Handbook for Skippers
by Bruce Chr. Johnson & Jimmie Homburg National Sea Scouting Committee
Third edition
Irving, Texas • Boy Scouts of America • 2001 This guide is written for Skippers and Mates who must provide effective leadership if Sea Scouting is to accomplish its purpose. This handbook, the key leadership reference, should be supplemented by the Sea Scout Manual, No. S33239B, and other Venturing literature to enable Skippers and Mates to maintain a contemporary program approach.
Both experienced and new adult officers of Ships should find this guide worthy of frequent reference. Its content and makeup are designed to assist Skippers and Mates to meet the needs, desires, and concerns of the petty officers and members of Sea Scout Ships.
Sea Scouting on the Internet
Quite a bit of program support for Sea Scouting may be found on the Internet. For those with access to the World Wide Web, point your browser to http://www.seascout.org to consult the national Sea Scouting web site. Additional questions about the program may be sent via e-mail to [email protected]. There is also a free Sea Scouting discussion group on the Internet called Seascout-Net. To subscribe, send the following e-mail message to
Four Essential Points
One can say that there are four essential points to look for in leaders: (1) They must have their whole-hearted faith and belief in the rightness of their cause so that their followers catch the contagion and share their fanaticism. (2) They must have a cheery, energetic personality with sympathy and friendly under- standing of their followers, and so secure their enthusiastic cooperation. (3) They must have confidence in themselves through knowing their jobs. They thus gain the confidence of their scouts. (4) What they preach they must practice, thereby giving personal example. — after Robert S.S. Baden-Powell Founder of Sea Scouting
Page 2 Handbook for Skippers Influencing Young Adults Page 1 Do Young Adults Want Leadership?; Special Skills and Competence; Your Role as They See It; Modeling Maturity; Acceptance of Differences; Winning or Losing Face; Summarizing Your Role, Working with Young Adults; Their Nature; Meeting Their Needs; On Their Terms
1. Ship Organization Page 7 The Skipper; The Mates; The Ship Committee; Petty Officers; Ship Members; Membership Know-How; Council Support of Sea Scouting
2. Ship Management Page 26 Quarterdeck Meetings; Meeting Preparation; Ship Meetings; The Meeting Place; The Meeting Pattern; Two-Part Program; Ship Committee Meetings; The Annual Report and Rechartering Meeting; Rechartering Process; Ship Committee Chair; Presentation of the Charter; Recruiting; Ship Recruiting Plan; Career-Interest Survey List; Election of Petty Officers; Ship Public Relations; Annual Quarterdeck Seminar;
3. Program Building and Scheduling Page 44 Annual Activity Schedule; Superactivity Planning; National Activities; Monthly Planning Procedure; Consultants; Council and District Activities
4. Customs and Courtesies Page 58 The Spirit and the Example; The Sea Scout Salute; The Double Salute; Piping the Side; Common Courtesies; Ceremonies; Bell Time; Landships and Equipment; Ideals of Sea Scouting; The Sea Promise; Pledge of Allegiance; Your Own Ship’s Articles (Code); Suggested Contents; Developing a Set of Ship’s Articles; Revising the Ship’s Articles; Ship’s Articles; National Ensign; Sea Scout Flags; Ship’s Papers; Ship’s Logbook; Mem- bership Applications; Harbor Log; A Ship Logbook; Vessel Logbooks; Flag Etiquette; Flag Usage Aboard Ship; Salutes Between Boats; Passing Boats and at Landings; Entering and Leaving Boats; Colors; A Skipper’s Minute; The History of Sea Scouting
5. Recognition Page 80 Admitting New Members, Recognizing Talent, Motivating Service, Emphasizing Advancement, Recognizing Activity Committee Chairs, Recognizing Outside Activities, Uniforming, What Kind of Uniforms?; Where to Get Uniforms, Recognitions, Long Cruise Badge, Aquatics Awards, Historic Trails Award, 50-Miler Award, Religious Awards, Awards for Heroism, Hornaday Award, Safe Boating Course, Sea Scout Advanced Seamanship, Recognition for Adults, Sea Scout Officers’ Specialized Training, Seabadge Conference, Skipper’s Key; Sea Scouter’s Training Award
6. Safety Afloat Page 99
Handbook for Skippers Page 3 Equipment, Drills and Practice, Prevention, Fire Fighting, First Aid, Safe Swim Defense, Loading Your Boat, Operation of Boats, Heavy Weather Afloat
7. Boats and Program Policies and Procedures Page 109 Acquiring Boats; Before You Start Looking; Private Donations; Looking for Your New Boat; Insurance; Problems of Larger Boats; Coast Guard Relations; BSA Safe Boat- ing/Sailing Standards Definition of Personnel Classifications; Safety Policies; Safety Afloat ; Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s) ; Swimming and Diving Areas ; Scuba ; Waterskiing; Whitewater Safety Code; Medical Information; Immunizations, First Aid; First Aid Kits ; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) ; Protection Considerations for Bloodborne Pathogens; Transportation; Automobiles ; Campers, Trailers, and Trucks ; Buses; Trains ; Boats; Aircraft; Tour Permits; Leadership Requirements for Trips and Outings; Youth Protection and Child Abuse; Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use and Abuse; Fuels and Fire Prevention; Chemical Fuels ; Fireworks Ship Fund-raisers
8. Program Resources Page 135 U.S. Coast Guard; National Ocean Service; Navigational Charts; U.S. Naval Oceano- graphic Office; U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary; U.S. Navy; U.S. Power Squadron; US Sailing; Yachting Associations
Nautical Books, Publications, and Internet Resources Page 141 Piloting and Navigation; Boat Design and Building; Boat Maintenance and Engines; Canoes, Rowboats, Outboards; Knots and Ropework; Safety, First Aid, Swimming, and Lifesaving; Sea Lore and History; General Seamanship; Galley Techniques and Outdoor Cooking and Camping; Cruising, Tours, and Expeditions; Sailing and Racing; Personal Fitness and Citizenship; Ship Meeting Helps; Sports and Aquatics; Boating Magazines; Internet Resources
Glossary of Sea Terms Page 145
Index Page 151
Page iv Handbook for Skippers Influencing Young Adults
So, you are a Skipper, a Mate, a Ship committee member, or a consultant. Want to be successful? If so, you must enjoy your association with young adults and be a positive influence in their lives. “Great,” you say, but “How do I get it? How do others do it? What is the secret?” The secret to leadership really boils down to just being yourself and using some proven leadership skills as they relate to young adults.
Do Young Adults Want Leadership?
Yes they do. Sound research reflected from studies of highschool-age young adults reveals that 94 percent want adult leadership for their organized group. The reports were, in fact, overwhelming. Experience bears this out. The tenure of organized groups of young adults related to Sea Scout Ships, YMCAs, churches, etc., is directly related to the skills and competence of their adult leaders.
Special Skills and Competence
Your success as an adult leader of a Sea Scout Ship will be enhanced if you have the qualities and skills admired by young adults. High school-age youth seek an association with mature adults who have skills and display competence. Your skills may be in any field and range from sports and business to specific crafts, dress, and social know-how. Young adults are especially impressed by adults who have skills related to their specific field of interest. However, lacking skills in their interest field does not automatically phase you out. Youth places nearly an equal degree of importance on the skills of adults who are friendly, comfortable, and who understand their problems. Young adults look for and accept adult leaders who have the skills and abilities they hope to have someday.
Your Role as They See It
Young adults of high school age have rather definite roles in mind for adult leadership. They see their adult leader as one who helps them organize, plan, and get underway with activities tailored to their needs, desires, and concerns. They like to see the Skipper, for example, supervise and see to it that the program operates in the manner to which they have agreed. You should also help the Ship sail on course, on time, and in the direction they have planned. They also see the Skipper, the Mates, and the Ship Committee as helpers and counselors conveniently available, but not always on their backs. Watch your step, however, as you deal with the individual Ship members. They will differ in the degree to which they will see your role as being dominant. They gradually change as they grow older. The younger members in your Ship seek out stronger organization and
Handbook for Skippers Page 1 accept more dominant leadership. On the other hand, members 16 and 17 years of age want adult leadership but prefer a more helping and counseling type. It is clear that nearly all high school-age youth will accept leadership of a command-type when they clearly see the need for this kind of leadership. For example, in foul weather, on a Ship’s cruise, or in other emergency situations where they do not feel competent they will accept strong adult leadership. Other than these types of limited situations, command leadership is not acceptable to Sea Scouts. You as a good Skipper must be sensitive to this fact and be sure that your role as a leader varies with the type of activity and the elements involved.
Modeling Maturity
As the young adults of high school-age grow older, they gradually assume more of the responsibility of adulthood. The Skipper and other adult leaders are constantly seen by Ship members as models of maturity. As a part of his leadership role, the Skipper should set an example of mature behavior. The Ship’s officers need to be adults who control their emotions and are able to live with the differences and tensions within a Sea Scout Ship. This is important because you have the primary task of helping the Ship members develop good personal control of their emotions. A good example of a successful leader is the Mate who does not lose his temper over a discipline problem. Do not react to adolescent behavior as though it were a personal insult to yourself. Or again, a Skipper whose dress, speech, and manners both aship and ashore are those of a mature, polite adult. Over a period of time you will be able to note a change in Ship members as they seek to emulate you and your officers.
Acceptance of Differences
Accepting differences in people is a mark of maturity often difficult to reach. It is an essential skill needed by an adult leader of high school-age youth. Many Skippers and Mates find themselves uncomfortable when faced with rebellious teenagers whose ideas of acceptable discipline, dress, or personal appearance may be quite different from their own. This is difficult for any leader, but highly frustrating to those who find themselves faced with teenagers whom they automatically tend to dislike because of their choice of clothes or personal appearance. However, if you as a leader have the maturity that enables you to accept their differences, then you will naturally establish the atmosphere in which you can help them progress toward maturity.
Winning or Losing Face
A Skipper who is seeking to increase the maturity of his Sea Scouts should not judge each situation by whether or not you control it. Winning or losing this battle should not be of any real concern. You will find it almost impossible to establish control or discipline if you feel so insecure that you are constantly afraid of losing face with the members. You may at times
Page 2 Handbook for Skippers fail to establish your point, but even so you will not lose face unless you are more interested in your own welfare than in helping young adults. As a new officer, you may at first have a difficult time adjusting to traits of the high school-age group in the Ship. However, if you are reasonably mature and maintain a helpful attitude, you soon develop the skills that will make your relationship enjoyable. For you, securing discipline and cooperation comes as a result of increased respect for your efforts to understand and help them reach their objectives without causing them to lose face, collectively or individually. Young adults of high school-age are establishing value systems. At times they test the value systems they are developing with those of their leaders, parents, and others. Testing values is important to them during adolescence. A competent Skipper is aware of their doubts and questioning. You have, for the most part, resolved your own conflicts with the truths you live by and are able to express to the Ship members your own conclusions. You do this both ver- bally and by how you lives. As a Skipper, you must realize that if you are to be an effective leader of young adults, your values need to be in harmony with those of the Boy Scouts of America as reflected in Venturing literature. Each Sea Scout needs adult help in creating their own value system. This requires you to be able to describe, in clear, simple terms, the Venturing values as you see them. You should not try to impose these values on your Sea Scouts but should strive to be a living example of one whose life is piloted by an acceptable system of values.
Summarizing Your Role
You know that nearly all high school-age youth want adult leadership related to their organized activities. They will not, however, accept just any adult. They know the kind of leadership they want and they know what they want their leader to do. A Ship’s officer, to be successful, must be one who can accept differences, one who can maintain control and communications, one who expects progress and not perfection, and one who has an established value system and the ability to express it clearly and simply. The Skipper of a Sea Scout Ship usually finds himself in a complex position. He must be prepared at all times to take command even though he rarely, if ever, does so. His aggressive leadership must assert itself through his efforts to advise, counsel, and guide the Ship’s officers and members. He secures the respect of young adults not through his position of command but on his own friendliness, competence, and evidence of maturity. As a Skipper or Mate you need to know your own limitations and be willing to secure the help when needed of other competent and expert adults. You should constantly seek to increase your skill as a seaman and your competence in working with young adults. As a person you are most effective when you are yourself. High on the list of things that turn young adults off is adult trying to be something they are not.
Handbook for Skippers Page 3 WORKING WITH YOUNG ADULTS
High school-age young adults are in the most vulnerable and demanding positions. Ideas and values that they once accepted without question are now examined and challenged as they develop ideas and values for themselves. Many times they reject family rules of moral conduct and the discipline of a Sea Scout Ship – not because they believe the rules are wrong – but because they have not thought them through – and are simply expressing their independence.
Their Nature
Young adults are struggling to establish themselves as separate identities in society. Having become older, they are no longer dependent on their age group for security but associate more often with close friends on a person-to-person basis. Young adults seek action as an outlet for their energy to prove to themselves and the world that they have achieved maturity. Most young adults seek to zero in on one of their major concerns – the need to find a place in the world of work, a place in tune with their special interests. All desire and search for jobs that will provide, among other things, financial independence. Most freshmen and sophomores have not started to concentrate on a career but prefer to explore broad vocational fields. On the other hand, juniors and seniors are thinking seriously about advanced education and an occupation. Many have the desire to explore in depth specific career interests. Social relationships among young men and women take on new dimensions. With little knowledge or experience in this new role, they seek to establish a well-balanced social life built around dating, close friendships, and past group loyalties with the resulting conflicts of interests and time. Summed up, you as an adult leader should realize that the nature of young adults is stress, activity, and independence, and that to be successful you must meet their needs on their terms as suggested below.
Meeting Their Needs
Encourage the efforts of Ship members to be independent and to develop self-reliance through adult-like organizational and leadership experiences. Give the petty officers and members every opportunity to select, plan, and implement the program. Create opportunities for them to explore general fields of occupations even though their major interests appear to be in seamanship, cruising, and other aquatic activities. In all career exploration, help them get beyond the look and hear stage by involvement that brings them in close contact with skilled adults, facilities, and equipment related to their vocational interests. Create an atmosphere that will help the Sea Scouts improve their ability to get along with others, especially the opposite sex. Be sure all qualified petty officers attend program planning
Page 4 Handbook for Skippers conferences to share activity ideas with officers of other Ships. This will lead to the involvement of members in inter-unit, district, and council activities. With the help of the Ship committee, secure the use of equipment, transportation, and interesting facilities for activities. Recommend to your petty officers rugged physical action. Call to their attention the many outdoor opportunities available both locally and nationally. The key to “outdoor action” on the part of the members is an activity that satisfies their sport or hobby interests such as cruising, canoeing, scuba diving, and sailing. To help Sea Scouts fulfill their desire to feel useful, bring about conditions that offer them the chance to help others in worthwhile service projects for their sponsoring organization and community.
On Their Terms
The nature of young adults suggests that Ship officers approach crew members within these guidelines: Chart the channel, then give them the helm – seek agreement with the crew on boundaries and guidelines for Ship activities. As this is done, help them understand why and how it will be to their advantage. Once agreement has been reached, the Skipper should not interfere with the group’s natural ability to conduct its own affairs.
Motivate them to do their best. Expecting the best can do much to influence behavior and attitudes of young adults. A Skipper who reflects confidence in their abilities and who has respect for their judgment is a strong, positive force.
Pick them up when they stumble. Give them a hand only when they seem certain to fall. Rather than taking over, adult leaders can be most helpful by asking questions in areas that need further planning or appear to need more direction and effort. Do not be so eager to ensure the success of the program that you rob young adults of their chance to grow through the experience. Failure can be the most successful of teachers.
Listen and learn. Listening probably will be the hardest job, but much can be learned about young adults and their world by watching and listening.
Act your age and let them act theirs. A Ship’s officer should be themself and not attempt to impersonate young adults. Some leaders can be casual and informal and mix well in sports and social settings, while others find it more natural to be reserved. Both types of leaders can be successful if they show genuine interest in young adults and their ideas.
Stress their strong points. Accept young adults as they are with whatever level of social skill or grace they possess. Praise their successes in public, correct weaknesses in private, and strengthen your relationship with all Sea Scouts by helping them discover their strong points.
Handbook for Skippers Page 5 Make them feel good. They act the way they feel. Feelings and emotions have great influence on the behavior of young adults. Find out what makes them feel useful and important and use the information tactfully. At times your success with the young adults may be based on that knowledge alone.
Page 6 Handbook for Skippers 1. Ship Organization
Basic to Sea Scouting is the premise that all adult leaders, and especially the Skipper, have a role similar to that of a coach. A Skipper’s primary job is to build the Ship structure needed for success and then follow through with good team management to capitalize on the talents and leadership abilities of his petty officers, Mates, and other adults.1
To build and keep good Ship structure you need a clear understanding of the role of each petty officer and their relationships with the rest of the leadership team. Study the following job descriptions for the necessary job information and review the part of the preface related to “Working With Young Adults” for the skills essential to acquiring team spirit and team cooperation.
THE SKIPPER
The Skipper is the key adult leader of the Sea Scout Ship whose principal job is to develop the leadership skills of the Sea Scouts. The Skipper must be at least 21 years of age and a citizen of the United States.
Adult leaders in Sea Scouting need not be licensed operators of a Sea Scout vessel to be successful. Many excellent Skippers do not have the technical capability to operate a vessel. Far more essential to a Skipper is his programming and character-developing role. However, it is essential that the Skipper recruit a qualified operator as a Mate or a Ship Committee member who is readily available.
1It is not the purpose of this publication to explain how to organize a new Sea Scout Ship. For detailed information on new Ship organization, see How to Organize a Sea Scout Ship, no. 25-352, and the Sea Scouts brochure, no. 25-353. The Sea Scouts, BSA website
Handbook for Skippers Page 7 CHART OF SHIP ORGANIZATION
NATIONAL COUNCIL LOCAL BOY SCOUT COUNCIL
CHARTERED ORGANIZATION
SHIP COMMITTEE
CONSULTANTS SKIPPER MATES
BOATSWAIN
YEOMAN BOATSWAIN’S PURSER MATE(S) STOREKEEPER
CREW LEADERS ACTIVITY COMMITTEE ASSISTANT CREW LEADERS CHAIRS
SEA SCOUT MEMBERS
As Skipper you give direction to the Ship’s program while carrying out your most important duty advising and coaching the Ship’s petty officers as they plan, organize, and conduct activities.
Your most significant efforts will be behind the scenes – encouraging, guiding, and filling in for petty officers who make mistakes. At the same time provide visual proof that you are the adult leader of the Ship. For instance, at a Quarterdeck meeting coach and guide your petty officers as they discuss and plan the program for each Ship meeting.
Although it’s best not to make a point of it, you also have the final responsibility of approving and disapproving Ship programs. You may, at times, seek the advice and counsel of the Ship’s Committee before you disapprove a popular decision.
Page 8 Handbook for Skippers As a Skipper always keep in mind that you influence the individual members of the Ship. You do this by your example and personal advice to a member if and when the Sea Scout seeks it.
The Leader of All Petty Officers
As the “CEO” of the Ship, the Skipper is the leader of all elected officers (usually called petty officers) and appointed activities chairs. You see that Ship activities are planned and run successfully. To do this you may have to ask a lot of questions, do plenty of reminding, and stay in touch with both your petty officers and activities chairs.
• This leadership is often exercised through the Quarterdeck, under the direction of the Boatswain. You will plan and conduct an annual Quarterdeck Seminar to train your petty officers. Biannual seminars coach petty officer replacements as they are elected.
• You assist in the election of petty officers and in their installation immediately after election as described in chapter 2.
• At both Quarterdeck and Ship meetings, you will assist petty officers as necessary and make comments tactfully about anything that is good for the Ship. Tactfulness in this situation means that you do not dominate the meeting.
Attend All Quarterdeck and Ship Meetings
Try to attend all the gatherings of the Ship. This includes the monthly Quarterdeck meeting, weekly Ship meetings, and activities away from the meeting place. When you can’t attend, arrange to have a Mate or Ship Committee member carry out your normal functions. The only Ship activities not attended by an adult are those that, in your opinion, may be run without adult guidance.
Give Direct Leadership to Ship Program Planning
• Work closely with the Boatswain to plan the Quarterdeck meeting agenda. To avoid excess on-the-spot advice and guidance at the actual meeting, go over each item on the agenda thoroughly with the Boatswain in advance.
• Be prepared in advance to review detailed plans for the current month’s activities when called upon by the Boatswain at each Quarterdeck meeting. With the help of the petty officers and the Ship’s annual activities schedule, help formulate specific plans for upcoming activities.
Handbook for Skippers Page 9 • Immediately after each Quarterdeck meeting, in consultation with the Boatswain, appoint activity committee chairs for the coming months. After each meeting, contact each chair and help him appoint his committee members.
• As necessary, recommend consultants for approval by the Ship Committee and see that they are recruited and given a brief orientation in both Sea Scouting and their role as a consultant.
• At one of the Ship meetings each month, the Boatswain will solicit and discuss activity ideas from the Ship members. Be sure to have the Yeoman list these for reference at the next Quarterdeck meeting. You will want to discuss these activity ideas with the Boatswain prior to the next Quarterdeck meeting.
• As Skipper you must keep the Ship program consistent with the policies and standards of the chartered organization and the Venturing Division, BSA.
Attend Ship Committee Meetings
An alert Skipper attends all Ship Committee meetings. Your attendance is necessary because Ship Committees function best when reacting to reports and suggestions of the Skipper. Your report should update the Ship Committee on future plans, progress on existing plans, and member needs and concerns. Develop your Committee report immediately after the Quarterdeck meeting so that it will reflect the ideas and discussion of your Ship Quarterdeck.
As Skipper you need not wait for the Ship Committee to meet but should call the Committee Chair and inform the Chair of the Ship’s concerns and needs. Effective support is often the result of an aggressive Skipper who keeps the Committee constantly aware of ways in which it can help the Ship.
After each Ship Committee meeting, report to the Ship petty officers and members the recommendations and suggestions of the Ship Committee. A Skipper can, with tactful and effective liaison, do much to build a productive relationship between the Ship Committee and new members.
Keep Informed
Keep informed on Sea Scouting by reading the latest literature and participating in Sea Scouting leaders training courses. This not only helps you become an informed leader but also makes you more successful. Keeping informed also enables you to have more fun in dealing with the Quarterdeck and members of your Ship. Earn the Skipper’s Key, a variant of the Scouter’s Key, as described in chapter 5, “Recognition”.
Page 10 Handbook for Skippers With the help of consultants and other Ship Quarterdeck, become involved in teaching Sea Scouting advancement skills to Ship members. Sell the Ship Quarterdeck and members on quarterdeck training and help to present it with the aid of your Mates.
Set an example of self-training for Ship members by using the Sea Scout Manual as a reference. Encourage each member to secure a copy and do likewise.
Show a Personal Interest in Individual Members
Personally welcome each new Ship member, not only through the admission ceremony but also with immediate involvement in the Ship’s program.
Whenever possible, meet each new member’s parents and encourage them to support their son’s or daughter’s participation in Ship activities.
Personal contact with parents pays off, for the father or mother of each new member is a possible future Committee member or Ship consultant.
You should be available for personal counseling of Sea Scouts. The more you find out about each member’s interests, abilities, and traits, the better you will understand him and the more effective you can be in working with him and influencing his development. Also remember that, under BSA youth protection guidelines, all personal counseling should be done in a manner consistent with BSA youth protection guidelines.
Promote Program Planning Conferences
A major objective of every Skipper should be to have the Quarterdeck meet at times with the leaders of other Ships and Venturing Crews. Attendance at a program planning conference exposes the Quarterdeck to new activities, leadership skills, and new literature, in addition to fellowship with other Ship’s members. Representation at the conference may be limited to the Boatswain, Boatswain’s Mate, Skipper, and Mates. Plans should be made in advance for 100 percent attendance by registering early and by planning transportation.
