather permitting, your oceans, reefs, and marine species encountered crew may have the opportunity to attend a at Sea Base. Patches are available for purchase closing campfire. During this time crews will at the Sea Base Ship Store. Majestic Depths have the opportunity to “take the stage” after PDF. dinner and cleanup . Closing campfire is a great time for original crew skits, songs, and short REEF: Our Reef Survey Projects and fish stories. It’s also the perfect time for crew identification are conducted using programs reflection and making a plan for tomorrows developed by REEF Environmental Education departure day. Don’t forget to pick up your Foundation (REEF). For more information on crew photos in the Ship Store tonight too, the REEF and the surveys use the following address store will not be open on departure day. http://www.reef.org/ Careers at Sea Base: Sea Base is continually PADI Dive Against Debris: One of our evening looking for staff members to work in the Scuba programs teaches the Dive Against Debris by Department. As you could guess, working as a Goal-Clean Seas Florida Keys. On each dive part of the St. Croix or FSB Scuba Team involves participants will collect debris found on the dive some specialized training. This training will not sites. The debris collected will be weighed and only enable you to work as a part of our team recorded. The information is then uploaded to but start you on a career in the recreational scuba industry. The Divemaster Academy is the the Dive Against Debris website. first course you want to look at; followed by the Instructor Development Course.

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Scuba Medical Information

Document Submission

Paperwork Submission Prior or Arrival: At Sea Base our number one priority is your safety. Sea Base is responsible to review and pre-screen thousands of scuba medical documents each year. Once reviewed, hundreds of documents must be sent to the Sea Base Medical Director for further review. The Medical Director often requires additional information to be submitted by the treating physician. It is imperative that each participant FULLY COMPLETE and upload BSA AHMR and RSTC Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire months in advance. Failure to submit medical documents on time may result in the individual or crew not being cleared to scuba dive at Sea Base.  Summer (Mid May – August) must submit paperwork online no later than March 1.

Submission Steps: Sea Base screens thousands of scuba participant medicals each year. To help expedite the process of submitting and reviewing scuba medical documents, Sea Base implements the use of an online medical processing system. All documents that are needed for Sea Base Scuba Programs are to be completed using our online system. We cannot accept documents that have been mailed, FedEx, UPS or scanned and emailed. There are two steps to submitting an online medical:

 Step one: answer the online  Step two: scuba participant uploads. questionnaire. This questionnaire is Once the first step has been completed, comprised of the same information on participants will then be prompted to the BSA Medical Parts A, B1, & B2 and upload additional documentation. the RSTC Diver Medical Participant These uploads are due according to the Questionnaire page 1 & 2. This is due dates listed above. according to the dates listed above.

Crew Leader Log-In: To log-in and begin submitting your medicals, Adult Crew Leaders will first receive an email from Sea Base containing detailed instructions on how to set up their account. Once the Adult Crew Leader’s account is set up, they will be able to invite their crew members to join their crew and complete their medicals.

 Please note that each family is  As the Crew Leader adds crew members responsible for completing their own to their account, an automated medical. The Crew Leader cannot invitation email will be sent to the crew complete a medical for a participant member instructing them on how to log that is not their immediate family. in and begin the medical process.

Parent and Participant Log-In: To log-in and begin submitting crew member medicals, participants will receive an email invitation from their Adult Crew Leader. This email will contain detailed instructions on how to log-in and complete a participant medical.

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Health Conditions and Scuba Diving

Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes must be well-controlled. Hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness and drowning.  Persons under age 18 with the diagnosis of o The acceptable oral medications for diabetes will not be permitted to scuba diabetic control are as single agents dive. only: metformin and metformin  Persons using insulin to control diabetes analogs; DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin, will not be permitted to scuba dive. vildagliptin, alogliptin, saxagliptin  Persons with diabetes, who are non-insulin and linagliptin); or SGLT2 inhibitors dependent and who have had recurrent and analogies. problems and/or hospitalizations for o Persons who control their diabetes diabetic problems, should not participate. with exercise and diet (without the  Persons having a documented or suspected aid of medication, except hypoglycemic event requiring treatment or metformin) and document HbA1c assessment in the previous 12 months will test value less than 7.0 in the last 6 not be permitted to scuba dive. months) may be approved to scuba  Diabetes is considered well-controlled when dive. the following are met:  Persons with any HbA1c test greater than 7.0 in the previous 12 months will not be permitted to scuba dive.