The petty officers can prepare in advance by listing activities and activity ideas that the Ship has enjoyed or is planning to conduct. List these ideas on an activity board provided by the conference program committee. For more information refer to “Program Planning Conference” (see page 50 below).
THE MATE(S)
Adult leaders at least 21 years of age are appointed by the Ship Committee with the advise of the Skipper to assist the Skipper. Mates should be individuals of ability and character matching that of the Skipper. Mates have many important assignments and must take the
Handbook for Skippers Page 11 place of the Skipper in his absence. As is true of all adult leaders in Scouting, the Mates’ first responsibility is to ensure the health and safety of the Sea Scouts in their care.
# All Mates should know the basic program of Sea Scouting. To do this they should take the Sea Scout Officers’ Specialized Training courses. This training is available in council or district courses or by personal coaching. Mates may also earn the Scouter’s Training Award by qualifying for the requirements listed in chapter 5. The Scouter’s Training Award is usually referred to as the Sea Scouter’s Training Award when given to Mates or Ship Committee members.
# All Mates attend program planning conferences with Boatswains, Boatswain’s Mates, and Skippers. These conferences, held once or twice a year, are attended by officers from all other Ships and Venturing Crews. Each Mate attending a conference should seek out and bring together program and administrative information related to his specific job.
Because most Ships have at least two Mates, special assignments for them might be as follows:
First Mate. This Mate, probably the more experienced, acts as the administrative assistant to the Skipper. Also, the First Mate works closely with the Boatswain’s Mate (see Chart of Ship Organization, page 8) in recruiting and admitting new members and helps conduct recognition ceremonies (Bridges of Honor). To work well with the Boatswain’s Mate, the First Mate must know the Boatswain’s Mate’s duties as listed in detail in the Sea Scout Manual.
Second Mate. Acts as the program assistant to the Skipper and works closely with the Skipper and the Quarterdeck in support of the Ship program. The Second Mate works with the Yeoman (see chart) in collecting, scheduling, and publicizing the activity program of the Ship. During the year the Second Mate gathers and evaluates program and activity suggestions.
In the spring of each year, the Second Mate helps the Boatswain carry out an activity review project as described in chapter 3 that provides a list of program suggestions for the annual activity schedule for the next program year.
Other Mates. Many Ships have additional Mates. These Mates have titles such as Training Officer, Sailing Officer, Deck Officer, Engineering Officer, or Scuba Mate.
THE SHIP COMMITTEE
The Ship Committee represents the organization that sponsors the Ship, often called the “chartered institution,” and is responsible to that organization for its Sea Scouting program. When necessary it provides a correct interpretation of the program and enforces the policies of the chartered organization and the Boy Scouts of America.
Page 12 Handbook for Skippers The Ship Committee depends on the Skipper for information about Ship plans, progress, and needs. Working with the Skipper, the Committee helps the Quarterdeck and Ship’s members conduct a good program.
The Ship Committee does this by carrying out, to the best of its ability, the following duties:
Selects and Recruits the Skipper and Mates
During the organization of a new Ship, or when it is necessary to make a replacement, the Committee is responsible for the appointment of the Skipper and Mates. As Skipper, you should be asked to help select prospective Mates since they will be working closely with you and will be responsible to you. The Committee makes every effort to encourage selected leaders to take all available training.
Provides Facilities for Ship Meetings
Ships should have enough meeting room space, including a suitable landship as suggested in chapter 4. Whenever additional facilities are needed for boat storage, boat repair, equipment storage, or special activities, the Ship Committee should help make arrangements. Where facilities require the payment of a rental fee, the Committee should help secure the funds.
Helps Obtain Supplies and Equipment
One way the Committee can help the Ship is to secure the program equipment, storage space in the form of boxes, chests, or cabinets, and the equipment necessary for an attractive landship.
A very important type of equipment in Sea Scouting is floating equipment. The Committee with the help of the chartered organization should assist the Quarterdeck in securing or building small boats or canoes. If practical, they should arrange for use or purchase of a large boat that will satisfy the cruising needs of the Ship.
Supervises Ship Funds and Property
The Ship Committee is responsible for the use of all Ship funds and property. The property of the Ship is in fact the property of the chartered institution. The Committee Chair appoints Committee members to work closely with the Purser and Storekeeper. The Purser’s advisor is usually called the Ship Treasurer, while the Storekeeper’s advisor is usually called the Ship Property Chair.
Handbook for Skippers Page 13 The Committee should review and approve the Ship budget that is developed by the Quarterdeck at the beginning of each program year. The Ship Committee should read and discuss the policy statements on boats, boat equipment, and money-earning activities found in chapter.
Secures Consultants
Members of the Ship Committee may be available as consultants whenever their special interests and skills match the activity interests of the Ship.
By conducting an annual program capability inventory (PCI) as described in chapter 3, they should develop a list of qualified persons for consultants and help the officers of the Ship recruit them. (See Appendix E. Program Capability Inventory for a sample PCI form.)
With the help of the Skipper or Mate, each consultant should be oriented on the aims and methods of Sea Scouting. It will help consultants understand how they can be most helpful.
Secures Parent Cooperation
The Ship Committee encourages the understanding and support of Sea Scouting by the parents of the Sea Scouts. This is done by making definite plans for involving them in the program. These suggestions may help:
# Send parents copies of the Ship’s program and urge them to attend parent activities. # Recruit parents through personal contacts to serve as consultants, Committee members, and leaders. # Ask them to help provide transportation when needed. They can also help secure special equipment and facilities.
Conducts Rechartering Process
The Ship Committee is responsible for the annual rechartering process.
At a charter review meeting arranged by the Sea Scouting Committee or the district or council Service Team, these steps are taken:
# The Boatswain reviews the annual Quarterdeck seminar, the Ship’s activities and super- activities, its membership (past, present, and future), and past successes and experiences. # The Skipper reviews the Ship’s needs. # The Ship Committee discusses these needs and reaches consensus. # The charter application is reviewed for details and fees are checked. # The head of the chartered organization signs the charter application which is delivered to the council service center by the Sea Scouting Committee or the Service Team.
Page 14 Handbook for Skippers # Plans for the charter presentation (about 60 days later) are made.
The process begins when your council service center prepares a rechartering envelope for your Ship. This important process requires the joint cooperation of the Skipper and the Ship Committee Chair as described in chapter 2 of this handbook.
PETTY OFFICERS
Your Ship should have five elected officers (usually referred to as petty officers): Boatswain, Boatswain’s Mate, Yeoman, Purser, and Storekeeper. These petty officers run the Ship program with the counsel and coaching of the Skipper and Mates.
The success of your Ship, its ability to run smoothly and to produce an attractive nautical program, will be determined by the enthusiasm and ability of its petty officers. Keep in mind that your most important job is to advise and counsel these petty officers.
In most Ships the elected petty officers are elected annually for one year. However, your Ship may decide on how long the term should be. While all Sea Scouts are eligible for elected offices, your Ship may choose to limit petty officer service for more experienced members, such as those who have achieved at least the Seaman Apprentice rank. If such is the case, that should be noted in the Ship’s articles. (See 65 for an example of a ship’s articles.)
In larger Ships, petty officers may have assistants when necessary for efficient administra- tion. As Skipper you make the appointments for these “specialist” assignments. However, these assistants do not take part in Quarterdeck meetings without invitation. The Skipper should assign these assistants specialist titles that describe their duties, such as signalman, bugler, navigator, newsletter editor, weatherman, galley cook, photographer, historian, or public relations chair. They’re known as specialists and wear the Specialist badge.
The Skipper and Mates should know the duties of all petty officers. A summary of the responsibility of each petty officer follows. For detailed descriptions of each petty officer’s job, refer to chapter 2, Ship Organization and Leadership, in the Sea Scout Manual.
THE BOATSWAIN
The Boatswain (pronounced bos’n) holds the Ship’s most important elected office and should be an aggressive young person who has the ability and willingness to take charge and to see that things get done. The Boatswain presides at all Ship and Quarterdeck meetings. Success as a Boatswain is based in part on the ability to promote the harmony that has everyone working together and liking it. The Boatswain plans and directs the efforts of the crew in maintaining and operating the Ship’s training vessel and/or small craft. This is the way successful Ships operate.
Handbook for Skippers Page 15 You must work closely with the Boatswain, and both of you should respect each other’s decisions. Together the two of you prepare meeting agendas and discuss frequently the Ship’s administrative and program possibilities.
The Boatswain, in close cooperation with you, the Skipper, coordinates the work of all elected and appointed petty officers and activity chairs. At meetings the Boatswain tries to have everyone participate in positive discussion by establishing an atmosphere that helps them become involved in meaningful decisions.
THE BOATSWAIN’S MATE
The Boatswain’s Mate has a responsible position. In addition to his specific duties, he must be prepared to take over when the Boatswain is absent. A Boatswain’s Mate should possess the qualities of the Boatswain.
The Boatswain’s Mate is responsible for the Ship’s ceremonies. These are described in the Sea Scout Manual. He works with the first Mate in planning all ceremonies and most of the time conducts them from behind the scenes, although he/she presides at admission ceremonies.
The Boatswain’s Mate is responsible for developing a Ship’s system of recruiting and the supervision of that system once it is in operating. Once this system is organized, it needs new hands fairly often to keep it going. New members are the lifeblood of a Sea Scout Ship. The Boatswain’s Mate must bear in mind that a good recruiting job is done through the members of the Ship and not for them.
The Boatswain’s Mate handles publicity. A good publicity program is essential in support both for Sea Scouting and the Ship. The First Mate should help the Boatswain’s Mate set up a program for producing good publicity. Many Ships find it helpful to assign a Ship Committee member to help the Boatswain’s Mate with publicity.
The Boatswain’s Mate must be available to take over in the absence of the Boatswain. He or she must work closely with the Boatswain, being well informed about what the Ship is doing and the manner in which the Boatswain is conducting his office. He is successful in carrying out this part of his assignment when he is able to substitute for the Boatswain without too much confusion.
THE YEOMAN
The Yeoman is the Ship’s secretary.
Page 16 Handbook for Skippers • The Yeoman does the Ship’s paperwork by keeping accurate records of meetings, attendance, special activities, and accomplishments. When he does his job efficiently he is the information center of the Ship and is most helpful to the Boatswain and the Skipper.
• The Yeoman keeps the minutes of Ship and Quarterdeck meetings. He should be trained to take brief and accurate notes of all important data during these meetings and record them while they are fresh in his mind. These records should be kept in a Ship’s logbook, using copies of the Harbor Log found in Appendix A.
• The Yeoman handles all the Ship’s correspondence. At Quarterdeck and Ship meetings he reads correspondence and answers it as directed by the petty officers. He keeps a file of all incoming and outgoing correspondence. He sends out notices of meetings when requested by the Boatswain.
• An important duty is the collecting and filing of the Ship’s permanent records. In big Ships this job is best handled by a Sea Scout who is assigned to work with a Yeoman. He may be given the title of Ship Historian.
• As Ship historian the Yeoman or the assigned specialist collects and files all important records, including copies of committee plans, meeting agenda, photographs, newspaper clippings, etc. These should be kept in a bound volume with a decorative cover that can be displayed by the Ship.
THE PURSER
The Purser collects, banks, and disburses Ship funds.
• The Purser should be instructed by the Skipper or Ship Treasurer to handle these funds in a businesslike manner, never mixing Ship funds with his personal money. He makes a financial report at each Quarterdeck meeting and at the first Ship meeting each month. He informs all new Ship members about dues and when they are to be paid.
• The Purser keeps an accurate record of the Ship’s finances. A sample budget form may be found in Appendix D. Budget Planning and Account Sheet. The Purser’s books should be audited at least once every three months by a member of the Ship Committee (such as the Ship Treasurer).
THE STOREKEEPER
The Storekeeper manages the Ship’s property and equipment.
• The Storekeeper is responsible for maintaining all equipment. At Quarterdeck meetings he recommends needed items of equipment and assists the petty officers in obtaining
Handbook for Skippers Page 17 them. He works with a Mate or Ship Committeeman (such as the Ship Property Chair) to procure additional equipment (i.e., small boats, training gear, uniforms, spare parts).
• The Storekeeper checks equipment in and out and keeps it available for use and in good shape. He must have a system for keeping track of equipment so that he is able to quickly check it in and out and always know who has what equipment.
• The Storekeeper keeps a written inventory that is understandable to others. It should be kept in a form that can be automatically updated whenever an entry is made. This can be done simply with a notebook by listing the item, the name of the borrower, the date issued, the date returned, and the condition of the article when it was returned. A simple inventory gives the Storekeeper the information he needs for issuing equipment and also for his monthly report at Quarterdeck meetings. Consider keeping the Ship’s inventory on a computer.
CREW LEADERS (COXSWAINS) AND ASSISTANT CREW LEADERS
For administrative purposes, the Ship members are divided into crews of about eight. Each crew elects its own Crew Leader from its members. The Crew Leader in turn appoints the Assistant Crew Leader. Crew Leaders should routinely attend Quarterdeck meetings.
Crew Leaders have the job of molding their crews into teams. They are responsible for their conduct and participation at Ship meetings and activities. They are also key contacts on the telephone tree to “pass the word” to all hands. The Assistant Crew Leader carries out the duties of the Crew Leader in his absence and assists him at all other times.
Detailed descriptions of the responsibilities of both the Crew Leader and the Assistant Crew Leader are in the Sea Scout Manual.
ACTIVITY CHAIRS
The program activities of a Ship are carried out through activity committees. A Sea Scout is selected to head each activity committee. The chair of the committee is appointed by the Skipper in consultation with the Ship Boatswain. Activity chairs are usually elected for specific activities because of their skill or enthusiasm for the activity.
The selection of an activity chair by the Skipper is an important quality control point in the Ship. It provides you the opportunity to select the right Scout to carry out an assignment and also gives you the chance to have every Scout take a turn at being an activity chair. In this way, you are able to train all Ship members for leadership, thus strengthening the operation of his Ship. The Second Mate should guide an activity chair as he carries out his assignment.
Page 18 Handbook for Skippers SHIP MEMBERS
Some young people join a Ship with the idea that it’s all fun and no responsibility. Many do not stay with the Ship because they never experience the satisfaction that comes from being involved in producing Ship activities. As Skipper, you inform new members of the opportunities and responsibilities of belonging to the Ship. It is best done at an informal gathering in the relaxed atmosphere of your home soon after the new member joins. This not only gives you a chance to discuss the points outlined below, but also helps you to become better acquainted with each new Ship member. Encourage at least one parent or guardian to participate in this meeting.
Membership Know-How
The following duties of Ship members are listed so that you, the Skipper, can read each one to start a discussion.
Take part in as many activities as you can. Participate wholeheartedly in your Ship program. If you say you’ll be at a Ship meeting or activity, keep your word unless you are unavoidably detained. If you must be absent, let your Crew Leader or Activity Chair know so the Ship won’t count on you. Any questions?
Suggest ideas for activities. Think of things that most of the young adults in the Ship would like to do or that would give them valuable experience. Whenever the Skipper asks for program ideas at a Ship meeting, step right up and sell your suggestions. Make the Ship program your program by contributing ideas on what to do. What would you like to do most as a Sea Scout?
Vote on decisions at Ship meetings. Ship decisions are made by vote of the members. That’s the American way. With your right to vote goes the responsibility to vote intelligently. That means attending meetings and taking part in discussions before voting.
Hear and consider both minority and majority opinions before voting. Let everyone know which side of the question you are on, not by griping after the vote but by speaking out before the voting when your opinion can be useful.
Elect and work with officers. In line with our American form of representative democracy, some Ship members are elected as petty officers. Everyone delegates to the petty officers the duty and authority to lead in making and administering plans. After electing petty officers to represent you, it is only fair to give them your help in successfully carrying out the program. They are leaders, not do-it-allers. In what specific ways can members help the petty officers?
Serve on activity committees. An activity committee is a Ship detail that works out a plan and then puts the plan into action. Whether you are a one-man committee or one member of a
Handbook for Skippers Page 19 committee, the payoff depends on your initiative and intelligence in following through with your full share of the work.
Serve as an petty officer or a Committee Chair. Within you is at least a spark of leadership ability, whether you realize it or not. This will develop under the guidance of your Skipper when you are selected as a petty officer or appointed as a Committee Chair. This means responsibility, but it will also bring the deep-down pleasure of working with others and being responsible for the success of your Ship. Do you think every member should have a chance to be a petty officer?
Share the expenses. Make suggestions about the Ship budget and vote on its approval. Since you share in the benefits, it is only fair that you share in producing the budget income. Pay your dues on time and do your part in Ship money-earning projects. What do you think our Ship should do to earn money?
Ask advice of the Skipper. If you have any doubt of what to do as a member, petty officer, or activity chair, ask the Second Mate or Skipper about it. He can help you get off to the right start. If you get stuck after really trying, ask his advice.
The Skipper may also be able to help you find an answer to a personal problem, so add his confidential opinion to those of your parents, religious leaders, and friends. Any questions on this point or is there anything else you wish to discuss?
Page 20 Handbook for Skippers METHOD A – WITH SEA SCOUTING COMMITTEE
COUNCIL EXECUTIVE BOARD
Scout Executive Chairman or Staff Adviser Council Venturing Committee
Members at Large
Commodore, Squadron Sea Scouting Committee
Vice Commodore Vice Commodore Sales Team Training Team
Identifies and sells Sea Scouting to prospective sponsors and Trains Ship adult officers, Committees, and consultants. organizes new Ships. Responsible for continued training and coaching of Sea Scout Assists in conducting annual career-interest surveys. leaders. When called upon, helps to conduct program planning confer- When called upon, helps to conduct program planning confer- ences. ences.
Vice Commodore Vice Commodore Program Team Service Team
Coordinator of council and district Sea Scouting activities. Helps Responsible for the rechartering of Ships and charter presenta- to conduct program planning conferences. tions. Helps develop and communicate to Sea Scout Ships new Assists in conducting program planning conferences. activity ideas. Helps to promote Venturing and Sea Scout activities on a district, council, and national level. Assists in identifying and recruiting Ship manpower.
Vice Commodore Boat and Gear Team
Responsible for assignment and control of boats and gear. Screening of donated and surplus boats and gear. Responsible for maintenance and dockage of council assigned boats. Disposal of excess or undesirable boats and gear. Cooperation with U.S. Coast Guard for boat inspection
Handbook for Skippers Page 21 COUNCIL SUPPORT OF SEA SCOUTING
The Skipper (you), Mates, and Ship Committee members should become completely familiar with the administrative and program support available to their Ship from the council and the district. Ship adult leaders should not wait for service but request help as they see the need. The organization structure and the services available to Sea Scouting are described below. These services may differ from council to council.
The support of the Sea Scouting program is the responsibility of the Council Venturing Committee. Dependent on the local situation, the Council Venturing Committee provides administrative program support of Ships in one of these two methods:
METHOD A
The Council (Squadron) Commodore (Chair for Sea Scouting) is selected and appointed by the Chair of the Council Venturing Committee. The Commodore serves as a member of the Council Venturing Committee and is charged with the responsibility for producing and supporting a healthy and progressive Sea Scouting program. The Commodore, as chair of this Committee, sets up the following organization and meets monthly with his Vice Commodores to provide the essential service. It is usual to find the Commodore serving as a member of the Council Executive Board. He appoints Vice Commodores to assist him in the overall administration of Sea Scouting. The Squadron Sea Scouting Committee is made up of five teams, each team headed by a Vice Commodore. Described below are job descriptions of the Sales, Training, Program, Service, and Boat and Gear teams:
Sales Team
• Cultivates and sells the Sea Scouting program to potential chartered organizations. In cooperation with the Council Venturing Committee, the Sales Team helps conduct high school career-interest surveys.
• Surveys potential Ship chartered organizations and keep the list of prospective chartered organizations current at all times. Seeks to match the list of potential chartered organizations with young adult interests as revealed in the career-interest survey.
• Develops and conducts a publicity campaign to expose Sea Scouting to the community and to prospective chartered organizations. Once a potential chartered organization is sold, a member of this team follows through to complete the organization of a Ship.
• During the organization of a Sea Scout Ship, the Sales Team member brings in the Training Team to train the new adult leaders. As early as possible in the organizational process, a member of the Service Team should be invited to help and eventually provide regular service to the new Ship.
Page 22 Handbook for Skippers Training Team
• Responsible of helping the Sales Team train new adult officers. Conducts Sea Scout training on a continuing basis and should be available for individual coaching as needed. Responds as soon as possible to a call by members of the Sales Team or Service Team for leadership training.
• Participate in council or district semiannual program planning conferences.
• Helps a new Ship conduct its first program capability inventory (PCI). (See Appendix E. Program Capability Inventory for a sample form.) Once the PCI has been completed for the new Ship, the Training Team member helps the Quarterdeck and Committee determine the program potential of the Ship’s PCI.
Program Team
Young men and women join Sea Scout Ships to satisfy their desires for experiences and activities in line with their special interests. Their interests must become the major concern of the Program Team, both in contacts with individual Ships and through their efforts to promote local and national activities.
To be tuned to the activity needs of Ships, the Program Team must be willing to listen to suggestions and recommendations of petty officers and members. Once aware of their program needs, the Sea Scouting Program Team cooperates with Council and District Venturing Committees to bring about planning conferences and inter-unit activities that will satisfy the desires and concerns of Ship members.
The Program Team serves as the official selection committee for national programs where individuals or Ships are invited to enter competition. This team, in cooperation with the Service Team, promotes regional and national activities through Ship contacts. The Team should maintain a current roster of Ship officers for promotional purposes.
Service Team
• The “quality control” arm of Sea Scouting. Responsible for helping the chartered organization understand the need for immediate replacement of lost or ineffective Skippers and Mates. Helps the Ship Committee Chair understand and carry out the process of rechartering each year. Assists the Chair and Committee in planning, organizing, and conducting the annual report and rechartering meeting. Helps the Ship Committee review the Ship’s past year’s progress and advises them concerning plans for the coming year.
Handbook for Skippers Page 23 • Acts as go-between for the Ship and the service center, keeping the communication lines open and in constant use.
• Is aware of and concerned about the high school career-interest surveys and reviews the results. From the lists that result, the Service Team members should help Ships attract potential members.
• Encourages full participation of Ship officers in the semiannual program planning conferences. The same is true of Ship participation in council, district, and inter-unit Venturing activities.
Boat and Gear Team
• Is responsible for the distribution, assignment, and disposal of all boats and related gear owned by the council. Boats available as gifts from private individuals or donated from military surplus are screened, accepted or rejected, and processed by this Committee. Responsible for disposing of excess or undesirable boats and gear through either sale or trade within the limits of established policy.
• Knows the needs of all Sea Scout Ships and assign boats and gear fairly to meet current needs. Responsible for conducting boat inspections and reviewing the assignment of boats to chartered organizations.
• Maintains levels of vessel safety and maintenance and, as necessary, allocates and controls dockage and use of nautical equipment. Secures training and program support help. Develops and maintains contacts with the local U.S. Coast Guard and local naval installations. Ships have found this mutually advantageous. Military installations prefer to maintain liaison with the council rather than the individual Ship.
METHOD B
Where there is no Sea Scouting Committee, the administrative and program support of Sea Scout Ships is provided through the Council and District Venturing Committee. This method of Sea Scouting program support is automatically in force in all councils where a Sea Scouting Committee is not in existence.
Page 24 Handbook for Skippers METHOD B – NO SEA SCOUTING COMMITTEE
DISTRICT COMMITTEE
Chair District District Venturing Committee Scout Executive
Members at Large
Chair Chair Subcommittee Sales and Training Subcommittee Service and Program
Sales Team Training Team Program Team Service Team Chair Chair Chair Chair
Identifies, sells prospec- Trains adult Ship offi- Coordinator of council Responsible for helping tive chartered organiza- cers, committees, and and district activities. Ships to recharter. As- tions, and organizes consultants. Responsi- Develops and sists in promoting dis- Ships. Assists Ships to ble for continued train- communicates new pro- trict activities and re- use annual career-inter- ing of leaders. gram ideas to Sea Scout cruiting manpower. est surveys. Ships.
Handbook for Skippers Page 25 2. Ship Management
Democracy is the American way of life. This makes it imperative that our youth experience and accept democracy as a way of life through involvement at an early age. Few adults have a better chance to influence high school-age young adults at so crucial a period in their lives as does the Skipper of a Sea Scout Ship. You can best accomplish this involvement by having a Sea Scout Ship that is run by, as well as for, its members.
This in no way minimizes your role as Skipper, for it requires much more skill to work through young adults than merely to command them. The old traditional principle of the sea that said “A captain’s word is law” got things done. However, it has been proved time and time again that the old Skipper would have been more successful had he been less autocratic and used more democratic methods of Ship management.
The two major factors that attract and hold prospective members in the Ship are –
# An interest in the nautical activities # Their respect and admiration for the key leader, the Skipper of the Ship
It is not only your personality but your ability as Skipper to manage the Ship efficiently that brings member respect and admiration.
The Ship must be run by the petty officers with frequent opportunities for members to become involved in suggesting and conducting activities. Every young adult wants to act like an adult and be treated like one.
This desire is satisfied when members can take part in making Ship decisions, have the chance to be a petty officer, and are asked not only to scrape but pilot and navigate the boat.
Quarterdeck Meetings
The Quarterdeck meeting is a monthly business meeting of all the petty officers, Skipper, and Mates. It is usually held during the first week of each month at a regular time and place outside of the weekly Ship meeting cycle.
The meeting provides the petty officers with a monthly opportunity to review the Ship’s program and to make necessary administrative decisions.
They also have the chance to plan activities to meet the special interests of the Ship members. At this meeting young adults, as responsible petty officers, must be encouraged to practice the democratic principles of self-government.
Page 26 Handbook for Skippers You, as Skipper, are responsible for creating the atmosphere conducive to self-government by the petty officers. Each meeting will involve self-government if you give them only as much guidance as they request and need. However, you should not fade into the background but be available to answer questions and add a brief comment when necessary. At no time are you to dominate either the discussion or the direction of the meeting.
The key to democratic action by the petty officers is based on an understanding of the makeup and the operational procedures of the Ship. Good leadership by either an adult or petty officer depends on how well he understands his responsibilities. Petty officer training is, of course, needed. You, as Skipper, should schedule and train each newly elected group of petty officers as recommended in this chapter.
The Skipper (you), Mates, petty officers, Crew Leaders attend Quarterdeck meetings. Ship Committeemen and consultants do not attend Quarterdeck meetings, except when invited. The Quarterdeck meetings are often held at the home of one of the petty officers. Most important is a place with an informal atmosphere conducive to interaction among the participants.
Quarterdeck meetings are definitely related to the success of the Ship. Good Quarterdeck meetings bring about exciting Ship programs and good morale. Therefore, it is important that each Ship Quarterdeck meeting be well-planned, scheduled, and programmed each month.
Handbook for Skippers Page 27 Suggested Agenda for Quarterdeck Meetings
(The Boatswain presides. Other petty officers participate as indicated.)
Call to Order Boatswain
Minutes of last Quarterdeck Meeting Yeoman Minutes are read, corrected, and approved.
Reports of Petty officers
Communications Yeoman Summarizes all important correspondence. Takes notes and plans appropriate action.
Membership Boatswain’s Mate Presents plans for future ceremonies. Reports progress in recruiting, including a discussion of prospective members.
Finances Purser Reports last month’s income, disbursements, and balance. Reports members owing dues or fees. Obtains authorization for payment of bills.
Boats and equipment Storekeeper Reports last month’s new, lost, or damaged items. Reports needed maintenance or repairs. Requests approval for items to be purchased or repaired.
District and council activities Boatswain Reports district and council activities and leads a discussion of Ship participation. Secures suggestions for future activities.
Past Ship activities review Boatswain A brief review of the last month’s activities, complimenting members responsible for success and discussing weaknesses.
Ship Committee meeting report Skipper Brief summary of meeting including the Committee’s plans for support of Ship activities.
Page 28 Handbook for Skippers Approval of Ship Meeting Agenda Boatswain The Boatswain presents for approval the agenda for the four regular meetings to be held this month.
This Month’s Activity Plans Skipper A thorough check an all activity plans for this month with action to shore up any weaknesses.
Selecting Next Month’s Activities Skipper The Skipper presents the activities for the current month listed on the Annual Activity Schedule. In addition, review activity ideas suggested by members and petty officers. After both the scheduled activities and suggested activities have been discussed, the petty officers select and schedule Ship meeting activities and one activity to be conducted at a separate time and place. Choose activities by a majority vote. For each selected activity, the petty officers develop general guidelines that are passed on to the activity chair, a Sea Scout who is appointed and coached by the Skipper.
Adjournment Boatswain
Handbook for Skippers Page 29 Meeting Preparation
Before every Quarterdeck meeting, the Boatswain and the Skipper should meet to make up the agenda. They list each item of business after reaching a mutual understanding of how it is to be handled. The agenda should serve as an outline and checklist when preparing for a Quarterdeck meeting.
The suggested agenda includes all essential items. Other items may be added, but none of those listed should be overlooked. The agenda is as important to the success of a Quarterdeck meeting as planning is for a big activity. Suppose your Ship were considering a cruise. If no advance planning were done, the cruise might never get under way for lack of fuel, food, or a crew. Be thorough in planning your agenda. If you shortcut items essential to necessary planning and discussion, you may also shortcut the effectiveness of your Quarterdeck meeting.
Ship Meetings
A Sea Scout Ship with meetings full of fellowship and meaningful activities has few morale or membership problems. Young adults of high school age join to take part in a program related to their immediate interests, such as the fun and adventure of Sea Scouting. It’s a good idea to keep your regular meetings full of exciting activities. Try to make them as interesting as the special cruises and other nautical events that happen during the summertime.
Meetings should also include a discussion of administrative matters and reports. Decisions are made by majority vote of Ship members in the democratic spirit typical of our way of life. Members can and should speak up so that decisions will be in the best interest of the majority of the Ship. Experience has shown that when the program is based on a frank discussion and a majority agreement, the response is usually enthusiastic.
Successful meetings are carefully planned and organized well in advance. The agenda gives an idea of how to arrange the opening, business discussion, activities, and closing of a good Ship meeting.
The Meeting Place
Over the years Skippers have found that Ship meetings should be held at a regular time and place, and preferably in a nautical atmosphere. The Ship Committee, in consultation with you, the Skipper, should secure adequate meeting facilities. A meeting place that has a reasonable amount of room and is readily available should be acceptable.
A nautical atmosphere can be added, even though the meeting place is not near a waterfront. You merely need to build a landship along the lines illustrated and explained in Chapter 4. A good landship adds a salty atmosphere to ceremonies that generally open and
Page 30 Handbook for Skippers close Ship meetings. A landship tends to emphasize the use of ceremonies which in turn brings about the use of Sea Scout uniforms and equipment. This adds a nautical atmosphere to the spirit of your Ship meetings.
The Meeting Pattern
Years of experience have established an effective pattern for Ship meetings. It is one that dovetails into the natural timetable of young adults of high school age. The meeting pattern that has been successful in most Ships, and is recommended to you, is outlined below:
1. The Ship’s petty officers hold a Quarterdeck meeting once a month to review the Ship’s program, to make necessary administrative decisions, and to plan activities to meet the special interests of the members. This meeting should be outside the routine Ship meeting schedule.
2. The Ship holds regular, weekly meetings at an established time and place. This weekly Ship meeting should emphasize instruction in all skills at various proficiency levels with a brief recreation period.
3. The Ship, at a separate time away from the regular meeting place, conducts an activity. This activity could be anything from a night out bowling to a short cruise.
4. Generally, all Ship meetings are held on the same night of the week. Quarterdeck meetings should be held on another week night. It is recommended because it is easier for the Ship members to set aside meeting time if Sea Scouting always takes place on a regular night each week (for Ship meetings) or regular night each month (for Quarterdeck meetings).
5. The Ship has the option of adding or eliminating meetings during periods when the members may be engaged in other activities – for instance, the Christmas season.
Two-Part Program
Most Ship meetings consist of two parts a business session and an activity. The activity as the feature attraction involves the major portion of the time. The business session is usually a brief (about 15 minutes), but interesting period spent bringing the members’ attention to the Ship’s administrative problems and decisions. Suggested agendas are illustrated for the first and second Ship meetings of the month. As you study the agendas, refer to “checklist” of Ship meeting agenda suggestions found in the Sea Scout Manual.
Handbook for Skippers Page 31 FIRST SHIP MEETING OF THE MONTH (Boatswain presiding)
Opening Ceremony Boatswain Mustering crews Crew Leaders’ reports Making colors Receiving the Skipper Inspection Receiving visitors
Business Session Call to order Boatswain Minutes of the last meeting Yeoman Petty officers’ reports Communications Yeoman Membership Boatswain’s Mate Financial report Purser Equipment Storekeeper District and council activities Boatswain Announcement of new activity Boatswain Chairmen and committees Boatswain Promotion of Ship activities Activity Chairs Questions for Ship decisions Boatswain Skipper’s comments Skipper
The Activity Activity Chair At the conclusion of the business session, the Boatswain calls upon the Sea Scout who is the chair of the activity scheduled for this meeting. He takes over and with the aid of his committee conducts the activity.
Closing Ceremony Boatswain Skipper’s minute Piping Skipper over the side Retiring colors Dismissing crews
Page 32 Handbook for Skippers OTHER WEEKLY SHIP MEETINGS (Boatswain presiding)
Opening Ceremony Boatswain Mustering crews Crew Leaders’ reports Making colors Receiving the Skipper Inspection Receiving visitors
Business Session Call to order Boatswain Minutes of the last meeting Yeoman Collection of activity ideas for next month Skipper Promotion of coming activities Activity Chairs Questions for Ship decision Boatswain Election of petty officers (at proper intervals) Boatswain Admission of new members Boatswain’s Mate
The Activity Activity Chair At the conclusion of the business session, the Boatswain calls upon the Sea Scout who is the chair of the activity scheduled for this meeting. He takes over and with the aid of his committee conducts the activity.
Closing Ceremony Boatswain Skipper’s minute Piping Skipper over the side Retiring colors Dismissing crews
Handbook for Skippers Page 33 Ship Committee Meetings
The Ship Committee is an adult liaison group representing and responsible to the chartered organization for the Sea Scouting program. The primary mission of this Committee is to provide program support and guidance to the Quarterdeck. The Ship Committee, appointed by the head of the chartered organization, is made up of a chair and five or more members. This Committee holds regular meetings each month at a time and place separate from the Ship meeting.
Although not a member of the Ship Committee, you, as Skipper, should attend all meetings of that Committee. In fact, the Committee Chair and members of the Committee should encourage you to attend in order that they may be provided with current information about the progress of the Ship. At times you, in originating requests for help, may bring about a special meeting of the Ship Committee.
It is essential that either you or a Mate attend all Ship Committee meetings. You are the all-important liaison between the Ship Committee and the Quarterdeck and Ship members. You must keep the Ship Committee constantly aware of the needs, desires, and concerns of the petty officers and members. This enables the Committee to discuss the needs of the Ship and to provide meaningful support. It is also your responsibility to keep the Ship membership informed of the Ship Committee’s recommendations and concerns.
The Annual Report and Rechartering Meeting
The Ship Committee is responsible for the annual report and rechartering meeting, which is the key meeting in the annual rechartering process. This process, in brief, consists of a review of the Ship’s progress for the current year, a review of the current roster of young people and adult leaders, and the preparation and submission of registration forms and the collection of fees. During the meeting, plans are made to recognize the chartered organiza- tion, key leaders, and members in a charter presentation meeting at a later date.
The Skipper (you), Boatswain, and Ship Committee should be aware of the importance of this meeting. In order to participate effectively, they must understand the entire rechartering process as outlined below:
Rechartering Process. The Boy Scouts of America requires that all chartered organizations (“sponsors”) annually apply for permission to operate the Scouting program. This process, called “rechartering,” is initiated by the local council service center which assembles a recharter envelope and forwards it to your Ship, either directly, or through your Squadron Service Team, Venturing Service Team, Venturing Executive, or Scout District.
Page 34 Handbook for Skippers This envelope contains the Ship’s rosters and various other rechartering-related documents. You, with the help of the Quarterdeck, prepare the forms and attache the necessary fees.
At about this time, the Skipper and the Ship’s Boatswain prepare an annual report of the Ship’s progress for the current year. This report will be presented by the Ship’s Boatswain at the annual report and rechartering meeting. You both should also fill out the Sea Scout Ship Achievement Scoresheet. (See Appendix I. Sea Scout Ship Achievement Scoresheet.) The envelope also contains the adult roster and master rechartering form.. The Venturing Executive will arrange to meet with the head of the chartered organization. He should also invite the Chartered Organization Representative and the Ship Committee Chair. Once together, they review the progress of the Ship to determine how well Sea Scouting is meeting the purposes of the chartered organization and of the Venturing program.. A review is made of the adult leadership, and personnel changes are made if necessary. They also determine the time and place for the annual report and rechartering meeting.
Ship Committee Chair. The Ship Committee Chair, with your help as Skipper, gives leadership to preparing, promoting, and conducting the annual report and rechartering meeting. Once the Venturing Executive has completed his meeting with the head of the institution, he turns the form over to the Ship Committee Chair. The Chair, with the help of the Venturing Service Team member, organizes and conducts the annual report and rechartering meeting following this outline:
1) Complete the adult registration and rechartering form as instructed.
2) Firm up the date and place for the annual report and recharter meeting.
3) Promote attendance through written notice and personal contact. Keep in mind that all adult Ship leaders, Ship Committeemen, Ship Boatswain, the Chartered Organization Representative, and the head of the chartered organization are urged to attend.
4) Prepare a meeting agenda using the sample illustrated.
5) Double-check all assigned presenters to be sure they understand their role and to ensure their participation at the meeting.
6) Preside at the annual report and rechartering meeting.
7) Give Ship’s registration forms and fees to Service Team member for delivery to the council service center.
Handbook for Skippers Page 35 SUGGESTED AGENDA FOR ANNUAL REPORT AND RECHARTERING MEETING (Ship Committee Chair presiding)
Call meeting to order Introductions Purpose of this meeting
Annual report of the Ship Boatswain Review annual Quarterdeck seminar Activities Superactivity Membership (past, present, and future) Other success and experience Appreciation to chartered organization and its adults
(At this point the Ship Boatswain should distribute the Ship’s current calendar and activity schedule.)
Review Ship needs (Skipper) The needs presented are discussed and conclusions reached (discussion led by Ship Committee Chair)
Schedule district and council assistance (Service Team member)
Charter applications reviewed for details, fees checked Head of chartered organization signs charter. Application given to Service Team member for delivery to council service center.
Plans for the charter presentation are discussed, date and place set.
(The charter and individual membership cards are available for presentation within 60 days.)
Closing remarks (head of the chartered organization)
Presentation of the Charter. Plans should be made to present both the charter and the membership cards at a place and time acceptable to the head of the chartered organization. Conditions vary and so do the presentation procedures. Depending on the circumstances, the presentation may be anything from a formal charter night meeting to an informal presentation at a Ship meeting or an activity.
The charter should be presented by the Ship Boatswain to the head of the chartered organization. The membership cards should be given to all registered adults and Sea Scouts.
Page 36 Handbook for Skippers This presentation should feature, through this recognition, the cooperation and teamwork of adults and young people in support of the Sea Scouting program.
Recruiting
Every Sea Scout Ship should have a plan for continuously contacting and involving young adults as official members of the Ship. The continuous addition of new members is essential to both the morale and successful operation of a Ship. New members bring new ideas, new enthusiasm. Skippers of the salty long-tenure variety say that good program is the answer to recruiting. This is only partly true. If your Ship needs new members, it’s best to develop a recruiting plan, organize it well, and proceed with it vigorously.
The two following recruiting plans, the Ship recruiting plan and the planned use of the career-interest survey list, are being used successfully now by many Sea Scout Ships:
Ship Recruiting Plan. A simple yet effective plan for the Ship to use in securing prospective members goes like this:
1. Every Ship member list three to five prospective members from within their circle of friends and acquaintances. They write their names on 3 × 5-inch cards given to them by the Boatswain’s Mate.
2. The Boatswain’s Mate, the petty officer responsible for recruiting, collects all cards at a prescribed deadline date. He eliminates duplications and presents the names to the Ship’s members at a Ship meeting. As the names are read, each is assigned to the member best qualified to invite the prospect to a Ship activity. No member should be assigned to bring more than three prospects.
3. A target date should be set to encourage contacts and as an incentive to get the job done within a specified time. The best target is a First Nighter. (See a sample First Nighter Agenda on the following page.) Once the First Nighter date has been set, the Boatswain’s Mate should check regularly with Ship members for results, using the First Nighter as the deadline.
4. This one-on-one method of recruiting is more effective than an announcement at a meeting that goes like this: “Scouts, it’s about time we got out and contacted some new folks to join our Ship.” The one-on-one method of recruiting is especially effective when the recruiter stays with the prospective member until he has been registered and admitted officially into the Ship.
Handbook for Skippers Page 37 S.S.S. COLUMBIA RANGER OPEN HOUSE
Sign-in Cristyn Welcome Alex Sea Scouting and Columbia Ranger Ms. Gray Sea Scout's relationship to B.S.A. Skipper Ship organization Cyrus The Year's calendar of events Ian Slide show The Ship How to join Lauren Application Cyrus Wrap-up and questions Skipper Refreshments
You'll never forget the year you joined Sea Scouting!
Sample First Nighter Agenda
Page 38 Handbook for Skippers Career-Interest Survey List. This method is based on the use of career-interest lists that most councils develop. The career-interest lists come about when high school career-interest surveys are made in local middle and high schools (eighth and ninth grades are most useful). It is usually conducted in cooperation with a data-processing facility provided by a cooperative chartered organization. A complete and reliable survey of career interests in local high schools will produce a tailor-made prospect list of high school students with their career and recreational interests.
Both new and existing Sea Scout Ships can use these lists for membership recruiting by selecting students who express an interest in sailing, marine, and aquatic, as well as other outdoor and high adventure program interests on the survey cards. To get a copy of the career interest list, contact the Council Sea Scouting Committee or an Venturer Committee Team member. If a Service Team member has been assigned to your Ship, he will assist you in securing membership prospects from a career-interest survey list. When all else fails, call the council service center for information about these lists.
Election of Petty Officers
Petty officers are elected by the members of the crew. Should you be concerned about the outcome of the election, give a bit of direction by appointing a nominating committee. Be sure to assign a Mate to help this committee evaluate the members before they select a slate of petty officers to recommend for nomination. However, you, as Skipper must be careful that you or an assigned Mate only help evaluate nominees and doesn’t select them.
Most Skippers prefer to elect petty officers annually, and this is recommended by the Venturing Division, BSA. However, the choice is left to each individual Ship as to how long a term its petty officers are to serve.
Petty officers to be elected by the members are the Boatswain, Boatswain’s Mate, Yeoman, Purser, and Storekeeper. Crew Leaders are elected by the members of each crew, with Assistant Crew Leaders being selected by their respective Crew Leaders. Assistants to elected petty officers known as specialists, and each activity chair, are appointed by the Skipper in consultation with the Boatswain.
The process of electing petty officers is handled by the Boatswain. Starting with the Boatswain, the Ship elects each petty officer in turn. (When the Boatswain is up for reelection, he asks the Boatswain’s Mate to conduct this part of the election.) Be sure that one has been elected before the next is nominated. You will find this a simple process if you follow this procedure:
1. The Boatswain asks the Skipper to outline the responsibility of the office to be filled.
2. The Boatswain asks for nominations or for the nominating committee report.
Handbook for Skippers Page 39 3. After members have been given the opportunity to make additional nominations, the nominations are closed by a majority vote.
4. Voting is by secret ballot.
5. The nominee getting the most votes is elected. In a tie, the two candidates receiving the most votes are voted on again.
The new petty officers are installed as soon as they are elected. (See the Sea Scout Manual.) As soon as possible after the election the Skipper invites the new petty officers to take part in a Quarterdeck seminar. Details on organizing and conducting a Quarterdeck seminar are found in this chapter.
SHIP PUBLIC RELATIONS PROGRAM
The Boatswain’s Mate is responsible for public relations. In large Ships the public relations program is a full-time job and the Skipper usually appoints an additional petty officer to handle it. Ships well managed plan and communicate to create a good image. The basic element of good public relations is publicizing Ship activities featuring members enjoying the program.
Public relations is simply your Ship’s reputation. A favorable reputation is a valuable asset, because it encourages chartered organization’s support, the interest of consultants, helps in recruiting new members, and parent and community cooperation. Sea Scout Ships should use all available means of communications to build and improve the public image of what Sea Scouting is, what it stands for, and its objectives.
Each Ship has its own news stories to report. The public will read its stories and applaud the program if they are reported in an interesting fashion. Once your Ship has established a good image, it is much easier to feature prominent personalities who are generally willing to be involved with a group that has the public’s approval. An alert Skipper and public relations petty officer can capitalize on the value of a sharp image and get help by recruiting consultants with public relations know-how.
ANNUAL QUARTERDECK SEMINAR
This all-important seminar is an annual orientation and planning meeting of the Skipper, Mates, and petty officers. It is planned and conducted by the Skipper and, whenever possible, held away from the immediate community at a retreat-type site. Many times the difference between a good or a weak Ship program is this training experience.
Page 40 Handbook for Skippers Those expected to attend the seminar include the Mates, Boatswain, Boatswain’s Mate, Yeoman, Purser, Storekeeper, and Crew Leaders. Other appointed or potential petty officers should be encouraged to attend. Ship Committee and consultants attend only upon invitation.
You carry out an important role at this session by tactfully assisting the petty officers in building a balanced program that will involve the members in all of the experience areas.
Seminar Objectives
How will you, as Skipper, know if you have been successful in conducting a seminar? It’s simple if you achieve the following objectives:
1. Orient the petty officers in their job responsibilities and each will be more effective in carrying them out.
2. Develop a working leadership team with the spirit essential to success.
3. Using the procedures outlined in Chapter 3, “Program Building and Scheduling”, plan the annual activities schedule for the next 12 months. You will then have helped them set up a program of action based on the membership’s special interests.
Site and Atmosphere
Whenever possible, your annual seminar should be held away from your home community, preferably in a salty, nautical atmosphere. Hold an overnight meeting at a retreat-type place in an atmosphere of informal fellowship. It should be a spot your petty officers will be eager to see. If the location also presents opportunities for sports and other interesting attractions, so much the better.
Date and Time
A seminar should be held as soon as possible after the petty officers have been elected for the coming year. Study the date and time carefully to find a date convenient to all petty officers. Above all, avoid conflicts with the major outside interests of the Quarterdeck. If you can avoid it, don’t ask them to make a choice between attending the seminar or a favorite activity.
Handbook for Skippers Page 41 SUGGESTED SEMINAR AGENDA
Friday Evening
Gather at the location, check in, and get comfortably settled in assigned quarters. (Organized travel arrangements, planned in advance, with the petty officers traveling as a group seem to be the most successful method.)
The Skipper welcomes the petty officers and briefly makes necessary administrative announcements relative to their stay. He reviews with them the outline for the seminar and records any special items they may wish to add to the program.
He leads an initial discussion of the Ship structure, meeting patterns, and planning methods, as found in the Sea Scout Manual. It is important that the Sea Scout Manual be used as a constant reference so that petty officers will use it as a source of Sea Scouting information.