Seizures or Epilepsy: Seizures while snorkeling or scuba diving are extremely dangerous and often fatal.  No participant with a history of seizures will for diving after formal consultation with a be permitted to scuba dive. neurologist.  Prospective participants with a history of  No participant taking anti-epileptic infant febrile seizures may be considered medication will be permitted to scuba dive.

Allergy or Anaphylaxis and Scuba: Persons who have had an anaphylactic reaction from any cause must contact the Sea Base before arrival.  If you are allowed to participate, you will be required to have appropriate treatment with you. You and at least one other member of your crew must know how to give the treatment. If you do not bring appropriate treatment with you, you will be required to buy it before you will be allowed to participate.

Asthma or Reactive Airway Disease: Persons with asthma or being treated for asthma will not be permitted to scuba dive.  Persons with a history of asthma who have confirmed by their physician and includes been asymptomatic and have not used provocative pulmonary function testing medications to control asthma for five years conducted by a pulmonologist. Provocative or more may be allowed to scuba dive if testing can include exercise, hypertonic resolution of asthma is specifically saline, a hyperpnea test, etc.

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Psychological and Emotional Difficulties (ADD, ADHD, anxiety, and depression): Any condition should be well-controlled without the services of a mental health practitioner.  Many medications are not compatible with scuba diving.  Persons taking more than one medication for any of these conditions are not permitted to scuba dive. Persons with anxiety disorder requiring medication are not permitted to scuba dive.

Recent Musculoskeletal Injuries and Orthopedic Surgery and Scuba: Individuals with significant musculoskeletal problems (including back problems) or orthopedic surgery/injuries within the last six months must have a letter of clearance from their orthopedic surgeon or treating physician to be considered for approval to participate. Permission is not guaranteed. A person with a cast on any extremity may participate only if approved by their physician AND Sea Base.

Concussions and Scuba: Those participants who have suffered a concussion and any side effects from the concussion should contact DAN and Sea Base to discuss this issue. Please provide the following information on the BSA Medical: 1. When did the injury occur? 3. Were there reports of disorientation after 2. Was there any loss of consciousness, the incident? inability to recollect events? 4. Have there been any lingering affects?

Sleep Apnea and Scuba: Prospective participants with sleep apnea may participate at Sea Base if they have been medically cleared for participation, they understand that they are responsible to provide battery support for their CPAP and may not have access to electricity if participating in a Scuba Live Aboard Diving Adventure.

Medical Issues that may disqualify an individual from scuba diving. In addition to this Participant Guide, the following information is listed on the Sea Base website and the BSA AHMR “High-Adventure Risk Advisory to Health-Care Providers and Parents” as part of the BSA Medical Release document.

Severe Risk Factors: Persons with conditions listed as “severe” by the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) are not permitted to scuba dive. See: UHMS Diving Medical Guidance to the Physician (2020).

Questions or concerns: Youth, parents, dive supervisors, and physicians with questions or concerns about diving with specific medical conditions should consult the UHMS Diving Medical Guidance to the Physician, Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) and the Divers Alert Network (DAN). DAN medical professionals are available for non-emergency consultation by telephone at 919-684-2948 during business hours or via email.

This is not an absolute list of disqualifying medical conditions. This is meant to be a guide for the more common medical conditions. If you have a medical condition that may be of concern, please contact the Scuba Department for guidance.

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BSA Annual Health and Medical Record Please make sure all highlighted and boxed sections are completed

The BSA Part A (see above) will be completed by using the online system. There is no need to print this form and upload it.

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The BSA Part B page 1 (see above) will be completed by using the online system. There is no need to print this form and upload it.

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The BSA Part B page 2 (see above) will be completed by using the online system. There is no need to print this form and upload it.

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The BSA Part C. Please make sure all highlighted and circled sections are completed prior to uploading. Any omitted items will cause the form to be sent back and this will delay your processing. This form must be completed and uploaded to our online system.

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Scuba Diving Forms

Please make sure all highlighted and boxed sections are completed

The RSTC Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire page one (1) will be completed by using the online system. There is no need to upload this page. However, you will need to print the entire document when your physician signs the form. This is page one (1) of a three (3) page document. Page | 28

The RSTC Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire page two (2) will be completed by using the online system. There is no need to upload this page. However, you will need to print the entire document when your physician signs the form. This is page two (2) of a three (3) page document.

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The RSTC Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire page three (3). You will need to print this form to bring to a Physician. Please make sure the physician marks the “Evaluation Results” box and signs and dates the form. The form must be signed regardless of the answers on the first page of the document. For those in the Scuba Certification Adventure this must be signed by a physician only (MD or DO) as per BSA requirements. This form must be uploaded to our online system. Incomplete forms will be sent back and delay your processing. This is page three (3) of a three (3) page document.