The evening session should conclude with fellowship and refreshments. Use Ship funds to provide ample refreshments; they have an important bearing on the morale of the petty officers.
Saturday Morning
Start the session with each petty officer reviewing his responsibility. Give each petty officer 15 minutes to study his own job specification in the Sea Scout Manual. Have each one describe his job to the group and answer questions concerning it.
Follow this with a discussion of the Quarterdeck and Ship meetings as described in the Sea Scout Manual.
Take time out for a break about midway in the morning session.
After having spent sufficient time on the first two subjects mentioned above, use the remaining time for a short presentation and discussion of recognition, recruiting, and publicity. Special Note: Plan for at least 30 minutes of free time before lunch to allow time to relax.
Saturday Afternoon
Develop an activity schedule for the Ship for the next 12 months. If the advance planning suggested in chapter 3 of this handbook has been successfully completed, this will be both an interesting and productive meeting. Do not rush through this session – take enough time to discuss and evaluate all activity suggestions.
Page 42 Handbook for Skippers Use the early afternoon to evaluate program activities suggested by the program capability inventory, members and petty officers, program resources, and group discussions. (See Appendix E. Program Capability Inventory for a sample PCI form.) Once the program schedule is complete, relax with an activity related to their special interests for the rest of the afternoon.
If advance planning for this session has not been done, your approach must be different. Use every available resource, include all basic Sea Scouting literature, to make a selection of activities for your 12-month activity schedule.
Saturday Evening
Leave to the petty officers the decision as to what should be done Saturday evening. The choice could be fellowship, special recreational events, further discussion, or return home. Whatever is done should be their decision.
Handbook for Skippers Page 43 3. Program Building and Scheduling
The following program procedures have been time-tested by successful Skippers. A few new wrinkles are added at times to keep the planning contemporary, but success comes naturally when the planning is done by the Quarterdeck. The Quarterdeck uses a procedure that results in an annual schedule of activities that reflects member interest and makes use of the interests, skills, and facilities of interested adults and organizations.
Your Quarterdeck should set up an annual activity schedule, preferably on a September through August basis. This 12-month listing of activities should reflect primary membership interests and be scheduled into the regular pattern of Ship meetings, separate activities, a long cruise and other superactivities, and council and national events.
Once the annual activity schedule has been established, a month-by-month Ship planning process takes over at the Ship’s monthly Quarterdeck meeting. The Quarterdeck, under the supervision of the Skipper, evaluate Ship program efforts, check the activity plans for the current month, and select activities for the next month. Activities are conducted by committees composed of Ship members with the help of consultants.
Details of the planning pattern that has enabled many Ships to have active programs–programs that move, attract, and hold young adults–are outlined in their natural sequence:
CREATE ANNUAL ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
At least once each year the Skipper gives leadership to the collection of program and activity ideas. In the spring or late summer he initiates action by setting up four project groups to collect program resource information as follows:
Project 1 – Program Capability Inventory
This project is the responsibility of the Ship Committee.
Annually, or more frequently if desired, the Ship Committee should conduct a PCI (program capability inventory) to help search out and identify program support for the Ship’s vocational and avocation activities. This should be done at least 2 or 3 months before the annual program planning meeting. This provides the Quarterdeck with ample time to review the inventory and relate it to their plans as they create the annual activity schedule. (See Appendix E. Program Capability Inventory for a sample PCI form.)
This inventory can be done in several ways. The most common way is to survey the Ship Committee, Ship leaders, parents, and other adults directly related to your Ship and its
Page 44 Handbook for Skippers chartered organization. A list is made of the vocational skills and hobby interests of each adult. Added to this are contacts each may provide in the way of facilities, equipment, and personnel.
A more complete inventory can be made by surveying members of the chartered organization and the immediate community and cataloging them by interest areas. It is important to relate people and their interests to your Ship program. Success in both listing and recruiting key people is based on asking them to share with your Sea Scouts. Ask what they know best – their vocations and avocations.
The program capability inventory becomes the program base upon which the Quarter- deck, subject to member interest, select activities and consultant support for their annual activity schedule.
Do not discount the fact that much of the information you get will not necessarily deal directly with the nautical, salty Sea Scouting as you may know it. Some of the finest Sea Scout Ships are those that concentrate on teaching basic seagoing skills as required for achieving the Ordinary, Able, and Quartermaster ranks, supplemented by social, service, citizenship, outdoor, and other leadership type activities.
Ships that have a program that attracts attention use variety. Carefully consider the skills, both vocational and avocational, represented in the inventory as you help the Quarterdeck set up a stimulating and exciting 12-month schedule of activities.
You can learn a lot more about program capability from your Council Sea Scouting Committee Training Team..
Project 2 – Activity Review
The Boatswain carries out this project at a regular meeting of the Ship. During the business session the Boatswain asks the Ship members to review and react to past Ship activities. Once the activity is completed, the activity chair provides a record of the cost, member participation, future recommendations, and special problems of the event. The Ship’s Yeoman should keep this information on file.
This project should automatically bring about a discussion and listing of new activities the members would like to have the Quarterdeck consider as they set up the annual activities schedule.
While this project is in progress, someone should be appointed to keep a list of member activity suggestions on a chalkboard or large piece of paper placed where everyone can see it.
Handbook for Skippers Page 45 Project 3 – Resource Literature
Before the annual Quarterdeck seminar, assign the Yeoman to collect and evaluate activity suggestions from literature. The Yeoman should also search out professional and trade or specialty magazines related to the interest of the members. Marine, aquatic, and boating magazines often list places to go and activity suggestions related to the salty and nautical nature of the Sea Scouting program.
Project 4 – Council and National Events
This is an important phase of activity opportunities that is many times overlooked by a Sea Scout Ship. The Boatswain’s Mate should be assigned this project, which requires that he/she keep a lookout for council and national activities which may interest the Quarterdeck and members. (The Sea Scouts BSA website
Building a Schedule
All four projects must be completed before the annual Quarterdeck seminar is held. An important session of the seminar is devoted to hearing the reports of the project’s chair, evaluating their collected activity ideas, and then making a 12-month schedule for the next program year. A brief description of the seminar and the process used is described below. Be sure to include the annual cruise or some other superactivity in your schedule.
Balanced Program
The Skipper must bring about a program of varied activities that will help achieve the purpose of Sea Scouting and will serve the needs, concerns, and desires of the members. Activities in Sea Scouting represent the method by which young adults can “try out” adult-like citizenship, leadership, fitness, social, outdoor, and service, experience areas.
Ships that tend to relate their entire program solely to their aquatic interests may have little or no activity in some of the six experience areas. Such Ships fail to meet the purpose of Sea Scouting in providing a broad experience that prepares young adults for participating citizenship.
The experience areas described above are channel markers for the program of a Sea Scout Ship. It is the Skipper’s responsibility to guide the Ship, through its Quarterdeck, within the deep and challenging channel of these experiences.
Page 46 Handbook for Skippers Long Cruise and Other Superactivities
A long cruise, a good example of a superactivity, is the super-desire of almost every Sea Scout. To satisfy the high-adventure dreams of Ship members, your Ship should schedule a cruise or some other challenging experience as the year’s major event.
In Sea Scout Ships that have large boats, the annual high adventure event is usually the long cruise. There are, however, many other types of superactivities that are equally attractive. For example, the “cruising category” can include canoe trips, fishing trips, and expeditions to great swamps such as the Everglades and Okefenokee. There is also the excitement of a rubber raft trip down a whitewater stream or a training cruise aboard a Navy or Coast Guard vessel.
Sea Scouts need not be limited to aquatic activities. Many Ships have had a fine land-cruise experience on a backpacking expedition into the mountains or a trip to the Philmont Scout Ranch and Venturer Base.
Tours and visits are another form of super- activity that take Sea Scouts away from their home base. Consider a state or national tour to historical sites such as Philadelphia or Boston. Some Sea Scout Ships even visit Canada, Mexico, and Europe. This proves that, where there is a “well planned” will, there is a way.
Majority Vote
Once a series of big events have been collected and evaluated, the final choice should be made by majority vote of the Ship members. If possible, the decision should be unanimous, for unless most of the members approve of the event they will not give it their wholehearted support. It is the original enthusiasm reinforced by an excited superactivity committee that ensures success.
Thorough Planning
Most long cruises and other superactivities must be preceded by weeks and, many times, months of preparation. Thorough planning, well in advance, is the only way to ensure the full enjoyment of every member’s investment of time, effort, and money.
Handbook for Skippers Page 47 Good planning eliminates delays and inconveniences; many times it prevents accidents. This is particularly true when the superactivity involves extensive travel.
Planning takes time, but it’s more than worthwhile for it helps build up membership anticipation for the event, always a prelude to a good experience.
Sea Scout Ships that have been successful usually attribute their success to a committee of enthusiastic Scouts and adults who followed the proven pattern of organization and planning.
Hundreds of Sea Scout Ships take long cruises each summer. Many of these cruises are expensive and involve foreign travel. Advance planning and financing has been reported as being the secret to their success.
SUPERACTIVITY PLANNING
Secure Ship Committee Approval
The size of a superactivity, its financing, need for strong leadership, and transportation requirements, call for Ship Committee approval before the superactivity is scheduled. Approval by the Committee will secure the understanding and help of key people related to both the Ship Committee and the chartered organization.
It is wise to arrange a special meeting for Ship members, their parents, and representatives of the chartered organization. A colorful and convincing sales job featuring the purpose, opportunities, and details of financing and preparing the superactivity is many times vital to its success. A good sales job is needed for superactivities that involve parents in over-average expense and raise questions about leadership and safety.
Establishing a Superactivity Committee
As the Skipper in consultation with the Quarterdeck, selects a chair and a committee for planning, organizing, promoting, and conducting the superactivity. This calls for a capable and enthusiastic chair. His committee should be made up of members who appear enthusiastic about the event – the type that just can’t seem to wait for the event to happen.
A superactivity committee should not be too large; usually it is composed of no more than four Sea Scouts and two adults. Should this committee need additional help, the chair may call upon consultants or Ship members for help. The committee meets as often as necessary.
Financing in Advance
Sea Scouts can earn and save sufficient funds for almost any cruise or other superactivity if the Ship does its planning early. Ship members can earn their way either individually, as a
Page 48 Handbook for Skippers group, or by a combination of both ways. You will find suggested money-earning projects listed in Chapter 7.
Ship members who can’t take part in the superactivity yet who have paid dues and helped earn money for the Ship’s treasury should not be assessed for a share of the expenses. The best way to avoid this is to set up a special account for the event. This enables the Purser to account for savings and proceeds of money-earning projects for this event in relation to each person’s investment of time and money.
Many times the Ship’s Committee and the chartered organization are in a position to offer help in financing a superactivity. An alert Skipper will keep them completely informed of the plans and preparations for the big event and encourage their help.
Use Available Resources
It is essential in superactivity planning that both the Quarterdeck and the chair of the superactivity committee secure and use a copy of Tours and Expeditions, No. S33735. This booklet contains a step-by-step planning procedure, tour permits, detailed information, and forms necessary to planning and conducting an annual superactivity. It is to your advantage to secure and use both local and national applications for tour permits. You can secure copies of this booklet from your council service center. Be sure to use the section on cruises and superactivities in the Sea Scout Manual. Don’t forget to file a float plan as appropriate. See Appendix G. Cruise Plan.
Chart and Report Your Plans
You will find each superactivity dictates its own time schedule, but, even so, all follow a general pattern. The sample worksheet on page 47 is an example of a Ship’s plans for a cruise and illustrates this point. You will note when you check the illustration that a 12-month annual activity schedule can be easily adjusted to any time schedule.
As you study the illustrated work sheet you will find that Ship meeting activities have been scheduled in support of the superactivity. As the Quarterdeck plans the annual program calendar, superactivity meetings should be listed. This is imperative, for at all Quarterdeck meetings you should be using this annual activities schedule as a basis for final selection of activities for each month’s program. Unless you have added activities related to your superactivity to this schedule, you may fail to give essential support.
Thinking things out in detail and in advance can eliminate unnecessary problems on your trip. Schedule time for doing the unexpected or just allow time for Scouts and leaders to relax and enjoy themselves. Delays, inconveniences, and sometimes accidents are caused by overscheduling.
Handbook for Skippers Page 49 When your plan is complete, take a second to look at it to see if the driving or cruising schedule is too tight. The idea is to determine before you leave if there is really enough time allotted for travel, keeping clean, and recovering from the unexpected.
NATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Individuals, and at times the membership of an entire Ship, may have the opportunity to become involved in a nationally organized and publicized activity. Many times national activities originate as council or area events that culminate in competition at regional and national levels. Every Ship should be alert to these opportunities and try to be represented. Examples of this type of activity are the World Jamboree and the National Sea Scouting Sailing Championship.
Sea Scouting regattas and rendezvous are available to most Sea Scout Ships on a council, area, or regional level. Every Ship should try to attend at least one event of this type each year. It’s a great experience for the leaders and Ship members – featuring competition and fellowship with other Ships in new and exciting locations.
Other opportunities are available to Sea Scouts on the National level. The National Sea Scouting Committee sponsors a Sea Scouting exhibit at the National Scout Jamboree every four years. Sea Scouts from throughout the United States help to show our program by participating in the exhibit staff. The William Minto Memorial Scholarship is available to Sea Scouts who wish to study oceanography at the Texas A & M University. This scholarship is available through application and is highly competitive. Also available annually are a limited number of billets aboard the U.S.C.G. Barque Eagle for its summer training cruise. These billets are available through application with the National Sea Scouting Committee and are limited to Sea Scouts who have earned the Able or Quartermaster ranks.
MONTHLY PLANNING PROCEDURE
Monthly planning, a most important element in quality program, takes place at the petty officers’ Quarterdeck meeting usually held in the first week of each month. The planning items, listed below, are an essential part of the business agenda of the Quarterdeck meeting. These two items from the Quarterdeck meeting agenda on page 28 are as follows:
C This month’s activity plans; C Select next month’s activities.
Page 50 Handbook for Skippers Check This Month’s Activity Plans
You, the Skipper, ask the Boatswain for a progress report of the current month’s activity plans. In the discussion that follows this report, the Quarterdeck may propose changes to the current month’s schedule if they see the need. When the Quarterdeck suggests changes, the Second Mate passes them along to the responsible activity chair, and, if necessary, helps the chair make adjustments.
To maintain good morale on the part of the activity chair all suggested changes by the Quarterdeck should be positive and helpful. This is a point where your skillful coaching can upgrade both the morale of the Ship’s members and the quality of the program.
Where the progress of an activity committee is subject to question, the Boatswain should invite the chair to be present at the Quarterdeck meeting. This will enable the petty officers to make sure all scheduled activities for the current month are set to go. Should the chair fail to report, the petty officers must take whatever action necessary to ensure the membership of a successful program experience.
Select Next Month’s Activities
As Skipper, you will also work in close cooperation with the Boatswain in handling the session. The basic activity ideas for next month’s program are those listed for that month on the annual program calendar.
You present the activities listed on the calendar for the current month, describing their relationship to the overall schedule of activities for the year. In addition, review current activity ideas collected from the members and suggested by the Quarterdeck.
After both the scheduled and collected activity suggestions have been discussed, the Quarterdeck selects and schedules weekly Ship meeting activities and one activity to be conducted at a separate time and place. The activities are selected by a majority vote of the Quarterdeck with the interest of the Ship members being, for the most part, their major concern.
For each activity selected, the Quarterdeck develops some general guidelines that can be passed on to the activity chair by the Second Mate. Suggested information should include the time and place to hold the activity, how it should be conducted, suggested consultants, and possible cost.
The activity chair should be appointed at the Quarterdeck meeting by you in consultation with the Boatswain and other petty officers. In selecting a Sea Scout as an activity chair, you should look not only for leadership ability but also for the exceptional enthusiasm necessary
Handbook for Skippers Page 51 to success. For example, an avid fisherman would make a much better chair for a fishing expedition than a Sea Scout who had no equipment, skill, or active interest in fishing.
Following the Quarterdeck meeting, you inform the activity chair of his/her appointment and helps select the committee. This should be done as soon as possible so the new chair can make immediate plans to meet with the committee to plan and organize the event. As you make the assignment, the Second Mate should keep an active counseling relationship with the activity chair.
Activity Committee Makeup and Method
To the Skipper and other adult leaders in Sea Scouting, the activity committee method of conducting activities should be more than just a way of getting things to happen. It represents the method by which Sea Scouts can get a life experience that helps draw them into participatory citizenship.
Committees are an important way of life in our social, business, and community organizations. The proper use of the committee method in Sea Scouting provides a young adult with the experience of being a chair or an activity committee member. This will stand the Scout in good stead in both business and community living in future years.
The Committee’s Role. If a Sea Scout activity is to be successful, two important elements must be present. First, it must be a good activity, one that reflects the enthusiastic interest of the membership. Second, there must be a good committee to carry it out. Both elements are important, for without member interest and good organization, almost any idea can be a complete washout.
Once the activities for the next month’s program have been selected at a Quarterdeck meeting, it is the responsibility of the assigned chair and activity committee to organize and conduct the activity. The committee makeup and suggested method of operation are described below.
Committee Makeup. You, the Skipper, with the help of the Quarterdeck selects a chair for each activity at the Quarterdeck meeting immediately after the activity has been approved and scheduled. The activity chair, with the help of the Second Mate, selects committee members from the Ship membership and notifies them of their assignment. The Boatswain announces at Ship meetings the names of chairs and members of all activity committees. This keeps the entire membership aware of who is responsible for each selected and scheduled activity.
Activity committees vary in size. For example, a simple activity such as an afternoon swim may involve only transportation, and the chair might be the entire committee. However, a committee assigned to plan the Ship’s annual bridge of honor and dance could use about four
Page 52 Handbook for Skippers members and two adults in addition to the chair. It is also advisable in arranging coed activities to ensure that there is a mix of male and female Sea Scouts on the committee.
Consultants, described later in this chapter, can be of immense help to an activity committee. A consultant not only supplies the skill and know-how necessary, but in addition usually has contacts with facilities, equipment, and other consultants. When you add a consultant, you generally add that extra touch that makes your activity both easier to conduct and more successful.
How To Help Activity Committees Succeed
If Sea Scouting is to succeed as a program, the activities selected, planned, and conducted must be successful. Young adults come into Sea Scouting because of the promise of participating in activities related to their interests. This makes the coaching of activity chairs one of the Second Mate’s most meaningful tasks. The following procedure is suggested:
Before the Activity. When notifying the activity committee chair of his appointment, you, the Skipper, help select the committee. The Second Mate then works with the activity chair to help him carry out his assignment.
Usually only two committee meetings and a few contacts in between are necessary to conduct the average activity. The first meeting is to get the work organized and under way. The second is for a final check on preparations and assignments just before the activity happens.
First Committee Meeting. The Second Mate should help an inexperienced activity chair prepare a list of things the committee will need to do. If the activity requires a consultant, the chair should invite the consultant to the meeting. At the meeting, the activity chair encourages committee members to discuss the activity and the things that need to be done.
The chair assigns the jobs so that no one gets an unfair share of the workload. Preferably, all committee members should be in assignments related to their special interests and abilities. The chair should list each committee member’s name, phone number, and specific assignment for later reference.
Committee Follow-Up. Follow-up by the chair is usually necessary and is made by telephone or by personal contacts in school or at Ship meetings. He should hold the committee members to established deadlines and provide a good example by keeping his own commitments. If his committee is not on the ball and he can’t seem to get the job done, the chair should send an SOS to the Second Mate or Skipper for help.
Promotion. An activity committee chair should never take participation by the Ship members for granted. The Second Mate must remind each chair to promote his activity. Provide time
Handbook for Skippers Page 53 on the agenda of each regular meeting for promoting activities and urge each activity chair to take full advantage of this chance to push his activity. He also uses his committee as a sales force to constantly sell the activity to Ship members and friends.
Final Committee Meeting. The chair calls the final meeting of the committee just before they conduct the activity. The objective is to double-check all preparations and to make sure that everyone is prepared to handle his assignment. Double-check timing, arrangements for facilities, promised equipment, and materials to eliminate worry and a frustrating experience later.
During the Activity. The Second Mate should coach an activity chair to be flexible enough in decision making to be able to adapt plans to unforeseen circumstances. Caution the chair to not get upset in public. If things seem to go wrong seek out the consultant, Boatswain, or Skipper for help.
The activity chair need not take a prominent part in conducting the activity. Many times he can be more successful if he works behind the scenes. When his committee members are capable, he should let them run the show and provide help as they need it.
Once the activity has been conducted, the chair fills in a report with the Yeoman. He includes information helpful to a chair who may be assigned to run a similar activity later. He then writes thank you notes to the people who helped him.
CONSULTANTS
Persons who have special skills, equipment, facilities, or contacts in a program area related to the special interest of the members of a Sea Scout Ship are known as consultants. Skippers who meet the needs of young adults provide them every possible opportunity to work with mature adults.
Contacts with adult members, even when limited to the Ship’s leaders, are excellent. However, experience has shown that it’s through consultants – carefully recruited and oriented – that Ship members get some of their most meaningful contacts with mature adults. Spurred by a Skipper’s interest, the constant and effective use of consultants can become an important element in the Ship’s program success.
Sources of Consultants
As detailed above, the most important source of consultants is the program capability inventory described earlier in this chapter. However, many adult Ship leaders get into the habit of using only the Quarterdeck.
Here is a list of sources for consultants:
Page 54 Handbook for Skippers C Yacht and boat club members and officers C Unaffiliated boat owners C Personnel in boating supplies and equipment business C Merchant Marine personnel C Marina owners and employees C United States Power Squadron members C U.S. Navy personnel C U.S. Coast Guard personnel, including Reserve and Auxiliary C Your own Ship Committee C Oceanographers, marine biologists, and persons in related scientific disciplines C Members’ parents and their friends C Sea Scouting Committee members C Teachers in schools, colleges, and universities C Persons in industries, businesses, and professions (especially those relating to boating, sailing, and aquatics) C Persons in local government and public agencies
Recruiting Consultants
The Ship Committee has the primary responsibility for recruiting consultants. As Skipper, you present the needs and interests of the Ship’s members at Ship Committee meetings.
Consultants may be recruited by anyone. Many times Sea Scouts or their adult leaders may contact a person who has a special skill related to the interests of the Ship. However, it should be remembered that all consultants are subject to the approval of the Ship Committee.
Cooperating With Consultants
Keep in mind that a consultant is a person who volunteers time, skills, and sometimes the use of facilities and equipment to help your Ship. In fairness to both the consultant and your Ship, the Quarterdeck, and members owe their full cooperation. Here are a few suggestions regarding consultant cooperation that you may wish to make to the Quarterdeck and the crew.
Respect time. Be reasonable in the amount of time you expect from your consultant. Arrange for participation at the consultant’s convenience whenever possible. Above all, make his contribution pay off by giving him the attention he deserves during the time he is working with the Ship.
Respect equipment. When the consultant provides equipment or facilities and equipment, use it carefully and help maintain it. Remind the Sea Scouts to handle this property as carefully as if it were their own.
Handbook for Skippers Page 55 Show appreciation. Thank the consultant at appropriate times. When the consultant completes service to your Ship, give extra recognition. It could be a letter from your Yeoman or it might be an inexpensive gift from your Ship.
There are also several Venturing plaques and desk ornaments, as well as Sea Scouting decals and certificates of appreciation, available through your council service center. A Sea Scouting certificate of appreciation is available from the Sea Scouts BSA website
COUNCIL AND DISTRICT ACTIVITIES
Council and district activities are big events in your area. They have the size, makeup, and program content that the individual Ship cannot provide for itself. Big activities of this type are a showcase for Venturing. Your Ship’s participation in these large, appealing, adult-like activities will help Sea Scouting and your Ship attain status in the eyes of high-school-age young adults. Participation will help membership recruiting and public endorsement. A better public image also helps your Quarterdeck secures the cooperation of parents and community leaders.
It is extremely important that each Ship help establish Sea Scouting as a prestige program in local high schools. Individual Ship activities are prestige builders, but need to be reinforced by big council and district activities with Sea Scouts well represented.
Council and district activities are conducted by activity committees made up of Ship and Venturing Crew officers. Your Boatswain and Boatswain’s Mate should take an active part on these committees when appointed.
Area, Regional, and National Activities
Petty officers and members of Sea Scout Ships can also participate in activities on an area, regional, or national level, leadership conferences, road rallies, sailing events, and regattas.
Special-interest units are at times given the opportunity to participate in seminars and conventions held by adult groups. Sea Scouts, for example, may be invited to attend a national convention of industries and organizations related to the building, use, or control of boats and marine supplies.
There will be opportunities for Ship Boatswains and Venturing Crew Presidents to participate in a National Venturing Leadership Conference. At the conference, your Ship’s Boatswain will have the opportunity to learn firsthand the techniques of group leadership. He will also share program ideas and methods of Ship operation with Boatswains and Presidents from every state in the nation. Discussions at the conferences will deal with current issues and other concerns of today’s young adults.
Page 56 Handbook for Skippers You will find these activities announced and described in magazines and bulletins originating from the national office.
Venturing Program Planning Conference
Each year in October and late March special gatherings of Ship and Venturer officers are held on either a council or district basis. These conferences, planned and directed by council or district committees, are designed to give program planning support to Ship and Venturer officers.
The Boatswain, Boatswain’s Mate, Skipper, and Mates are eligible to attend as are their counterparts in Venturing Crews. A program planning conference is not only an excellent training experience but also a fine opportunity for fellowship with other Ship and Venturer leaders.
Every Skipper should arrange well in advance for the registration and transportation of the Quarterdeck. Information related to the date, place, and time is usually sent to Skippers. In addition to early registration, each Ship is asked to prepare and submit an activity board.
An activity board is a large sheet of paper on which your Ship lists its unit number, chartered organization, Skipper, and Boatswain (their names and phone numbers). More important is that the Ship lists its activities of the past 6 months, activities planned for the next 6 months, and its suggestions for future district and council activities. Upon arriving at the conference, each Ship will post its activity board. This provides an excellent exchange of activity and administrative ideas. Important by-products of this experience are inter-ship and inter-crew activities, sharing of consultants, information, and fellowship.
The Skipper should plan and promote participation by stressing the following opportuni- ties for fellowship and training:
1. The detailed skills of selecting, planning, and conducting Ship activities.
2. Participation in selecting and planning council and district activities.
3. Successful methods and techniques essential to being an effective petty officer.
4. Opportunities to hold inter-ship and inter-crew activities.
5. Detailed information on re-registration and other recharter procedures.
6. Current information on all activities, training, and literature of a local, regional, and national origin.
Handbook for Skippers Page 57 4. Customs and Courtesies
Sea Scouting promises Ship members a nautical program in an atmosphere of decks, bells, sails, and salty terminology. As Skipper, you can easily keep this promise to them with the help of the customs and courtesies based on the sea lore described in this chapter and in the Sea Scout Manual.
These customs and courtesies are as colorful as the international code flags seen hoisted on naval ships on special occasions. However, they’re more than just colorful they carry a message of appreciation and respect for the achievements of our glorious seafarers and hardy explorers of the past.
The Spirit and the Example
The information in this chapter can’t be effective if it remains within the covers of this handbook. The Quarterdeck must set a living example by getting into the spirit, by encouraging ceremonies, and by performing the salty courtesies so vital to the atmosphere of Sea Scouting. For example, one of the main objectives of every Quarterdeck should be to establish a landship with enough equipment to create the proper atmosphere.
A word of caution, however: Don’t overdo the ceremony phase, lest it sink your Ship. A little ceremony goes a long way. A bit of discipline brings the Skipper respect; too much, too often, and the Skipper becomes a tyrant – and that’s not good because the Ship is not a captive crew but a group of young adults who joined because they liked what they saw.
A good example is frequency of saluting. Teenagers will willingly salute their adult officers in ceremonies but most resist a policy that requires them to adhere to a strict military procedure throughout an entire evening.
The Sea Scout Salute
Sea Scouts in ceremonies and on other occasions determined by popular opinion use the traditional hand salute with fingers extended. The salute should be executed smartly from the position of attention. Note: Salutes are rendered only when covered (wearing a hat).
The Double Salute
On all formal and official occasions, whenever an officer or crew member comes aboard a Sea Scout Ship he performs two salutes–a custom of the sea that began centuries ago.
From the time of the great galleys of the Venetian Republic, it was the custom to place on the mainmast of large vessels a statue of the Blessed Virgin, the patron saint of the Ship, or
Page 58 Handbook for Skippers perhaps a crucifix. Every seaman, upon coming aboard the Ship, took off his hat or made the sign of the cross as a form of salute to God in the direction of the mainmast.
As national flags became prominent in the 14th and 15th centuries, Ships of maritime nations began to display their national ensign and request that it be recognized also. So the double salute became a universal rule as each seaman coming aboard saluted both the mainmast and his .
On all formal and official occasions, Sea Scouts, immediately upon stepping aboard, salute first the center of the Ship, the traditional salute to God. They then turn toward the flagstaff at the stern of the Ship and perform the traditional salute to the national ensign representing our country.
Upon going ashore or leaving a landship, each person gives the double salute in reverse, first to the national ensign and then to the mainmast. This is the reverse of U.S. Navy custom, which today salutes the flag first and the Officer of the Deck second.
Piping the Side
This is the survival of an old custom handed down from European navies. Centuries ago, when ships were under the command of dandies of the court rather than practical seamen, these worthies considered themselves too good to walk on board the Ship or climb the gangway steps. Indeed, their elaborate attire would scarcely allow such exercise. Accordingly, a Boatswain and a detail were assigned to hoist them on board in a chair. The motions of the chair as it carefully lifted them and deposited them “all standing” on the Quarterdeck were controlled by the Boatswain’s pipe with the calls “Hoist away,” “Lower away,” and “Secure.”
In today’s boarding ceremony, with the side boys and the Boatswain and his pipe, we can see what is left of the custom. The following rules should be observed in appointing side boys:
C Two side boys–Ship’s officers, visiting Ships’ officers, Ship Committee C Four side boys–District and council officers C Six side boys–Area or Regional officers C Eight side boys–National officers
Common Courtesies
The respect of the young for the old and of the junior for the senior is expressed in many ways in Sea Scouting. For instance, when several officers of various ranks are coming aboard a large ship from a small boat, the senior always leads from the small boat, followed by the juniors. When leaving a large ship, the process is reversed with the senior always getting into the small boat last.
Handbook for Skippers Page 59 At the table it is customary for the junior to remain standing until the senior is seated or orders are given to take seats. The junior never leaves the table after the meal until he has asked for and received permission from the presiding officer at the table.
But perhaps one of the outstanding forms of courtesy found in Sea Scouting is the use of the word “Sir” or “Ma’am.” No one ever hears a Sea Scout say “No” or “Yes” to a leader. It is always “Yes, ma’am” or “No, sir” or “Aye, aye, ma’am.”
Ceremonies
Ceremonies are a natural part of the Sea Scouting program. Carried out at Ship meetings and as a part of some social activities, they help develop habits of conduct essential to the salty atmosphere and discipline of a program based on nautical traditions and activities.
The ceremonies of Sea Scouting are colorful and should be carried out with promptness, smartness, and dash. This gives your Ship members the utmost pride and satisfaction that can come from membership in a first-rate Ship. By far the most essential elements in successful ceremonies are the dignified atmosphere and enthusiastic leadership provided by the Skipper and the Quarterdeck.
The basic ceremonies suggested, complete with narration, are described in the Sea Scout Manual, and illustrated here with deck plans. A brief description of the suggested ceremonies follows:
Opening. This is an orderly procedure that quickly assembles and organizes the Ship, ac- counts for those present and absent, and recog- nizes the national ensign and the Ship’s flag.
Receiving Skipper. This ceremony highlights the age-old custom of receiving the Ship’s Skipper with sideboys. Upon occasion, it is followed by an inspection of the Ship’s crew.
Receiving Visitors. Visitors and guests are for- mally recognized while coming aboard according them side honors due their respective ranks.
Change of Watch. This is a prescribed procedure for officially changing the officer on duty. When
Page 60 Handbook for Skippers conducted smartly, it adds color as well as recognition for your Mates.
Closing. The closing, in many respects, reverses the procedure of the opening ceremony and features brief inspirational remarks by the Skipper.
Admission. Use this ceremony to welcome recruits as official members of the Ship. The procedures are designed to help new members understand their privileges and responsibilities as Sea Scouts. It is important to remember that the Admission’s ceremony welcomes the new recruit and must not include any form of hazing.
Bridge of Honor. This special ceremony is often held during the Ship’s most important annual social event. Generally held aboard a landship, it provides recognition for advance- ment and special achievement of the Ship members, Quarterdeck, Ship Committee members, and special guests.
Bell Time
Clocks, as we know them now, were not invented until the 14th century. However, there were ways of approximating time in the old days. On board ship it was not possible to use the sundial or the water clock because these call for a solid foundation and steadiness. So it was necessary to use the hourglass for denoting the passage of time on board ship.
Before the use of sails the passage of time was extremely important to the poor slaves who manned the oars of the Ships of Assyria and Egypt.
In those very early days, even in the time of the Romans and the Greeks, sand passed from one half of the glass to the other in approximately a half hour, and a normal turn at the oars consisted of two shifts of the glass, an hour of time. A gong was struck once at the half hour and twice at the hour.
With the advent of auxiliary sails, the spell at the oars was extended over a longer time of four turns of the glass. This time period was indicated by striking the gong four times with an interval between the second and third strokes.
When sails entirely superseded oars, the length of time that men were on watch (on duty) was extended up to eight turns of the glass, which corresponds to the present 4-hour watch. These watches were indicated by the striking of the Ship’s bell at half-hour intervals, thus making a total of eight bells for each watch.
Landships and Equipment
Sea Scouting offers a unique opportunity for creating an inspirational atmosphere at the meetings. The nautical nature of the program enables an imaginative group of adults and
Handbook for Skippers Page 61 young adults to create a landship so realistic that you can almost feel the decks rise and fall beneath your feet and smell the salty air.
Even though your Ship meets in a church basement, a school, a vacant store, or even some shanty by the water, you can erect a landship at a minimum cost. In fact, many of the best land- ships today are those made by the members themselves from secondhand materials and donated equipment.
Even if your meeting place is permanent, it might be well to make your landship equipment mobile. You may want to set up your landship equipment at a place other than your meeting place such as for a display at a council event or a big bridge of honor held at a public hall.
On page 62 are landship layouts and sug- gested ways of make landship equipment. Decide what you need and how best to build it. Your objective is to create the salty atmosphere that makes ceremonies natural and Sea Scouting more fun.
Landship Deck Plan. The overall deck plan for a landship, illustrated on page 62, is based on naval customs and traditions. All members should learn the proper terminology as well as the basic layout.
Landship Layouts. An arrangement involving minimum equipment is also illustrated and can easily be set up by any Ship. It is recommended only for use until a more serviceable landship is available. The other illustration is that of an attractive serviceable landship recommended for all Ships.
Ship Training Equipment. A good landship should have some or all of the training equipment listed here. Store it in sea chests or lockers readily available for use when you need it.
Life jackets Pilot rules Ring buoy and line NOAA charts and tide tables Rope for knot tying and splicing Parallel rules and protractor A marlinspike or fid Lead line Signaling equipment Compass (liquid type) Sailmaker’s palm and needle First aid kit
Page 62 Handbook for Skippers Models of anchors and buoys International code flags Models of sextant Photos or pictures of various types of boats Pelorus or model of one Reference books Patent log or chip log
Ideals of Sea Scouting
Sea Scouting splices into the lore of the sea the ideals of the Boy Scouts of America – a code of conduct so good and strong that it has stood the test of time.
To meet the purposes of Sea Scouting, these ideals are expressed more maturely for high-school-age young adults in the Sea Promise.
The Skipper and other adult leaders should bring about, through use in ceremonies and activities, these guidelines to participating citizenship.
The Sea Promise
This promise mirrors the tradition of the sea and has been a part of Sea Scouting since 1920 when it was the requirement for cabin boy.
As a Sea Scout I promise to do my best:
1. To guard against water accidents.
2. To know the location and proper use of the lifesaving devices on every boat I board.
3. To be prepared to render aid to those in need.
4. To seek to preserve the motto of the sea: Women and Children First.
Pledge of Allegiance
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Your Own Ship’s Articles (Code)
Every Sea Scout Ship is encouraged to have its own Ship’s articles. What it amounts to is a Ship’s self-imposed rules for building a good reputation and originating meaningful traditions. The Ship’s articles, to serve their purpose, should be a set of guidelines developed
Handbook for Skippers Page 63 by the Quarterdeck. The guidelines should reflect the suggestions and recommendations of both petty officers and Ship members.
Suggested Contents
As you discuss and decide what goes into your Ship’s articles, keep in mind that it may contain statements related to these suggested areas:
C What the members as a group consider important C The members’ reason for their association in the Ship C Standards or goals for self-improvement C Measurements to reflect individual performance or progress C Rules concerning discipline C Guidelines for upholding the reputation and traditions of the Ship
Developing a Set of Ship’s Articles
If your Ship’s articles are to represent the joint thoughts and efforts of the entire membership of the Ship, then everyone should share in the building process. Once developed, every member and petty officer must subscribe to the articles and be judged by it.
It is important that Sea Scouts develop their own articles. A simple way to go about developing the Ship’s articles is to schedule and conduct an informal discussion. The Boatswain conducts the session with the Yeoman taking notes. The Skipper, without dominating the discussion, should voice his views.
To avoid duplication the Yeoman should be asked to read the Sea Promise before the discussion. This will help the group avoid duplicating the contents of the Sea Promise in the Ship’s articles. The articles supplement the Sea Promise by being the Ship members’ personal commitment to establishing a way of action for themselves.
The Quarterdeck, based on the suggestions and recommendations of the members, put the articles into final form. It is then presented to the members of the Ship for final review and acceptance. Final acceptance should be made by secret ballot.
Revising the Ship’s Articles
At least once a year the Ship’s articles should be reviewed and revised as necessary. Most Ships find it more convenient to do this during the period of rechartering. Once the Ship’s articles have been established, each new member should be asked to accept and sign the articles as a part of the admission ceremony.
Page 64 Handbook for Skippers Ship’s Articles (sample)
1. Strongly defend the American way of life.
2. Have interest in my work, my part in the community, and a strong belief in democracy.
3. Be tolerant toward those whose beliefs are contrary to mine.
4. Never knowingly break the law, but strive to learn more about the laws that govern us and the public servants who enforce them.
5. Respect my elders, teachers, fellow citizens, and family members.
6. Be concerned about and help my family, schoolmates, community, and fellow Ship members.
7. Improve school and home discipline, school grade averages, and my knowledge of laws and ordinances.
Ship’s Articles (detailed sample)
1. The objective of S.S.S. Seadog will be to assist our members to develop into useful citizens by using the Sea Scouting program.
2. Membership shall be open to all high-school-age youth living in the Howard County area who are age 14 and have completed eighth grade, or are at least 15 years of age. No prospective member shall be disqualified because of race, color, creed, or sex.
3. The normal term of office for all elected petty officers shall be for 1 year, starting on the first Wednesday of February. Elections shall be held in January.
4. No member shall serve more than two successive terms in the same office.
5. The Boatswain, if active, shall be chair of the nominating committee, which shall consist of three members. The committee shall present a complete slate of candidates who have agreed, if elected, to serve to the best of their abilities.
6. On the night of the election, nominations may be presented from the floor by any member. If the nomination is seconded and the candidate agrees to serve, the name will be included on the ballot.
7. All contested ballots shall be secret.
Handbook for Skippers Page 65 8. All funds shall be deposited in the First Columbia Bank and all checks must be signed by the Purser and one authorized adult. In case of an emergency, the Boatswain or the Skipper may sign.
9. The dues shall be $5.00 a month. Within 30 days after the effective date of the Ship charter, any member may elect to prepay 1 year’s dues for only $50.
10. Any member more than 3 months behind in paying dues cannot participate in Ship activities, but may attend meetings.
11. The legal quorum shall be one-third of the active roll, but no fewer than 10 members.
12. Any petty officer who is absent for three consecutive regular meetings without good cause shall have his seat declared vacant if two-thirds of the members present approve.
13. Quarterdeck meetings shall be the third Thursday of each month.
14. Ship meetings of the entire membership shall be every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. No meeting will be held the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
15. Special meetings and changes in date, time, or place of a regular meeting shall be approved by the petty officers, and the Boatswain and Skipper shall notify all members by initiating the telephone tree.
16. Changes and amendments to the bylaws must be approved by two-thirds of the members present at two consecutive meetings.
17. All grievances shall be referred to a committee consisting of the Boatswain, Boatswain’s Mate, Skipper, and Ship Committee Chair.
18. For nonpayment of dues, nonparticipation, or lack of interest, any active member may be declared inactive by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any regular meeting. The member must be given one month’s notice prior to the effective date of his change in status. An inactive member is not permitted to participate in Ship activities or meetings except as a guest and is not covered by the Ship’s insurance policy.
National Ensign The flag of the United States, referred to in general as the American flag, is known to Sea Scouts as the national ensign. Ever since John Paul Jones sailed the Ranger into the Quiberon Bay in France to receive the first salute to the American flag by a foreign power, the United States Navy has referred to our flag as the national ensign.
Page 66 Handbook for Skippers Therefore, in the atmosphere of Sea Scouting, aboard or ashore, Sea Scouts refer to the American flag as the national ensign, adding the traditions of the Navy to their own high respect for their flag.
For more detail on the history of the ensign, care and display, hoisting and lowering, and saluting, refer to the Sea Scout Manual.
Sea Scout Flags
Sea Scout Ships have their own Sea Scout flags, which is displayed on their landships and vessels. It is customary, although not mandatory, that the flag contain lettering identifying the name of the Ship and her home port in addition to the Sea Scouting insignia.
Council, Area, Regional, and National Sea Scouting officials have personal flags that are displayed when they are aboard Sea Scout landships or vessels on official business. Council officials’ flags have two stars; Area and Regional officials’ flags have three; National officials’ flags have four. The officials’ flag is displayed in place of the Ship’s flag when officers are aboard.
All Sea Scout flags may be ordered from your local council service center.
Ship’s Papers
Ever since the early days, historians have been thankful that Ship captains kept accurate accounts and day-to-day logs (records) of their travels. This is a tradition of the sea that should also be practiced by your Ship. Not only will it help you run a tight Ship, but it will also give you a historic record that you will find helpful and interesting.
Who Is Responsible? The responsibility for records and a good log is that of the Quarterdeck, with the Yeoman directly responsible. Keep in mind that he will need the full support of his Skipper, Mates, and petty officers to get the job done.
Most or all of the following suggested records are essential to a good set of Ship’s papers.
Ship’s Logbook
This record book provides a place for your Yeoman to keep minutes of both the Ship and the Quarterdeck meetings, membership rosters, a record of attendance, advancement, dues, etc. It should provide information on how to handle correspondence and also contains a temporary file inside the back cover.
Handbook for Skippers Page 67 Membership Applications
The Ship’s copy of the application received from those recruited into your Ship should be kept on file, as should a copy of the Ship charter application. Registration forms can be obtained from your local Boy Scout office.
Harbor Log
A convenient way of keeping a record of Ship activities is to keep a harbor log. Harbor Log sheets may be included in the official log of your Ship. See Appendix A. Harbor Log.
A Ship Logbook
There is no one recommended book designed for this purpose. Sea Scouting tradition has established this as an individual Ship project. It should be an impressive-looking record of your Ship.
The Ship’s log should contain the complete history of the Ship. This should be supported by photographs, clippings, and souvenir programs illustrating the outstanding achievements and activities of the Ship.
Space should be available in the front of this book for each new member’s signature during the admission ceremony. There should also be a record of the Ship’s commissioned and petty officers, a listing of the yearly membership, and a copy of the Ship’s articles.
Make it a colorful book, the kind of production that you will want to show visitors coming aboard your landship. The Ship’s log should be a proud record of a proud Ship – your Ship.
Vessel Logbooks
A special logbook should be maintained and kept aboard each vessel operated by the Ship. It should be a complete record of when and how the vessel is used, her cruising destinations, the individuals who were aboard, and significant happenings during any voyage. A sample log page may be found in Appendix C. Cruise Log. Most suppliers of yachting and boating gear have a number of printed logbooks that are easily adaptable to Sea Scout use.
The vessel logbook is also a good place to keep track of the date, scope, and cost of repairs to each craft. This is frequently needed when estimating alterations or additions to vessels owned or being considered by the Ship.
Page 68 Handbook for Skippers Flag Etiquette
The conduct of your Ship members aboard a boat, the terminology used, the flags flown, and their knowledge of customs and courtesies all identify you and your crew to the informed observer as either mature boatmen or novices.
• The rules of etiquette at sea are many and important. For example, nothing betrays unfamiliarity with prescribed practice quite so publicly as the unrestrained display of flags. Only a few flags are correct and they should be displayed at the proper time in the proper location.
• Small craft should fly flags of the proper size. The standard rule is: Ensigns should be 1 inch on the hoist for each foot of waterline. Club and private signals and Ship flags should be ½ inch on the hoist for each foot of waterline length. U.S. Government vessels, merchant ships, and yachtsmen have carefully prescribed codes.
• Colors are “made” at 8 a.m. ashore or at anchor and are flown until sundown. When underway, they may be displayed from sunrise to sunset. The ensign (our national flag) is always raised first (smartly) and lowered last (slowly).
• The U.S. yacht ensign (with anchor in a blue field) is never displayed on Sea Scout vessels. Our national ensign is customarily dipped as a salute only by government vessels in reply to a dip from vessels of a foreign power. The ensign in Sea Scout vessels is never dipped. But your Ship’s flag may be dipped, should you wish to do so. As soon as your flags are lowered, display the appropriate lights.
• The only flag ever flown above the national ensign on the same hoist is the church pennant. It is flown only when divine services are in progress on board ship.
• Vessels may “dress ship” on special occasions. There is a set order for the proper display of international code flags when dressing ship.
Handbook for Skippers Page 69 Flag Usage Aboard Ship
Three basic flags displayed in Sea Scout vessels are the U.S. Jack, the Sea Scout flag, and the United States ensign (never the U.S. Yacht Ensign). The following customs are traditionally observed in Sea Scout vessels:
The U.S. Jack, where designated, is displayed only in a vessel that is anchored or moored. It is never appropriate to display the Jack while under way.
The Sea Scout flag is usually displayed on the mainmast of a vessel on a device known as a pig stick. This is a short staff to which the flag is attached. It is hoisted to the masthead in order that the flag may be streamed above the mast truck.
Small Boats. Small boats under way, excluding small skiffs and dinghies, should display the Ship flag in the bow and the ensign at the stern.
Single-Masted Sailboats. Display the U.S. Jack at the bow staff (when anchored or moored) and the Sea Scout flag at the main masthead. When the vessel is underway, the national ensign is displayed on the leach (the after-edge) of the mainsail, approximately one-third of the way
Note that the captions on rows 2 (single-masted power) & 4 (single-masted sail) are reversed; Note also that reference to “Sea Explorer” should be changed to “Sea Scout”
Page 70 Handbook for Skippers down from the head (in gaff-rigged vessels, at the gaff). When the sailboat is at anchor or moored, the ensign is displayed from a staff at the stern (when the main boom interferes, the location of the staff is set slightly to starboard).