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This form is used when participants are on medications for ADD, ADHD, anxiety, depression or medications that may not be suitable to be used while scuba diving. If Sea Base determines more information is needed, this form will be emailed to you.

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The PADI Release for St. Croix Scuba Adventure. Space #1 is for the participant’s name. This is page one (1) of a two (2) page document. Both pages must be uploaded to the system. It is best to scan both pages into one document to upload.

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The PADI Release for St. Croix Scuba Adventure. This is page two (2) of a two (2) page document. Both pages must be uploaded to the system. It is best to scan both pages into one document to upload. Space #1 if for the participant’s name, space #2 for participant’s signature and date, and space #3 for the parent or guardian signature and date.

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The PADI Release for Certified Divers is for Scuba Adventure and Scuba Live Aboard only. This is page one (1) of a two (2) page document. Both pages must be uploaded to the online system. It is best to scan both pages into one document to upload.

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The PADI Release for Certified Divers is for Scuba Adventure and Scuba Live Aboard only. This is page two (2) of a two (2) page document. Both pages must be uploaded to the online system. It is best to scan both pages into one document to upload.

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St. Croix Scuba Program Frequently Asked Questions

Are scholarships available? YES! Scholarships are will not be permitted to participate. See page 36 for available to those with a demonstrated financial those items most often omitted or not completed on need. Sea Base has limited scholarship funds; the BSA AHMR Part C. complete and forward all applications in a timely manner. Scholarship Forms can be found at Sea Base What if I arrive at Sea Base without a completed Scholarship Form. BSA Annual Health and Medical Record? You will not be allowed to participate. Who can be awarded a Sea Base Scholarship? Any youth or adult with a demonstrated financial need. What if I arrive at Sea Base and exceed 295lbs.? You will not be allowed to participate. I have a youth who will turn 18 years of age prior to arrival at Sea Base. Will the youth count against our Can I bring my CPAP Machine on my Adventure? youth to adult ratio? No. Participants may be Participants who with a CPAP machine may considered as youth or adults until their 21st participate at Sea Base if they have been medically birthday as they are eligible to register in Exploring cleared for participation. CPAP users must or Venturing as youth participants. understand that they are responsible to provide battery support for their CPAP and may not have Can an 18-year-old youth serve as a second adult access to electricity if participating in a St. Croix leader? BSA YPT requires two adult leaders over the Scuba Adventure. age of 21. Where does my unit check in? Camp Wall, Can two adult males take a co-ed or female unit to Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Sea Base without an adult female leader? No. Any crew with youth female participants must What time should my crew check in? See Base have an adult female over the age of 21 present. Crews should check in no earlier than 1:00 pm and no later than 4:00 pm Must parents register with the BSA to participate? Yes. Without exception, every adult leader Should our unit travel in uniform? Absolutely. Units participating in a Sea Base program must be must arrive in BSA Uniform. Field or Activity registered with the BSA and complete Youth Uniforms are acceptable. Protection, BSA Safe Swim, BSA Safety Afloat, and BSA Weather Hazards trainings. Do I need wetsuit booties with the fins? No, our fins are an open heal design (strap) but not meant to be How old must I be to participate in a Sea Base worn with boot. For comfort we suggest you use Adventure? 13 years of age prior to date of arrival. neoprene socks instead of the booties, but it is not required. What if I am not a strong swimmer? Sea Base does not offer programs for non-swimmers or beginning If I have specialized equipment could I use it at Sea swimmers. For your protection, if you have not Base? If you have specialized equipment (i.e.: dry passed the BSA Swim Test or are unable to complete suits, full face masks, side mount systems, etc.) you the Sea Base Swim Review you will be sent home at will be required to show proof of certification and your own expense. experience.

May I use a work or sports physical instead of a BSA Why do I need a dive watch? Everyone needs a dive Annual Health and Medical Record? No. You will not watch to be able to plan and record their dives to be allowed to participate in Sea Base programs ensure we are staying within the dive time/depth unless you use the BSA Annual Health and Medical limits. Every diver needs his or her own watch Record. and/or timing device (participants may bring their own computer if desired). It does not need to be an What if my doctor has not or will not sign PART C of expensive watch and there are several inexpensive the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record? You styles online. As long as it is waterproof, and you can Page | 36 take it underwater it should be fine. All Sea Base final. There is no appeal or waiver process. The staff regulators have a three-gauge console that includes of Sea Base is unable to change, alter or deviate a pressure gauge (SPG), depth gauge and compass. from the decision of the Medical Director or BSA Sea Base does not supply dive computers. policies regarding medical fitness for scuba diving.