Two-Masted Sailboats. The U.S. Jack is displayed at the bow staff (when anchored or moored). The Sea Scout flag is displayed at the main masthead, and if a Sea Scout official is embarked, his flag is displayed at the mizzen masthead. When the vessel is underway, the ensign is displayed on the leach of the aftermost sail (at the gaff on gaff-rigged vessels, and one-third of the way down the leach on Marconi rigs). When the vessel is at anchor or moored, the ensign is displayed at the stern staff.
Power Vessels. The U.S. Jack is displayed at the bow staff (when anchored or moored). The Sea Scout flag is displayed at the masthead of a single-masted power vessel. It is displayed at the fore masthead of a double-masted power vessel. If the vessel is rigged with a gaff (on the after-mast of a double-masted vessel), the ensign is displayed at the gaff while the vessel is underway. In the absence of a gaff, or when the vessel is anchored or moored, the ensign is displayed from a stern staff.
Officers Flags. In a single-masted vessel, the flag of the senior Sea Scout officer present is displayed in place of the Sea Scout flag. In vessels having more than one mast, the flag of the senior Sea Scout officer present is displayed at the masthead other than that occupied by the Sea Scout flag.
Other Signals. Many Ships have adopted either naval or yachting routine in the display of special signals such as meal flags, absence flags. The dictates of local custom and usage should be followed in these cases.
It should always be remembered that, except for dressing ship, it is poor nautical manners for a vessel to display every flag in its locker. Vessels displaying too many flags have the same effect as someone who is overdressed.
Flag usage in Sea Scout Landships generally follows the same pattern as for Sea Scout vessels.
For quick identification of boats and people and to show proper respect and consider- ation, the following applies:
When a boat approaches a ship, it should be hailed by “boat ahoy.” The reply should identify the senior officer on board the boat, as follows: For a Mate or Ship Committee member, “Aye-aye”; for a Skipper, by the name of his/her Ship; for a Council Commodore, by “(name) Council”; for a National or Regional official by designating the area he/she represents, such as “Northeast Region” or “National Committee.” The boat then proceeds
Handbook for Skippers Page 71 to the starboard gangway and the reply has relayed the proper number of sideboys to be provided by the Ship.
Salutes Between Boats
In ordinary circumstances and when distinctive flags are not flown, the salute generally consists of a friendly acknowledgment exchanged while the boats are passing.
One boat, however, may salute another, but this pertains mostly to special occasions. For instance, the crew of a boat rowing more than four oars may “up oars,” or the person in charge may salute the boat carrying a senior officer.
The officer of the senior boat in every case returns the hand salute, while continuing under way. Standing salutes are given only when the size and stability of the boat permits.
Quite frequently salutes are exchanged between vessels such as those making a formal landing, or that have been involved in a closely contested race. These salutes consist of the entire crew standing along the rail of the craft on the side being passed, generally with neat dress or uniforms as appropriate. This is called manning the rail. Should such salutes be extended to Sea Scout vessels, they should reply in the same way.
Passing Boats and at Landings
Boats carrying senior officers are given precedence at a landing. Regardless of rank, common courtesy afloat calls for maintaining your place in line and requesting permission to pass or change position when such change may affect the other boat.
Entering and Leaving Boats
Senior officers enter a boat last and leave it first. As a general rule, seniors take the seats farthest aft; juniors should leave such seats for their seniors.
During ceremonies in large boats, Sea Scouts who are passengers rise and salute when a commissioned officer enters or leaves the boat. The call, “Skipper on deck” is the signal to all to come to attention.
Good boat behavior is a mark of a good Ship. At sea, in the harbor, and at landings, a good Ship should always be considerate of the convenience and movements of others.
Page 72 Handbook for Skippers Colors
At morning or evening colors, boats passing reasonably near a flag ceremony should stop engines or lay on oars or if under sail let fly sheets. If the size of the boat and other conditions are favorable, available members of the Ship should stand, face the colors, and salute.
On special occasions when a Ship parades a guard or otherwise salutes an officer in a boat that is passing, the same procedure as above is followed.
Sea Scouts should render these courtesies when a special occasion or a ceremony creates a favorable atmosphere for special courtesy and not merely to be “navy.” Generally, a friendly greeting, a sincere smile, or a firm handshake are much more appropriate expressions of courtesy.
A SKIPPER’S MINUTE
In the days of old, aboard sailing ships, it was the custom of the captain to appear on the Quarterdeck at intervals to talk with the ship’s company. This sometimes occurred when a special commendation was made, disciplinary action taken, or to boost the morale of the crew.
In the modern Sea Scout Ship of today, it’s a good idea for the Skipper to take the opportunity to do some of these same things. To do so, he/she need only take advantage of the Skipper’s minute at the close of each Ship meeting. There are times when the Skipper’s minute may deal with special commendations, disciplinary action, or Ship morale. Most of the time the Skipper just gives a brief inspirational thought to the Ship members.
A Skipper, for the most part, gives character guidance to the crew by his example. There is also a need for him to talk about desirable personal qualities that will help each Sea Scout understand how he can be a better Ship member.
The Skipper’s minute is generally given at the close of the meeting. In fact, it’s scheduled just before the officers leave the Ship. A Skipper’s minute should be short and to the point.
Suggested Approach
Clever Skippers will not usually talk directly to the Ship members about character traits. Rather, they will make their point indirectly by tying it into the lore of the sea or into the traditional spirit of their Ship.
An example of how he can do this is to relate the duties of the Ship members to his experiences with them or to the success of activities, such as cruises or social affairs. Examples
Handbook for Skippers Page 73 of eight Skipper’s minutes which can be presented in support of the eight duties of a Ship member are listed below:
1) Take part in all activities. Here Skippers make their pitch about how a member who is committed to attend a meeting or activity should be present. Every member should keep their word or let their Crew Leader or Activity Chair know why they cannot attend. They can usually illustrate their point by describing both a successful and an unsuccessful past activity.
2) Suggest ideas for activities. This presentation places emphasis on the individual responsibility of each member. The Skipper reminds Ship members that the Ship’s program can represent their opinion only if they contribute to it. It is the duty of all members to let the others know what they think about the Ship’s program and their suggestions for future activities.
When activity ideas are requested at a Ship meeting, members should speak their piece, regardless of whether their ideas are accepted. Each must also be willing to listen and to accept the activity suggestions of others.
3) Vote responsibly. All important decisions of the Ship are made by a majority vote of the entire membership. Each member should attend meetings and take part in the discussions that precede the voting. Members should make up their minds about how to vote after they have listened and considered both the majority and the minority opinions. As he closes, the Skipper might point out that it is better to speak out before the vote than to wait and complain after the vote has been taken.
4) Work with the petty officers. The Skipper ensures that Ship members understand that the Quarterdeck must take the lead in planning and conducting Ship activities and business. Therefore, when electing petty officers members should consider the candidates carefully and select strong, capable petty officers. Good Quarterdecks make a good Ship! Ineffective Quarterdecks, a weak Ship!
Follow this by emphasizing that once petty officers are elected, it’s only fair that the members support them. The members must support the Ship program, both as members of activity committees and by active participation.
A final point might be that members should not expect the petty officers to do all the work just because they have given them their title.
5) Serve on activity committees. The best plans of mice and men many times go for naught – just because they are merely made and not carried out. The Sea Scouting program calls for committees to be set up as task forces to work out the details and to put activities into action. The Skipper suggests that each member look forward to being on a committee and to go all out to make the activity successful. Make the point that an activity chair must count on the
Page 74 Handbook for Skippers committee members to be dependable and enthusiastic. Therefore, committee members should cooperate enthusiastically so that when they are selected as activity chairs they in turn will merit the help they need.
6) Share the expenses. Make it clear to the members that the Ship’s budget is their budget and must be approved by the majority vote of the members. Let them know that the Ship will welcome, at any time, their suggestions and recommendations concerning how money can be raised and spent. Follow this with a brief but interesting account of how money was raised and spent in the past.
7) Seek the help of the Skipper. Skippers should be tactful in discussing this subject. They should make it clear to all members that they are willing to discuss personal problems with them.
In regard to Ship program, operational procedures, and member responsibilities, the Skipper automatically coaches and advises those who need assistance in addition to members or petty officers who request help.
8) Recruit new members. Ship members should understand their ongoing responsibility for recruiting new members. Emphasize recruiting as a year-round responsibility of every member. Stress the point that the person-to-person method of recruiting is usually the most effective.
Every Ship needs new members to add fresh ideas and enthusiasm in its activities and meetings. New members also help plan and finance cruises and special activities, providing less work and more fun at a reduced individual cost for everyone.
THE HISTORY OF SEA SCOUTING
Sea Scouting had its beginning about 1910 at a campfire in England. Robert Baden-Powell at that time voiced the hope that older Scouts would be interested in learning about boat management and seamanship.
Following the campfire, Lord Baden-Powell’s older brother, Warrington, was induced to write a book called Sea Scouting and Seamanship for Boys. It was enthusiastically received by the young men of Britain and soon found its way to the United States.
Sea Scouting in America was founded in 1912. That year Arthur A. Carey of Waltham, Massachusetts, had Sea Scouts using the schooner Pioneer. He was appointed as the first Chair of the National Council Committee on Sea Scouting. The same summer, Charles T. Longstreth organized a Sea Scout patrol on his yacht in Philadelphia. Both men prepared pamphlets on Sea Scouting with Carey’s Cruising for Sea Scouts being the first American literature related to Sea Scouting.
Handbook for Skippers Page 75 Another booklet, Nautical Scouting, published in 1915, preceded the first Sea Scout manual. It gave initial direction to Sea Scouting and was compiled by Charles Longstreth.
Since its beginning, the Boy Scouts of America had been aware of the need for an older boy program. Arthur A. Carey and Charles Longstreth made the first real effort to satisfy that need with their Sea Scouting pamphlets.
In a report to the National Executive Board, Carey recommended that Sea Scouting be recognized as a special department of the Boy Scouts of America. He suggested that the pamphlet Cruising for Sea Scouts be accepted as a supplement to the Handbook for Boys until a more complete Sea Scout manual could be written. Both recommendations were accepted.
From 1912 to 1917 Sea Scouting struggled through a difficult period, but despite little or no national guidance it managed to grow.
G. V. L. Meyer, Secretary of the Navy, in February 1913 encouraged the development of Sea Scouting and extended the cooperation of the Navy Department. This was the beginning of a fruitful period of cooperation for Sea Scouting with the Nation’s armed forces.
Sea Scouting received another real boost in October 1917 when James Austin Wilder (a veteran sailor, globe traveler, artist, and devoted Boy Scout volunteer) became the first director of the Department of Sea Scouting of the Boy Scouts of America.
He brought the scattered Sea Scout units into a national organization that brought about the first widespread interest in Sea Scouting. Gathering together all of the experience and bits of literature used in the program, Wilder in 1919 gave leadership to the preparation of the first Sea Scout Manual. In those days Sea Scouting followed a program pattern similar to that of a Boy Scout troop. For example, the boys wore khaki uniforms. In order to register, they had to subscribe to the Scout Oath and Law and pass the Tenderfoot Scout requirements. Of special interest was the membership requirements that a boy be 15 years of age and weigh at least 112 pounds.
For many years the Sea Scout program was aimed at older boys who had graduated from Boy Scout troops. However, Sea Scouting acquired the atmosphere of the sea, and Sea Scout units began to be called Ships. The age-old salty terminology of Skippers, Mates, Boatswains, coxswains, and crews also was initiated about that time.
On July 15,1920, a well-illustrated fourth edition of the Sea Scout Manual was printed and sold in large quantities. Then came a period of 2 or 3 years in which Sea Scouting struggled to be recognized and understood. However, the program proved strong enough to withstand this period of adjustment.
Page 76 Handbook for Skippers Over the years, one of the men most responsible for the development of Sea Scouting was Commander Thomas J. Keane. Between 1922 and 1925 he completely revised the Sea Scout program. He wrote the new requirements for advancement and changed the Boy Scout nature of Sea Scout uniforms into the navy-type uniform that Sea Scouts wear today. As a result of his fine leadership, the Sea Scout Manual was completely revised and published in a more useful form in 1924.
Commander Keane served as acting director of the Sea Scout department in the national office from 1923 until January 15, 1927. His annual report of 1925 indicates that there were 85 Sea Scout Ships registered. A similar report in 1926 revealed 123 Ships an increase of 38 Ships.
In 1927 Commander Keane was appointed the first full-time director of Sea Scouting. In the years that followed, there was a marked increase in the number of Ships and boys registered in Sea Scouting. By 1930 membership had reached 8,043 young men, and Sea Scouting began to get the cooperation of other departments in the national office of the Boy Scouts of America.
Dr. William C. Menninger, Skipper of the famous Sea Scout Ship Kansan, wrote the first Handbook for Skippers in 1934. This manual, with minor revisions, provided fine leadership support until 1953 when, due to major changes in Exploring’s basic approach to high-school-age young men, the Handbook for Skippers was discontinued.
A major revision of the Sea Scout Manual was made in 1939 by the National Committee. The new version was written by Carl D. Lane, an outstanding Skipper and author of many books and articles about small boats and the sea.
With a membership of over 27,000, Sea Scouting served its country well in World War II. Thousands upon thousands of former and active Sea Scouts joined the Navy and made a tremendous impression on Adm. Chester W. Nimitz. The admiral sincerely believed that, compared to the average enlistee, a Sea Scout was better trained and better equipped.
Throughout the rest of the 1940’s, Sea Scouting continued to serve young men interested in the lore of the sea. Sea Scouts all-over the Nation participated in flood relief and community service. Sea Scout Ships across the country attended national jamborees and took part in local competitive and social events known as rendezvous and regattas.
Based on the written report of Ship activities – the Ship log – a National Sea Scouting Committee selected the Ship with the most outstanding record to be the National flagship. Quite surprisingly, one year this honor was achieved by a Sea Scout Ship located in the rather arid state of Kansas. Its Skipper was Dr. William C. Menninger.
Handbook for Skippers Page 77 During the World War II years, new heights were reached in military cooperation. Explorers increased their use of Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Army facilities and equipment. Sea Scouts, well organized and steeped in the lore of the sea, made good use of military facilities and equipment.
In May 1949 the National Executive Board approved sweeping changes in the older boy program as a result of a study made by the Research Service of the Boy Scouts of America. This revision of Senior Scouting recognized as Explorers all young men 14 years of age or older who were registered with the Boy Scouts of America.
As a result of this revision, on September 1, 1949, the Sea Scouts officially became Sea Explorers. This was primarily a change in terminology since the established Sea Scout program continued much the same as in the past.
The Navy not only offered the use of its educational and recreational facilities but also turned over thousands of surplus boats to local councils for use by Sea Scout Ships.
The Coast Guard, continuing a spirit of cooperation that extended over three decades, increased the supply of surplus boats and engines to local councils for Sea Scouting. Coast Guard personnel issued operators’ licenses to men responsible for piloting Sea Scout craft and inspected their vessels.
In 1954 the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America authorized the Research Institute for Social Service of the University of Michigan to make a national study of adolescent boys. This survey revealed the needs, desires, and concerns of 14- to 16-year-old boys across the Nation. As a result, a completely new Exploring program was developed and put into effect on January 1, 1959.
After the new Explorer program had been successfully promoted for 5 years, the decision was made to evaluate and to completely revise the Sea Scout Manual.
The National Exploring Committee worked closely with the Exploring Service in recommending changes for this revision. Groups of experienced volunteers also assisted specially in the revision of the advancement requirements. The object was to make available to Sea Scouting new elements of Exploring that had been found effective while preserving the integrity of the traditional Sea Scouting program.
In 1968 a new Exploring Division, BSA was organized and established under the direction of John M. Claerhout, who placed a new emphasis on Sea Scouting by naming William J. Lidderdale as the first full-time director of Sea Scouting since 1935.
<
Page 78 Handbook for Skippers A new National Sea Exploring Committee was formed with Morgan L. Fitch, Jr., as Chair, to give new national volunteer emphasis to the promotion and support of Sea Scouting. In response to field reaction, a new Handbook for Skippers was written by Arthur N. Lindgren and published in 1971 for Skippers, Mates, Ship Committee, and other related adult leaders. Sea Exploring became coed in the following year.
A new edition of the Sea Exploring Manual was produced in 1987, principally written by Bill Minto, long-time Commodore of South Central Region. A third edition of this Handbook for Skippers was edited by Bruce Chr. Johnson, Skipper of S.S.S. Columbia Ranger in Columbia, Maryland, was published in 2000. That same year, BSA’s Exploring program was reorganized and Sea Exploring was moved to the new Venturing Division. Sea Exploring formally returned to its original name, Sea Scouting.
Handbook for Skippers Page 79 5. Recognition
Everyone likes to feel useful and important. Young adults of high school age are no exception. A Skipper can find many ways within the Ship’s program of recognizing the achievements of Sea Scouts. It is to your advantage to do so, for it helps build group and individual morale, Ship spirit, and teamwork.
By careful training and guidance you can prepare petty officers with the skills essential to conducting the Ship’s affairs. Doing so instills the confidence that gives them both satisfaction and prestige.
The Second Mate should give individual coaching as necessary to meet the needs and concerns of the petty officers and activity chairs. It is important to remember that coaching and advising should, when possible, be done privately. (It is recommended that this discussion take place with a third party discretely present.) When on-the-job coaching of an individual is necessary, do it tactfully so as to build and not reduce the prestige of a petty officer or activity chair.
Admitting New Members
New members joining the Ship should be made to feel that it is an important step in their lives. The admission ceremony outlined in the Sea Scout Manual is designed to make them official members. It must, therefore, be an impressive experience. It is important to remember that the Admissions ceremony welcomes the new recruit and must not include any form of hazing.
To be an inspirational experience, the admission ceremony must be carried out in an atmosphere of dignity and purpose. This requires proper equipment, preparation, and, even more important, a proper attitude on the part of the Quarterdeck. This is usually not a problem when the Skipper and Mates set an example by being sincere and dignified as they participate in the ceremony.
After being received as official members, the recruits should be encouraged to get their uniforms and become involved in Ship activities. For example, as soon as possible, give new members routine Ship assignments and appoint them to activity committees.
Recognizing Talent
Many young adults are gifted in music, hobbies, athletics. Making use of one’s special talents is a compliment to the person involved. The Skipper and Mates should search out these talents and use them in administrative roles and program activities of the Ship.
Page 80 Handbook for Skippers Motivating Service
Adult leaders must understand that service is much more gratifying to the individual when self-motivated than it is when commanded. First, recognize and support the Sea Scouts’ desires to give service in line with their interests; and second, learn to develop appealing service ideas in packages that will be accepted.
The nature or size of the service does not count as much as the fact that the Ship’s members initiated the desire to do it. Examples of this might include a shoreline or river clean-up project, an oyster re-seeding project, or pollution monitor of a local body of water. The greatest recognition you can receive is watching their Sea Scouts begin to enjoy lending a helping hand to a person, the community, or to their nation.
There is a tradition in Sea Scouting that you and the Mates should adhere to and it goes like this: “Sea Scouts give service beyond the call of duty whenever the opportunity arises.” Giving service without being asked or without expecting reward brings satisfying recognition to Ship members. Self-motivated service beyond the call of duty is exciting even if it is only clearing logs and other obstructions from a harbor, marina, or lake.
Emphasizing Advancement
Ship members need to be fully aware of the opportunities for advancement as described in the Sea Scout Manual. A planned program to support those interested in advancement should be carried out by the Quarterdeck. Equally important is the need to present the awards promptly once members have qualified for them.
The Quartermaster Award is the highest in Sea Scouting. Urge your Sea Scouts to attain it. No other award except the Eagle Award represents the fulfillment of purpose as fully as does the Quartermaster Award. Both the Quartermaster and Eagle Awards radiate recognition beyond the qualifying Sea Scout, the Skipper, and the Ship. The awards’ importance in the eyes of the public is such that they create warm local news and television and radio coverage that promotes Sea Scouting beyond the Ship and deep into the community. (Sea Scouts who have earned the First Class rank in a Boy Scout Troop may continue work towards and earn his Star, Life and Eagle Scout ranks as a member of the Ship. Those who have not achieved First Class rank in a Scout Troop are not eligible for achieving it in a Ship.)
If advancement is to happen in Sea Scouting it must have the support of the Skipper and the Quarterdeck. A practical method of encouraging advancement is through program activities based on the advancement requirements as listed in the Sea Scout Manual.
Study, for example, the various requirements for the Ordinary Award and you’ll find that programs involving skills and competition are a natural. Build activities around such subjects as boats, marlinspike, piloting, signaling, drills, swimming.
Handbook for Skippers Page 81 Activities of this type can provide exciting programs and will pay off in motivating advancement. Give immediate credit to those who have qualified for each requirement involved. As you plan and conduct these events, don’t overlook the use of good consultants who bring both knowledge and equipment with them. Advancement can be approved (or “signed off”) by Scouts of at least the rank being tested, or by the Skipper, Mates, or consultants. As a general rule it is best to avoid having family members testing one another.
As a Sea Scout completes the requirements for a rank advancement, the Scout should report this completion to you. Take some time to meet with the Sea Scout in a “Skipper’s Conference” and review their progress. (See Appendix F. Skipper’s Conference Form for a sample of questions that you may wish to cover.) When you feel that the Sea Scout is ready to advance, sign the scout’s advancement scoreboard and notify the Ship’s Bridge of Review.
Recognizing Activity Committee Chairs
Activities are the lifeblood of a Sea Scout Ship. Activity chairs are responsible for successful activities. Consequently, no opportunity should be overlooked to make a chair feel important and useful. To make sure the chair has a satisfying experience, provide the following support:
# Provide all the adult guidance and consultant help needed to succeed. # Give opportunities at Ship meetings to report progress and promote the activity. # Add others to the activity committee who will provide progress if no progress is made within a reasonable period. # Give public thanks to the chair and committee when the activity has been successfully completed.
Recognizing Outside Activities
Do not limit the recognition of Ship members to their achievements within the Ship’s program. Many Sea Scouts are recognized leaders in church, service, and community organizations and should be recognized as such.
Be alert to their non-Venturing recognition and make a note on the agenda of Quarterdeck and Ship meetings to recognize deserving members. For instance, a Sea Scout elected class president at her high school or who excelled as an athlete or who has taken an extra step to give meaningful service to others should be recognized by the Boatswain or Boatswain’s Mate at a meeting of the Ship.
Uniforming
Page 82 Handbook for Skippers The founder of Scouting, Lord Robert Baden-Powell, saw uniforms as a great leveler of youth. His view was that when they were in uniform you couldn’t tell the boy from a wealthy family from the boy of less well-do-do parents – they were simply Scouts together. While it certainly adds some additional reasons that Baden-Powell never foresaw, today’s age of expensive clothes makes the idea of uniforming in Sea Scouting just as valid now as it was in 1915. Beyond all this, though, are some simple, basic, facts about what proper uniforming does for your Ship.
1. It builds a group identity among the Ship members. They are constantly reminded that they are a part of something bigger than themselves. 2. It serves to remind Ship members that they are not part of the faceless crowd; they are identifiable as part of a recognized group. 3. It allows the individual member to show his pride in being a Sea Scout in that it gives him a place to display both his badges of office and badges of rank. 4. It allows others in Scouting to identify your Ship as a member of the Scouting community.
These things are important to you and your Ship for several reasons:
# With group identity comes group loyalty. You want your Sea Scouts to be diligent in their participation in Ship activities – not to just be there when they don't have anything better to do. Uniforms start the process towards that diligence. # Being part of an identifiable group has a tendency to make your Sea Scouts a little more careful about their deportment in public – if they look like Sea Scouts, they'll act like Sea Scouts. # Your Ship, by being identified as such by the public, can become the beneficiaries of public donations of goods, services, and money – it happens all the time. People who have no connection to your Ship will give you things because they saw you out somewhere, identified you as Sea Scouts, and know that because you are that, your program is worthwhile. The better your Ship looks and the easier it is to identify it as a Sea Scout Ship, the more likely it is that donations of all sorts will come your way.
It is worth noting, too, that number (4) above can serve you well as a source of potential members, both youth and adult. Remember that the Ship that doesn’t constantly recruit both new Sea Scouts and new adult help is dying. Anything that will help recruiting will help keep that from happening.
Although good uniforming can be a definite plus for your Ship, Sea Scouting is not a “junior navy,” and excesses of uniforming can be prevented by following the uniform standards set out in Appendix K and L. Carrying firearms or any type of swords or other weapons is prohibited by BSA policy.
Handbook for Skippers Page 83 What Kind of Uniforms?
Sea Scout uniforms come in two flavors – dress uniforms and work uniforms (both in winter and summer styles). The term “work uniform” can be misleading because the clothing worn for heavy work (painting, chipping, welding, engine repairs, etc.) is usually clothes that the wearer never plans on using for anything else. It is important, too, that you understand that while there is a federal law that prohibits the copying of military uniforms, the Boy Scouts of America was specifically exempted from this law provided certain things are done to identify its membership as Scouts. One is that Sea Scouts must remove the center stripe of piping from the dress blue uniform and wear a Scout badge (BSA No. 04147) over the collar stars and on the front of the white hat, and the Sea Scouts BSA strip (BSA No. 04125) is worn above the right pocket. Other badges that could be mistaken for Navy or Coast Guard insignia always include the First Class anchor badge. The stars are also removed from the collars of the jumpers and replaced with small First Class anchor badges. Additionally, military ribbons are not to be worn of Sea Scouting uniforms. The idea is that any reasonable thinking person can look at the uniform and know that the wearer is a part of the BSA, not the U.S. military.
There are a variety of uniforms available to Sea Scouts, both for adults and youth members. The sections that follow describe the traditional, recommended Sea Scouting uniforms. Ultimately, the selection is made by the Ship as a whole. Whatever the selection, it will identify the members of the Ship as Sea Scouts. Note: while some Ships deviate from the recommended uniform for valid reasons (such as wishing to use U.S. Coast Guard-style uniforms for a Coast Guard-sponsored Ship), insignia placement and use must be followed exactly.
Sea Scout Dress Uniforms
The male Sea Scout (youth) dress uniforms are modified Navy dress uniforms. They come in blue and in white although the white uniform, because of a change in styles just before World War II, is known in the Navy as undress whites. New style dress blue uniforms are actually black in color and are made of a lightweight wool gaberdine that is not as itchy as the old wool blues were. Some dress white uniforms were made of polyester until the Navy discovered that they were fire hazards to their wearers. Whites are now made of white cotton. Whites have no piping on the cuffs and collars of the jumper and the trousers have zippered flies instead of 13 buttons and require a white web belt with silver tip and buckle, but otherwise they are cut the same. A crew-necked white tee shirt is worn under the jumper and black low-quartered oxfords (plain-toed with a normal heel and cut) and black dress socks are worn with either uniform. The white sailor hat with the white First Class Anchor “bug” on it and a black or blue cravat-styled tie is worn with both uniforms. Placement of patches is as shown in the current printing of the Sea Scout Manual.
A woman’s dress uniform in the Navy always requires a skirt, never slacks. This is true for both petty officers and enlisted members. Therefore, the female Sea Scout dress blue uniform
Page 84 Handbook for Skippers should be a blue (black) wool gaberdine A-line skirt, hemmed just below the knee with five inches of kick pleat; a plain white blouse with the waist tucked into the skirt and worn with a black tab tie, a black single-breasted coat with Sea Scout buttons (BSA No. R04155) and all patches sewn on it in accordance with the current printing of the Sea Scout Manual, a black garrison hat with a small, black Sea Scout insignia sewn on the left side; nylon hosiery and black pumps with low heels, both consistent within your Ship. Women’s white uniforms include a white short-sleeved shirt, worn with an open collar, that has all the patches sewn in the proper places, a white A-line skirt tailored to the same specifications as the black skirt, and shoes and hosiery as per the blue uniform.
Sea Scout Work Uniform
The traditional work uniform for Sea Scouts is dungaree trousers and chambray shirts with either the white hat (for males) or the garrison hat (for females), or the baseball cap for all. The trousers are worn with a black web belt with a silver tip and buckle. The shoes can be whatever is safe to wear on board or at work. National BSA policy is that open-toed shoes are not to be worn at any Scouting activity. This is for reasons of safety. Some Ships wear blue jeans instead of the bell-bottomed dungaree trousers.
A number of Ships have had their own tee shirt made up in whatever color they like with their Ship’s emblem, stack mark, or any of a number of things on it. In warm weather they may wear the tee shirt with shorts when they are aboard their boats, just having a good time together, or participating in regatta events. This work uniform is certainly an acceptable substitute for the traditional dungarees provided it is safe for the work being done. You don’t really want Sea Scouts welding or cutting metal while wearing shorts, for example. The point here is that your Ship’s work uniform can be whatever you like that is appropriate for the weather and the job at hand.
Adult Winter Dress Blue Uniform
Adult males in Sea Scouting wear the Navy double-breasted blue (black) coat and trousers with six Sea Scout buttons (BSA No. R04155) on the coat and all the patches in the proper place (see below). Beneath the coat they wear a white dress shirt (no insignia) and a black four-in-hand tie. The traditional naval officer’s hat, with a white cover, Sea Scout hat band, silver chin strap, and silver Sea Scout cap buttons is worn with both the blue and white adult uniform. The same style of black shoes (low-quarter oxfords) and socks is worn by all male Sea Scouts, youth and adult. Prior to World War II, silver sleeve stripes were worn on the uniform coats instead of the patches used today. This was discontinued to prevent Sea Scout leaders from being confused with any foreign naval officers. Silver sleeve stripes and shoulder boards should never be worn.
A woman’s dress uniform requires a skirt, never slacks. This is true for both officers and enlisted members. Therefore, the female Sea Scout leader dress blue uniform should be a blue
Handbook for Skippers Page 85 (black) wool gaberdine A-line skirt, hemmed just below the knee with five inches of kick pleat; a plain white blouse with the waist tucked into the skirt and worn with a black tab tie, a black single-breasted coat with Sea Scout buttons (BSA No. R04155) and all patches sewn on it (see below), “bucket” style hat with white cover, silver chin strap and buttons, and Sea Scout hatband; nylon hosiery and black pumps with low heels, both consistent within your Ship. The hats just described are worn with both the blue and white uniforms.
Insignia: Right sleeve Sea Scout blue universal emblem (BSA No. R04119) or Ship emblem centered 2 inches below the shoulder seam. Standard Sea Scout Ship Award or council equivalent is centered below universal Sea Scouting emblem or ship medallion. Blue cuff insignia badge of office worn 2 inches above the coat sleeve cuff. U.S. flag is NOT worn on this uniform. Left sleeve Council strip2 centered and touching the shoulder seam. Ship numerals centered and touching the bottom of the council strip. Long cruise badge centered 4 inches below the shoulder seam (if earned by wearer). Blue cuff insignia badge of office worn 2 inches above the coat sleeve cuff. Right pocket There is no right pocket on this coat. The Sea Scouts BSA strip (BSA No. 04125) location is to be approximately where the top of the pocket would be if it were there (use the left pocket top as your guide). Order of the Arrow insignia is not worn on this uniform. Left pocket Square knots with blue background (where applicable) worn centered in line with the top edge of the pocket. They are to be worn up to three knots per row. Service stars may be worn centered d inch above the square knots. SEAL pin is worn centered above the square knots. Seabadge trident pin worn centered towards the top of the pocket. (Women may, at their discretion, wear the Seabadge pin centered above the left pocket.) Wood badge Wood badge beads are not worn with Sea Scouting uniforms.
Adult Summer Dress White Uniform
White uniforms for adult males are the white short-sleeved uniform shirt with all the patches properly in place, the white straight-legged trousers with white web belt and silver buckle. White shoes and socks are worn. No epaulets or loops are worn on shoulders, nor are devices or emblems worn on the collars. The hat remains the same as for dress blues.
Adult white uniforms include a white short-sleeved shirt, worn with an open collar, that has all the patches sewn in the proper places, a white A-line skirt tailored to the same
2Where reference is made to council strip, it may be replaced by ships with their community and state strips.
Page 86 Handbook for Skippers specifications as the black skirt. White shoes are worn. Hosiery and hat as per the blue uniform.
Insignia: Right sleeve Ship medallion centered 2 inches below the shoulder seam. Standard Sea Scout Ship Award or council flagship patch centered below universal Sea Scouting emblem or ship medallion. U.S. Flag is not worn on this uniform. Left sleeve Council strip1 centered and touching the shoulder seam. Ship numerals are centered and touching the bottom of the council strip. (Both the council strip and ship numerals are optional at the local council’s discretion.) Office patch is centered and touching the bottom of the ship numerals. Long cruise badge is centered 4 inches below the shoulder seam (if earned by the wearer). Right pocket White Sea Scouts BSA strip (BSA No. R04126) is worn in line with the top edge of the pocket. Temporary insignia may be worn centered on the pocket below the Sea Scouts BSA strip but not covered by the pocket flap. Temporary insignia is not recommended. Order of the Arrow pocket flap may be worn on the pocket flap. Left pocket White universal Sea Scouting emblem (BSA No. R04120) worn centered on pocket. Square knots with white backgrounds (where applicable) are worn centered in line with the top edge of the pocket. Service stars may be worn centered d inch above the square knots. SEAL pin is worn centered above the square knots. The Seabadge trident pin is worn centered on the left pocket flap. (Women may, at their discretion, wear the Seabadge pin centered above the left pocket.) Wood badge Wood badge beads are not worn with Sea Scouting uniforms.
Winter Working Blue Uniform
The traditional adult winter work uniform is a long sleeved navy blue (black) shirt with flaps over right and left pockets, and trousers (straight legs, no cuffs, front leg hem should break on the front of the shoes) worn with a navy blue (black) web belt with silver tip and buckle (worn metal to metal), black dress shoes and socks, and the traditional Naval officer’s hat (male or female as appropriate) with navy blue or white cover, or a dark blue or black ball style hat with Sea Scouting insignia on front. No epaulets or loops are worn on shoulders.
Insignia: Right sleeve Blue universal Sea Scouting emblem (BSA No. R04119) or ship medallion centered 2 inches below the shoulder seam. Standard Sea Scout Ship Award or council flagship patch centered below universal Sea Scouting emblem or ship medallion. U.S. Flag is not worn on this uniform. Left sleeve Council strip and ship numerals are not worn on this uniform.
Handbook for Skippers Page 87 Right pocket Blue (black) Sea Scouts BSA strip (BSA No. R04125) worn in line with the top edge of the pocket. Temporary insignia and Order of the Arrow pocket flaps are not worn on this uniform. Left pocket Square knots with black background may be worn centered in line with the top edge of the pocket, but are not recommended. Service stars are not worn on this uniform. The Seabadge trident pin is worn centered on the left pocket flap. (Women may, at their discretion, wear the Seabadge pin centered above the left pocket.) SEAL pin is worn centered above the pocket. Wood badge Wood badge beads are not worn with Sea Scouting uniforms. Collar devices One small silver star is worn by Ship level officers, 2 silver stars for Council committee members, 3 silver stars for Regional committee members, and 4 silver stars for National committee members. Sea Scouting hat pin (BSA No. R04134) is worn centered on the left collar.
Summer Working Khaki Uniform
The traditional adult summer work uniform is a short sleeved khaki shirt with flaps over right and left pockets, and trousers (straight legs, no cuffs, front leg hem should break on the front of the shoes) worn with a khaki web belt with brass tip and buckle (worn brass to brass), black dress shoes or brown boating shoes, black or khaki socks, and the traditional Naval officer’s hat (male or female as appropriate) with khaki cover, or a dark blue or black ball style hat with Sea Scouting insignia on front. No epaulets or loops are worn on shoulders.
Insignia: Right sleeve Blue universal Sea Scouting emblem (BSA No. R04119) or ship medallion is centered 2 inches below the shoulder seam. Standard Sea Scout Ship award is centered below the universal Sea Scouting or ship medallion patch. U.S. Flag is not worn on this uniform. Left sleeve Council strip centered and touching the shoulder seam. Ship numerals are centered and touching the bottom of the council strip. (Both the council strip and ship numerals are optional at the local council’s discretion.) Office patch and long cruise badge are not worn on this uniform. Right pocket Khaki Sea Scouts BSA strip (BSA No. R04127) is worn in line with the top edge of the pocket. Temporary insignia and Order of the Arrow pocket flaps are not worn on this uniform. Left pocket Square knots with khaki background may be worn centered in line with the top edge of the pocket. Service stars are not worn on this uniform. The Seabadge trident pin is worn centered on the left pocket flap. (Women may, at their discretion, wear the Seabadge pin centered above the left pocket.) SEAL pin is worn centered above the pocket. Wood badge Wood badge beads are not worn with Sea Scouting uniforms. Collar devices One small silver star is worn by Ship level officers, 2 silver stars for Council committee members, 3 silver stars for Regional committee members, and 4
Page 88 Handbook for Skippers silver stars for National committee members. Sea Scouting hat pin (BSA No. R04134) is worn centered on the left collar.
Where to Get Uniforms
Since 1993 there have been two principal sources of dress uniforms for Sea Scouts. They are the U.S. Navy Uniform Support Center and the privately operated Ship’s Stores run by dedicated Sea Scout volunteers.
The Navy Uniform Support center will sell uniforms to Sea Scouts at government prices. While this can be well over $100.00 for a dress blue uniform, the white uniforms are reasonably inexpensive. To do business with them you must first call them at (800) 368-4088 and ask to speak to the Customer Services Supervisor. Identify yourself as a Sea Scout leader to the supervisor and ask what you need to do to place an order. Ask to be sent a catalog. A word of warning: Don’t try to order anything here without having the catalog in front of you. Once you have the catalog, you can phone back and place your order. They do accept credit cards. If you want white uniforms, this is the best place to get them. The other low cost alternative is to purchase used navy uniforms from thrift shops at Navy bases. Often they will have uniforms in good condition for one dollar for a top or a dollar for bottoms.
Ship’s Stores offers good quality, government issue, inexpensive dress blue uniforms (male and female, youth and adult) and insignia, numbers and badges of office and other patches for both blue and white uniforms, and other Sea Scout program materials. They pride themselves on the fact that unless a Ship is getting its uniforms for free, Ship’s Stores has made the traditional blue uniform the most inexpensive dress uniform option a Sea Scout Ship has. To order from Ship’s Stores, write for their catalog and current price list at P.O. Box 575453, Modesto, CA 95357, or call them at (209) 579-5144. They do not accept credit cards. Current pricing and ordering information can be found on the internet at
Before ordering any uniforms, it is recommended that you have both catalogs so that you can comparison shop. Sizes are not consistent and it may take some trial and error to determine which size uniforms meet your Scouts’ needs.
Recognitions
Long Cruise Badge
The Long Cruise badge may be earned by both Sea Scouts and their adult leaders. Once the individual has completed the requirements, the Skipper submits a statement to the council service center where the badges can be obtained.
Long Cruise Badge Requirements
Handbook for Skippers Page 89 1. Sea Scouts must be at least Ordinary rank to be eligible to start recording cruising time for the Long Cruise badge.
2. In order to qualify for this badge, they must have cruised for 2 weeks on any vessel or boat provided by the local council or their Ship or their own vessel when authorized by an adult leader in the Ship. (This includes canoe, rubber raft trips, military vessels.) Each additional long cruise is marked by a red arc above the badge, until five such cruises have been completed. Then a single white arc replaces them above the badge.
3. In the event that it is not possible to make a 2-week cruise or a series of overnight cruises on any boat or ship, daily cruises may be made, provided they total 14 days. (Note: An overnight cruise constitutes 2 days; a weekend cruise starting on Friday and ending on Sunday will be counted as 3 days.)
4. There are no requirements regarding distance and number of miles.
5. The Long Cruise badge is an achievement, not a badge of rank; therefore, an adult leader may qualify for the badge without qualifying for Ordinary rank.
Aquatics Awards
The BSA Lifeguard, Mile Swim BSA, Snorkeling BSA, and Boardsailing BSA are special awards that Sea Scouts may qualify for.
The BSA Lifeguard certification is especially important in Sea Scouting, for it teaches the skills essential to safe guarding others in all types of aquatic activities. A BSA Lifeguard Application, No. 4435, which lists its requirements, is available from your BSA local council service center.
The Mile Swim BSA emblem is earned by swimming a continuous mile under safe conditions in the presence of a special counselor approved by your council. The Snorkeling BSA emblem was developed to encourage the development of aquatic skills that will later lead to more advanced underwater activity. The Boardsailing BSA emblem was developed to introduce Scouts to basic boardsailing skills, equipment, and safety rules. Information on the Mile Swim BSA emblem can be found in the Boy Scout Requirements pamphlet, No. 33217. A Snorkeling BSA, Application, No. 19-176, and Boardsailing, BSA Application, No. 20-935, are available from your council service center.
Historic Trails Award
Throughout the nation are numerous historic sites and trails. The Historic Trails Award was established to implement the cooperation between historical societies and Sea Scout Ships. This cooperation makes many exciting trips and treks possible for your Ship.
Page 90 Handbook for Skippers Information about how to proceed and qualify for the award is found in Campways Tours and Expeditions. The Historic Trails Award application, which must be filled out and sent to the local council service center, is also found in this publication.
50-Miler Award
The 50-Miler Award is presented to each Sea Scout for satisfactory participation on a cruise or wilderness trek that meets the award requirements. An individual can qualify only as a member of the Ship or by participating as a member of a provisional group.
Information including the rules, award requirements, is in Campways Tours and Expeditions Application.
Religious Awards
Religious awards are provided by the authorities of various faiths to stimulate the spiritual growth of their Venturers. The requirements and procedures for earning any one of the awards are available at your council service center.
Awards for Heroism
Awards for heroism are made to Venturers by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America. You, as Skipper, and the council service center must submit an application on a regular form within 6 months of the deed of heroism.
The Honor Medal is given to Scouts, Venturers, and Scouters who show heroism, resourcefulness, and skill by saving or trying to save life at the great risk of their own. In rare cases it is awarded with crossed palms.
The Heroism Award is given for heroic action where there is minimum or no risk to self.
The Medal of Merit is given to Scouts and Venturers who put into practice the skills and ideals of Scouting by doing some great act of service. This act need not necessarily be a rescue or involve risk to self.
Hornaday Award
The William T. Hornaday Award is for distinguished service to conservation. Venturers interested in the conservation of their country’s natural resources may wish to earn this award, named after the staunch conservationist and first director of the New York State Zoological Society, William T. Hornaday. Suggestions that will help them qualify for it are found on the application form available at your council service center.
Handbook for Skippers Page 91 Safe Boating Course
Three 2-hour sessions cover the fundamentals of aids to navigation, rules of the road, boating safety, and seamanship. Sea Scouts satisfactorily completing the three sessions receive an attractive safe-boating certificate and are eligible to wear the Small-Boat Handler bar. As a small-boat handler, the Sea Scout is qualified to operate small boats according to local and Ship regulations.
Sea Scout Advanced Seamanship
Advanced seamanship provides eight 2-hour sessions of study aids to navigation, rules of the road, seamanship, accident prevention, safety, piloting, compass and errors, charting, safe boating, and the actual operation of a boat.
Members completing this course are awarded an attractive qualified seaman certificate and the Qualified Seaman bar. These Sea Scouts are qualified to operate as pilots and navigators aboard the floating equipment related to their ship. The conditions and extent to which they may function are subject to the regulations set by their own ship, the local council, and the U.S. Coast Guard. The Qualified Seaman bar supersedes the Small-Boat Handler bar and replaces it on the Sea Scout uniform
Congressional Award
Through this award program, the United States Congress recognizes the initiative, achievement, and service of young Americans between the ages of 14 and 23 on a non- competitive basis. While working with an adult advisor, participants select and achieve challenging goals in four specific areas: volunteer public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. Qualified activities from Scouting can be used as part of the goals to earn this award.
Participants successfully completing their goals are presented locally the Bronze and Silver Congressional Awards by their senators and member(s) of Congress. The Gold Congressional Award is presented annually in Washington, D.C., with participation of the leadership of Congress.
Bronze Award: A participant must be 14 in age, and have completed overall at least 210 activity hours in the above specified areas during a minimum period of 7 months.
Silver Award: For youth who have not earned the Bronze Award, they may register, set goals, and begin activities at age 16. A participant must complete at least 420 hours during a minimum period of 15 months.
Page 92 Handbook for Skippers Gold Award: A completed recommendation form must be submitted prior to the participant’s 24th birthday. For those who have not earned the Silver Award, registration, goal setting, and activity begins at age 18. 840 hours over a minimum of 24 months is required.
For more information, write to: The Congressional Award Foundation, P.O. Box 77440, Washington, DC 20013, or call (202) 226-0130.
Recognition for Adults
Questions often asked are, “What about the Skipper and Mates?” and “Do they qualify for advancement the same way a Sea Scout does?” This question calls for a brief explanation of the purpose of Sea Scout advancement and a reminder of recognitions recommended for adults in Sea Scouting.
The Sea Scout advancement program offers Ship members a series of progressive experiences in various skills with standards for meeting them. Scouts qualifying receive special badges and awards.
The sole purpose of advancement is to challenge members to engage in activities that will support the character and citizenship objectives of the Sea Scout program.
One can clearly see from this that advancement is for young adults. However, there are recognitions available to adult leaders. The training and service required to qualify for these recognitions bring satisfying prestige. In every case they require either significant training or a worthwhile contribution to the effectiveness of the Sea Scout program. The following are some of the recognitions available to adult leaders in Sea Scouting:
1. Training awards, such as the Skipper’s Key, the Sea Scouter’s Training Award, and the Seabadge Trident pin, can be earned by qualifying for special training and service as described on the following pages. See Appendix H. Sea Scout Officer Progress Record.
2. All Scouters, including Sea Scout adult leaders, may be recognized by distinguished service awards given by the district or council (i.e., Venturing Leadership Award, Venturing Advisor Award of Merit, District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver).
3. The Long Cruise badge may be qualified for and worn by adult leaders (on dress uniforms only).
4. Standard Ship achievement patches as illustrated on 97 may be worn by the officers and members of a Ship that qualifies for this honor, as outlined on the Sea Scout Ship Achievement Score Sheet, No. 28-305 (see Appendix I. Standard Sea Scout Ship Scoresheet).
Handbook for Skippers Page 93 Sea Scout Officers’ Specialized Training
Two 2½-hour sessions introducing the Sea Scout Manual and other program support material. The course is designed to help Sea Scout leaders know where to find the answers to their questions. Training Course certificate, No. 33767, is presented on completion of this course. The course content includes Sea Scouting ideals, Ship organization and leadership, Quarterdeck meeting, program planning patterns, use of consultants, Ship meetings and activities, advancement and other recognitions, optional recognition plan, cruises and superactivities, safety afloat, and resources.
Seabadge Conference
Seabadge training is a national Sea Scouting training curriculum administered on a regional basis. Its purpose is to improve the leadership, management, and training skills of selected Sea Scout officers; to train trainers who, upon graduation, will pass on the knowledge and insight gained during the experience to those in his or her area of Sea Scouting responsibilities; to improve the unit management skills of Sea Scout officers and committee members by stimulating trained Seabadge personnel to conduct local council Sea Scout training courses; to improve the understanding of the Sea Scout program and its objectives and to use this improved understanding to increase the quality of local Sea Scout Ships and to expand the outreach of the program; and to provide for an interchange of program and administrative ideas between Sea Scout personnel from a variety of backgrounds and locations. Upon completion of the Seabadge curriculum, the Sea Scout leader develops a personal assignment, or rutter, which allows the leader to employ the techniques learned in Seabadge training. Upon completion of this personal assignment, the leader is presented with the coveted Seabadge trident pin.