May I bring a diving knife or dive gloves? No, dive My physician has cleared me to scuba dive, so I am knives and gloves are not allowed. We will not bring cleared to participate? Just because your physician you to dive sites where there is a possibility of has cleared you or you are already certified does not entanglement. We do not wear gloves because mean you will be able to participate. If you have one touching the corals is not allowed. or more of the previously listed medical conditions that will disqualify you by BSA standards, you may Do I need a wetsuit? Not during the summer when not be cleared to participate. No physician, not even water temperatures reach up to 86 degrees. our Medical Director may waive or change a BSA policy relating to scuba diving. Why does Sea Base ask for our scuba medical documents this far in advance of your adventure? If I am disqualified from scuba diving may I This gives the Sea Base staff time to review all participate as a snorkeler? Yes, if you meet medical paperwork any issues that may restrict or disqualify requirements to attend Sea Base. an individual from participation in their adventure. Doing this gives the participant and parents enough Can I bring my forms with me instead of sending time to resolve the issue or decide on an alternative them prior to my arrival? No, doing so will not give option. us sufficient time to review your information. Sea Base Staff may not have the ability to resolve issues Why must all forms be signed by both the youth and it is likely we will not be able to clear you to and parent? Even though a youth is underage, and dive. It is imperative that all forms are uploaded into their signature may not be legally binding, there is the system on or before the stated deadlines. information in the documents they should be made aware of. By signing they are acknowledging that Is there a list of the medicines that will disqualify they have at least read the information that will me from scuba diving? There is no list. We look at increase their knowledge and make them a safer the illness that is being treated and not the scuba diver. medications. However, there may be times when certain medications will prevent a person from scuba If I am disqualified for scuba diving because of a diving. Contact the Scuba Department for additional medical condition is there a waiver or appeal information. process? The Sea Base Medical Director’s decision is

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Appendix BSA Scuba Diving Policy

The BSA recognizes scuba industry standards and implements them by using outside agencies for training and certification.

Trained Supervision: Any person possessing, displaying, or using scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) in connection with any Scouting-related activity must be either currently certified by a recognized agency or enrolled in an instructional scuba program, such as Scuba BSA or the Scuba Diving merit badge, which must be conducted by an insured recreational diving instructor in good standing with a recognized agency and approved by the council.

Recreational Diving Activities: Recreational diving activities by BSA groups must be supervised by a responsible adult currently certified (renewed) as a divemaster, assistant instructor, or higher rating from a recognized agency. Dive environments, equipment, depths, procedures, supervision, and buddy assignments must be consistent with each individual’s certification. Because dives by recreational divers may be infrequent, the divemaster or instructor supervising a BSA scuba activity should screen participants prior to open-water activities and provide remedial instruction and practice as appropriate. Such remedial instruction and practice should be in accordance with the policies and standards of the divemaster’s or instructor’s agency for Scuba Review, Scuba Refresher, or similar program.

SNUBA: Diving using surface-supplied air systems is not authorized in connection with any BSA activity or facility except when done under contract by commercial divers.

Medical Contradictions: Each scuba training agency recognized by the BSA requires a specific health history form prior to enrollment in a certification program. The BSA requires review and approval of the completed form by a physician even if the scuba agency itself does not require physician approval. Various risk factors identified on the forms may exclude a person from scuba training, either temporarily or permanently. Risk factors include, but are not limited to, ear and sinus problems, recent surgery, spontaneous pneumothorax, asthma or reactive airway disease (RAD), epilepsy, seizure disorders, diabetes, multiple (more than one) medication for ADD, ADHD and depression, anxiety, narcolepsy, exceeding height/weight requirements, leukemia, sickle-cell disorder, pregnancy, panic disorders, and active psychosis.

Sea Base Medical Review: Personnel will review the health information for each participant that is required annually of all BSA members on the Annual Health and Medical Record (AMHR), No.680-001, and evaluate risk conditions using medical standards consistent with those used by the BSA in the Safe Guide to Scouting and Scuba diving. Additional tests or physician consultations may be required to confirm fitness for diving. Consultation with medical specialists knowledgeable about diving medicine also may be needed for participants taking psychotropic drugs for treatment of attention deficit disorder, depression, or other conditions.

Medical Conditions that Disqualify Individuals from Scuba Diving with the BSA:  Asthma  Anxiety  Epilepsy/Seizures  Narcolepsy  Insulin dependent diabetes  Exceeding the height/weight requirement  Multiple (more than one) medication for  Head injuries ADD, ADHD, depression  Spontaneous pneumothorax Page | 38

RSTC & DAN: Simply because scuba agencies recognized by the BSA may allow exceptions to general medical prohibitions based on individual diving fitness evaluations by a medical specialist who is knowledgeable about diving medicine, does not mean they will be accepted under BSA Medical Policy for Scuba Diving. Scouts, parents, dive supervisors, and physicians with questions or concerns about diving with specific medical conditions should consult the Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) Guidelines for Recreational Scuba Diver’s Physical Examination and the Divers Alert Network (DAN) at www.diversalertnetwork.org. DAN medical professionals are available for nonemergency consultation by telephone at 919-684-2948 during business hours or through the contact form on the Divers Alert Network website.

Age Appropriate Restrictions: Youth members in Cub Scouting, including Webelo Scouts, are not authorized to use scuba in any activity.  Boy Scouts may participate in the introductory Scuba BSA program and may obtain open-water certification as part of Scuba Diving merit badge.  Varsity and Venturing groups may participate in introductory and certification scuba programs conducted by recognized agencies appropriate to their ages and current levels of certification.

Standards of Recognized Scuba Agencies: Standards of the recognized scuba agencies require students for open-water certification programs to be at least 15 years of age but allow special certification programs for younger students. Since all instruction for BSA scuba programs must be conducted by professionals certified by a recognized agency, additional agency-specific, age-related restrictions and protocols apply to students under 15 years of age. Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers may participate in recreational group dives as unit, district, or council activities, provided such dives are consistent with their certifications and under direct, on-site supervision of a responsible adult currently certified as a divemaster, an assistant instructor, or a higher rating from a recognized agency.

Divers Under 15 Years of Age: The divemaster or instructor supervising a recreational dive by a BSA group must implement the following policies for all divers under 15 years of age, as well as any additional junior diver restrictions and protocols adopted by that person’s certifying agency:  Depths are limited to 40 feet for divers under 12 years of age and to 60 feet for divers 12 to 14 years of age.  Each diver under 15 years of age must have an adult buddy certified as an Open Water diver who is either the junior diver’s parent of an adult approved by the parent. More than one youth under 15 years of age may dive with an adult.  Additional divemaster’s or instructors are present to maintain a ratio of one trained supervisor to four buddy pairs (eight divers) containing one to four divers under 15 years of age.

Council Programs: When scuba diving is taught in connection with any local council program, instructors should provide the training on a contract basis. Such instructors should have dive store or another commercial affiliation that provides liability insurance coverage. Direct employment of scuba instructors is not recommended.

Professional Sourcing: Local council programs may not compress or sell air for scuba use, or sell, rent, or loan scuba equipment (e.g., scuba cylinders, regulators, gauges, dive computers, weights, or BCDs). All air and equipment for local council program use must be obtained from professional sources (e.g., dive stores, resorts, dive boats, etc.) affiliated with a scuba agency recognized by the BSA.

Scuba equipment may be used by certified summer camp aquatics program personnel for installation and maintenance of waterfront equipment, or for search and recovery operations. Search and recovery could include lost equipment, as well as rescue efforts.

Recognized Agencies:  PADI: Professional Association of Diving  NASDS: National Association of Scuba Instructors Diving Schools (merged with SSI, but  NAUI: National Association of certification cards are still recognized) Underwater Instructors  RAID: Rebreather Association of  SSI: Scuba Schools International International Divers  IDEA: International Diving Educators  IANTD: International Association of Association Nitrox and Technical Divers  PDIC: Professional Diving Instructors  NASE: National Academy of Scuba Corporation Educators  SDI: Scuba Diving International  SNSI: Scuba and Nitrox Safety  YMCA Scuba Program (discontinued in International 2008, but certification cards are still recognized)

WRSTC: In addition to the agencies listed by name, any current member of the World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC), which includes all Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) members, is also recognized.

Certification from an Agency That is Not a Member of the RSTC: BSA and Sea Base only accept those agencies that are a member of the RSTC. Your card will not be recognized, and you cannot scuba dive at Sea Base if the certification agency is not a member of the RSTC.

Other Agencies Wishing to be Recognized by the BSA: Agencies wishing to be recognized by the BSA may contact the Outdoor Programs Team of the National Office. Recognition by a certifying body such as the RSTC or European Underwater Federation (EUF) that the agency adheres to ANSI/CEN/ISO standards would be expected.

For the most recent version of the BSA Scuba Policy, visit the Guide to Safe Scouting at www.scouting.org/scoutsource/healthandsafety/gss/toc.aspx.

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