Skipper’s Key
To earn the coveted Skipper’s Key, the Skip per must be highly trained and demonstrate a high standard of performance. As the key adult leader of a Ship for a significant length of time, Skippers bring recognition not only to themselves but to the officers and members of their Ship by qualifying for the Skipper’s Key. See Appendix H. Sea Scout Officer’s Progress Record.
<<
Page 94 Handbook for Skippers The Skipper’s Key is known nationally as the Scouter’s Key. Skippers awarded the Scouter’s Key change it to the Skipper’s Key by adding the Sea Scouting miniature device, No. S00931, to the center of the ribbon or square knot.
Requirements for the Skipper’s Key are as follows:
# Training. (certified by coach, course leader, or member of the Sales and train- ing subcommittee). Complete the sessions outlined in Adult Venturing Leader Basic Training, No. 34633. Complete the Sea Scout Officers’ Specialized Training, No. 25-339. Complete a boating safety course offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, or similar organiza- tion.
# Tenure. Complete three years of registered tenure as a Skipper within a five-year pe- riod.
# Performance. At least twice during this 3-year period, serve as the Skipper of a Ship earning the National Quality Unit Award or its equivalent.
Sea Scouter’s Training Award
The Sea Scouter’s Training Award is re ferred to nationally as the Scouter’s Training Award. See Appendix H. Sea Scout Officer’s Progress Record. Mates and Ship Committee members earn this award by meeting the fol- lowing requirements:
# Training. (certified by coach, course leader, or member of the Sales or Training teams).
Handbook for Skippers Page 95 Complete the sessions outlined in Adult Venturing Leader Basic Training, No. 34633. Complete the Sea Scout Officers’ Specialized Training, No. 25-339. Complete a boating safety course offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, or similar organization.
# Tenure. Complete three years of registered tenure in any adult capacity in Sea Scouting.
# Performance. Perform to the satisfaction of the Skipper your assigned leadership duties.
Page 96 Handbook for Skippers <<
Handbook for Skippers Page 97 <<
Page 98 Handbook for Skippers 6. Safety Afloat
Safety aboard a boat is made up of many things, but most important is the judgment and foresight of the Skipper. Favorable safety conditions and a disciplined crew must be maintained at all times. This is no easy task with young adults, for at the same time he must try not to noticeably detract from the natural adventure and excitement that Sea Scouting has promised them. Other elements essential to safety are proper equipment, trained officers and crew, and a good knowledge of your vessel and the waters you plan to cruise.
Some safety equipment is required by law. This includes “Coast Guard approved” personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers, and flame backfire controls. Also, lights, ventilation systems, and sound-producing devices must satisfy the Coast Guard requirements for safety.
Skill, knowledge, and judgment are the principal ingredients of safety: skill in handling the vessel under all conditions, knowledge of the equipment and its use, judgment that exercises caution in speed, bad weather, or rough sea. While the following are suggestions which will lead to safe boating practices, nothing can replace the formal training acquired in a Power Squadron or Coast Guard Auxiliary boating class, coupled with actual time spent on the water in the company of an experienced skipper.
Equipment
In addition to equipment required by law, the safety-conscious boatman will consider having on board:
C Anchors and adequate line for anchor- C Compass deviation table, dividers, ing and docking protractor, parallel rules, pencils C Bailing devices: pump, bucket C Distress signals C First aid equipment and manual C Emergency rations, water C Radio equipment: VHF or CB C Flashlight C Spare parts & oars on small boats C Fenders C Tools for engine and deck, electrical, C Boat hook sail repair C Binoculars C Clock or other timepiece C Sea anchor or drogue C Charts, light list, tide and current tables C Safety belts with snap hooks
The ability to swim can be vital to you and every person aboard your Ship. A thorough knowledge of lifesaving and the use of lifesaving equipment also is important. The law requires that at least one Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device for each person be on board in an easily accessible location. But they could still be useless if people didn’t know how to use them.
Handbook for Skippers Page 99 All Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (“lifejackets”) are required to float a person in an upright, slightly backward position to keep his face out of the water.
Personnel on military vessels always wear lifesaving devices when at action stations and when on deck duty in heavy weather. Small-boat people put them on at the approach of bad weather. Poor swimmers and small children should wear them at all times. These are smart precautions for Sea Scouts as well.
Ring buoys are usually found on the rails and bridge wings of large vessels or inboard in the rigging or on an outside bulkhead or rail on small boats. They are hung on quick release clips and are principally used to be thrown after a person who has fallen overboard (heave a cushion if no ring is at hand). They may have heaving lines attached, and, for night rescue, they may have a self-activating electric light or chemical flare.
Ashore, practice heaving the ring buoy with a long length of line attached (a standard installation at swimming areas) for recovery of the buoy and the victim. (Remember, throw into water or the ring buoy will be damaged.) For surf or shore rescue where a rescuer goes in after the victim, a chain-knotted rescue line or throwable bag line is invaluable.
Drills and Practice
For hundreds of years safety has been a concern of all who are related to the sea. Today, safety drills on commercial vessels are required by law.
They are required of us, too. Drills should be held frequently in anticipation of any emergency so that any situation can be dealt with skillfully and quickly without confusion.
On both large and small ships, everyone should know where he should be or report to and what action is expected of him. Their stations and duties must be clear.
Station Bill. This is a printed list that defines everyone’s station and duties in an emergency. Failure of anyone to be at his post or carry out his assigned duties could jeopardize the Ship and the people aboard. See Appendix B. Station Bill for a sample form.
As Skipper you should remind the crew on any cruise that, should they fall overboard, they must quickly swim away from the Ship to keep clear of the propeller.
Here is a suggested station bill for Sea Scout vessels:
Man Overboard. Here are the duties to be carried out when someone accidentally falls overboard.
1. Pass the word fast and loud and clear.
Page 100 Handbook for Skippers 2. Heave a ring buoy, cushion, or life jacket to the victim. Ships should carry and throw the orange flag marker for excellent identification of victim’s location.
3. Keep him in sight at all times. This should be one person’s sole responsibility.
4. Stop your engine and quickly turn so the stern and screw swing away from the victim.
5. Swing the Ship around to pick up the victim. Take in any light sails and hoist all working sails.
6. Launch a small boat, if necessary, with two or more persons in it if vessel is large enough.
7. Prepare to render first aid if necessary.
8. Stand by radio transmitter if any assistance call is ordered.
Collision. Practice things that you can do in case of a collision:
1. Sound the alarm; pass the word.
2. Get all hands on deck if on a small ship.
3. Get a collision mat rigged; on a small boat use canvas or materials at hand to stop inflow of water.
4. Stand by to render assistance to the other vessel if your vessel is not in danger of sinking.
5. Stand by to abandon ship if your vessel is in danger of sinking.
6. Stand by your radio transmitter.
Abandon Ship. Practice the following steps in order to avoid confusion and unnecessary bodily harm if you should have to abandon ship. But remember, stay with your craft unless it is sinking or there is an uncontrollable fire or the danger of an explosion.
1. Sound the alarm; pass the word; get everyone up from below decks and wearing PFDs.
2. Swing out boats; check emergency water, provisions, and equipment.
3. Stow ship’s papers, log, in the Skipper’s boat.
4. Secure charts, binoculars, tools, canvas, first aid gear, signal devices, lights, matches, life belts.
Handbook for Skippers Page 101 5. Send radio transmission giving circumstances, position, and repeat until acknowledged.
6. Junior officers check each boat, its equipment and personnel. Report to the Skipper and obtain course and distance to land.
7. Order boats away. Skipper’s boat is last. All colors left flying aboard the abandoned ship. Each officer assumes absolute command of his small boat.
Lifeboat. This should be conducted frequently to provide skill and practice for man overboard or for abandon ship conditions. The lifeboats should be inspected and the crew assignments reviewed for this drill. Passenger-carrying vessels mobilize the passengers in life jackets at their assigned boats. Time yourselves on manning your stations.
Fire. Fire aboard ship calls for fast action:
1. Sound the alarm. Pass the word.
2. Pinpoint the location, the type, and the size of the fire.
3. Attack the fire at once with extinguishing equipment. Keep the Skipper constantly informed: “under control,” “hold,” “spreading,” “out of control,” or “explosion danger.”
4. Transmit a radio call for assistance.
5. Reduce your speed or stop. Adjust the Ship’s heading to minimize the wind effect.
6. Swing out all boats. Lower and tow them astern if necessary.
7. Put on PFDs.
8. Prepare to abandon ship, if necessary.
Prevention
Fire constitutes such an extreme hazard on any vessel that every step to prevent it should be taken, and every technique to combat it should be understood. No boat is immune to fire. Thus, the utmost care should be taken.
Engine Room. The engine room is most vulnerable. It should be kept spotlessly clean and well ventilated, with leakproof fuel tanks and tight fuel lines and fittings at fuel injection points.
Page 102 Handbook for Skippers The law requires that gasoline carburetors be equipped with Coast Guard-approved backfire flame arresters. All electrical components should be kept clean, tight, and spark proof.
Many vessels have fume detectors, power ventilation systems, spark proof switches, and built-in fire-suppression systems. Before starting the engine on inboard boats, open the hatches and sniff the bilge for fumes. (Fanning the hatches will help dissipate fumes.) Leave the hatches open when starting the engine. In repairing or adding new equipment to vessels, be sure all components are approved for use in the manner in which you will be using them.
Refueling. Take special precautions when refueling. Put out all open flames (such as stoves). Never permit smoking in the area during refueling. Be sure fuel tanks are solidly in place with fill pipes tight to the deck plate and vents leading overside. See that fuel valves are shut off. The tanks should be grounded. Keep pump nozzles in constant contact with the fill pipe to prevent any spark.
Since gasoline fumes are heavier than air, all portable tanks should be removed if possible from the boat for filling. Spillage should be promptly swabbed up. After fueling, ventilate the engine compartment, open the hatches, and sniff for fumes.
Galley. The galley is another vulnerable spot. Open flame is a routine matter. Never use gasoline stoves on boats. Stoves may be fueled by wood, coal, charcoal, kerosene, alcohol, bottled gas, or electricity. Alcohol is probably the safest liquid fuel as it can be extinguished with water. Its lack of color as it burns can make it dangerous when spills are ignited.
If possible, keep the fuel supply out of the galley. Insulate all surrounding woodwork from the stove and smoke pipe. Stoves should be set on an insulated base. Make sure all liquid and gas lines are tight. Keep curtains, towels, and clothing away from the flame area.
Electrical System. Any electrical system is a potential fire hazard from overheating, short circuits, or sparks. Keep wiring out of bilges and up as high as possible. Wire should be of correct size to carry the load, should be properly insulated, and have tight connections. All circuits should have fuses or circuit breakers. The switches should be spark proof and the batteries-secured to prevent shifting.
Lockers. Usually neglected, lockers are often hazardous. Keep them clean, well-ventilated, and orderly. Never stow oily rags in them and, if possible, avoid the stowage of paint, varnish, solvents, grease, and oil. If lockers must be carried, the safest type is a well-ventilated metal-lined locker.
Handbook for Skippers Page 103 Fire Fighting
If fire does break out, it must be quickly and properly suppressed. To do this you must know the three classes of fires and how to combat them.
Class A. Fires that involve normally combustible materials such as wood, fabric, or paper. This class can be extinguished with water, foam, or soda acid, which cools and penetrates.
Class B. Fires that involve liquids such as gasoline, oil, or grease. Water is dangerous to use, as it spreads the fire. The oxygen that supports this type of fire must be cut off by foam, dry
chemicals, or carbon dioxide (CO2).
Class C. Electrical fires involving heated wire and arcing are treated with dry chemicals or
CO2 – never use water since it is a conductor.
Fires of any one class may involve materials of other classes, so more than one type of extinguisher should be carried.
Because of the danger of lethal fumes, carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4) extinguishers are not approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for use on boats.
In the case of fire, shut off all fuel lines (engine and stove), reduce ventilation as much as possible, and direct the extinguishing medium at the base of the fire. Use the extinguisher conservatively as the contents are soon exhausted.
Inspect all extinguishers regularly to be sure they are fully charged. Refill immediately after use.
First Aid
Persons with working knowledge of first aid are absolutely essential aboard a cruising ship. Normally there is no medical assistance immediately available particularly on small boats.
A complete first aid kit is necessary. It should contain the following:
Sterile absorbent cotton Single-edged razor blades Small adhesive bandages Scissors Sterile gauze squares Tongue depressors Suntan lotion, spray or cream Antihistamine pills Aromatic spirit of ammonia Liquid soap Motion sickness pills Elastic bandage Safety pins–assorted Waterproof adhesive tape
Page 104 Handbook for Skippers Gauze roller bandages Rust-resistant needles Cotton-tipped applicators Tweezers or thumb forceps Burn ointment or petroleum jelly Toothache remedy (oil of cloves) Pain relieving tablets (aspirin) Laxative (mild) Salt tablets Bicarbonate of soda Clinical thermometer Tube of boric acid ophthalmic ointment
Safe Swim Defense
Sea Scout leaders ensure safe swimming by following the Safe Swim Defense plan. Each vessel much have a Sea Scout officer who holds a current Safe Swim Defense card.
Qualified Supervision. There must be a responsible adult in charge. This person must be trained in water safety or use trained assistants.
Physical Fitness. A medical examination once a year indicates degree of fitness. Those whose health condition makes swimming dangerous do not swim.
Safe Swimming Area. The swimming area must be checked for holes, stumps, or rocks. It is marked off in three sections: Not more than 3½ feet deep for non-swimmers, up to just-over-head deep for beginners, deep water for swimmers. If the water is deep, beginners and non-swimmers do not swim.
Lifeguards. Two Sea Scouts who are good swimmers are stationed as lifeguards, equipped with lifeline. When a boat is available, it should be manned by lifeguards, one rowing and the other equipped with a pole.
Lookout. A lookout stands at a point from which he can watch all swimmers.
Ability Groups. The Sea Scouts are divided into three groups: non-swimmers who are just learning; beginners who have swum 50 feet; swimmers who have made 100 yards, 25 of them on the back, and who can float. Each group stays in its area during the swim.
Buddy Plan. Each Sea Scout is paired with another with the same swimming ability. They check in and out together and keep within 10 feet of each other. When they hear the signal they grasp each other by the hand and hold their arms high to be counted.
Good Discipline. The group as well as those in charge must know and be committed to follow the Safe Swim Defense plan. Discipline is strict but fair.
Loading Your Boat
Handbook for Skippers Page 105 Studies by the U.S. Coast Guard constantly reveal that the most common cause of boating accidents is overloading and the improper loading of small boats. It is important to know that a high percentage of these accidents are caused by the mistakes made with boats under 26 feet in length. You may have assumed that it was caused by too much power – large motors – but facts report that over half of the vessels involved were 10 horsepower or less.
A boat’s stability is affected by the moving about of people on board. For safety, there are several things that should be remembered when loading a boat. Distribute the load evenly; keep the load low; don’t stand up in a small boat; don’t overload.
Many boat manufacturers display a plate on their boats showing recommended weight capacity. This is usually in number of persons as well as in the number of pounds for persons, motor, fuel, and gear. These are only recommended values for fair weather and do not relieve the boatman of the responsibility for exercising individual judgment.
In the absence of capacity plates, use the formula below to determine the maximum number of persons to be carried:
(Length × Width) 15
GUIDELINES FOR MINIMUM PERSONS CARRIED ABOARD
1. Sailing vessels under 26 feet LOA: 1 Operator 1 Experienced person 1 Other crew member
2. Sailing vessels 26 feet and longer: 1 Operator 1 Experienced person 2 Other crew members
3. Power vessels under 26 feet LOA: 1 Operator 1 Experienced person
4. Power vessels 26 feet and longer: 1 Operator 1 Experienced person 1 Other crew member
Page 106 Handbook for Skippers 5. Power vessels not having engine controls at the steering station shall require at least one additional crew member to provide for engine control.
6. When a vessel is cruising for more than 12 hours of continuous operation, these minimum crew guidelines will be doubled to provide two (2) watches.
7. The actual evaluation for minimum and maximum crew will consider the number of persons carried, the waters being cruised, and the general arrangement, and size of the vessel.
The weather and water conditions should be taken into account, too. If the water is rough, the number of persons carried should be reduced. The publication, Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational boats, is available from any Boating Safety Office of the U.S. Coast Guard, or by calling 1-800-368-5647. This publication is intended to acquaint boaters with the requirements of various Federal boating laws and to provide them with basic guidelines for safe and enjoyable operation.
Operation of Boats
All boats used for Sea Scouting activities shall comply with all applicable governmental regulations relating to safety of design, maintenance, and operation. A boat that does not comply with these provisions may not be designated as a Sea Scout vessel nor may it be used for official Scout activities.
All Sea Scout boats shall be in the charge of competent, responsible, and experienced personnel. Such boats shall carry adequate safety and emergency equipment. Those vessels required to be inspected and certificated in accordance with section “Inspection and Certification Requirements” shall be manned by licensed personnel and crew as noted on the Certificate of Inspection and equipped in accordance with the provisions of the Certificate of Inspection.
Heavy Weather Afloat
With the onset of heavy weather, certain precautions must be taken. If it can be done, seek a sheltered harbor, put out the proper ground tackle, and ride it out.
If caught in an exposed position, however, begin by securing all loose objects on deck and below. If the threat is a summer squall or thunderstorm, it could be quite violent but, usually, is of short duration. On small boats, have everyone don life jackets.
If you are in a powerboat, reduce your speed to steerage way and head into the storm. If you are in a sailboat, reduce the sail to the minimum (down to a small jib, a well-reefed main,
Handbook for Skippers Page 107 or a storm trysail.) The jib can be rigged or get all the sail off, rig a sea anchor, and ride it out under bare poles. In any case, it is important to keep the Ship’s head into the seas.
The greatest threat is from wave action. There are two kinds of waves. The long rolling trochoidal waves that form in deep water where there are miles of open sea seldom break (except in a whole gale), but they can strike a ship with enormous force.
The cyclodial waves that form in shoal water have sharp peaks, break easily, and are most dangerous for small craft.
If conditions become so bad the vessel cannot hold her own, she may have to heave to or lay to. Plenty of sea room is required. A sea anchor may be rigged to keep her head to the sea.
A sailing vessel may lay to with the helm lashed down and a storm trysail rigged. This keeps her heading up into the wind and sea. She, too, may use a sea anchor.
Page 108 Handbook for Skippers 7. Boats and Program Policies and Procedures
Laws, official rules in competitive sports, and rules of etiquette are well-known examples of guides established to govern the conduct of individuals and organizations – guides that provide you and your neighbors with equal opportunity, fair play, and safety in your everyday life.
The Venturing Division, BSA, for the same reason, provides this chapter with its listing of boat and program policies and procedures. These rules can help guide you and your shipmates to safe and sound courses of action. Keep a weather eye on this chapter whenever there’s a question in your mind related to a boat or program policy.
ACQUIRING BOATS
The process of acquiring a vessel for your Ship can be a simple affair or a difficult process. Either way, the process will consume a good deal of time and effort.
Before You Start Looking
There are several items to consider before you begin to look for a boat. Regardless of council or chartered organization requirements, it is a good idea to address these questions with the Ship Committee, your chartered organization, and your Scouts. The items to consider are:
# How big a boat do you want? The larger the boat, the more complex it is to maintain and operate. Large boats require berthing, which may be a cost consideration. Larger boats may cost much more to operate and maintain.
# How much money will it cost to operate this boat? This question includes vessel operations, haulouts, long term-major repairs, Ship’s contingency reserve funds, and any other cost factor that will come up after the acquisition of the boat.
# How will you raise the funds necessary to repair, remodel, and operate the vessel? Boats are expensive. You need to have cash in your Ship’s bank account and a clear understand- ing of where your funding will come from for the entire term of your operation of the intended boat.
# What is required to modify the vessel to serve in a Scout program? Quite often yachts and military boats are not laid out in a way that is best for Scouting. Modifying a vessel for operation as a Scout boat can be a costly and time consuming effort. This issue needs to be addressed from the start.
Handbook for Skippers Page 109 # How much “Human Capital” is available to the unit? The most overlooked area in considering what it takes to get a new boat is the hours of work necessary to make the vessel in question ready for sea. Who will repair the vessel when you get it and how many hours are those persons willing to give to the unit? The question of who will operate the vessel during your program activities need to be addressed as well.
# The tax rules regarding private donations for vessels are important to understand. Your local council is an IRS 501(c)(3) corporation for tax purposes. Your chartered organiza- tion may or may not be a 501(c)(3) organization. The citation is the section of the Internal Revenue Service Code that deals with non-profit charitable organizations. You will run across this term in your travels. It means that anyone donating an item to a 501(c)(3) organization is eligible for a tax deduction to a charity. Your council will have a copy of the IRS acceptance and designation as a 501(c)(3) and will be able to furnish a copy to you if necessary. Another point to consider is that if you accept a vessel and the donor claims a tax deduction, you must keep the vessel for two years. If you do not keep the vessel for two years, the council must report that the vessel was sold or disposed of, and report the sales price to the IRS. The IRS will then disallow the deduction that your donor made and substitute the value that you obtained when you sold the boat. Usually your donor will be unhappy if you do this, so consider this when discussing any potential donation with a donor. Finally, vessels that are worth more than five thousand dollars must have their value substantiated by a valuation by an independent surveyor. If your donor fails to obtain this survey, his donation may not be accepted by the IRS. Before you begin to solicit donations, consult your council Scout Executive or Financial Vice President to confirm the tax rules that are currently in existence.
# The issue of who has title to the assets of the unit comes up from time to time. Boy Scout policy is that they would prefer that your chartered organization hold title to the assets. On the other hand, either your council or chartered organization may hold the title to your vessel. Some councils have their own policies in this regard and your council should be consulted on this issue.
Private Donations
One of the objectives of a Council Sea Scouting Boat and Gear Committee is to secure donations of boats and gear from local sources. In the past, Ships have received boats ranging from 6 feet in length to full-size schooners from wealthy individuals who have a heart-size interest in the promotion of yachting and other nautical activities. Owners donating vessels to Sea Scouting usually achieve a satisfactory tax deduction.
The Council Boat and Gear Committee should organize and promote private donation with the help of Skippers, Mates, and other adults related to Sea Scouting. Basic to promotion of this type is an established program of service by the Sea Scout Ships to local yacht clubs
Page 110 Handbook for Skippers and all other local boat owners. Emergency service, clearing ship channels, waterfront cleanup, and serving as crews for yachts are examples of effective service.
Looking for Your New Boat
Now that you have your plan together, and your chartered organization and council (if necessary) know and agree with your plan, it is time to begin looking. Methods to consider include:
1. See your Council Commodore if you have one, or seek assistance from your Regional Commodore in the absence of a local commodore, and ask if there are any vessels in existing ships that are available.
2. Call the Commodore of your local yacht club. Perhaps you could invite him to one of your Ship’s meetings. When he arrives at your meeting, show him your Scouts, your program assets, the reason that you are asking his help in seeking a vessel donation. Ask him if he knows of any vessels that may be available. It is always recommended that this be done in person, face-to-face. While it is not necessary to meet at your meeting place, it is recommended, since you will be able to control the agenda, and to limit interruptions. If you meet at his club, you will be at the mercy of the particular situations that your person has to confront. Dwell on the service that you provide the community, and why you are worthy. It is unlikely that you will yield a vessel from the first visit, but if you continue to talk to the club, work with the club, help the club when possible, you will be thought of when a vessel comes available. 3. Talk to the local boat brokers. Tell him what kind of vessel you are looking for. You may have to offer to pay a broker for his services, but if you are looking for a specific vessel, this may be worth it to you. Make sure that your broker knows that you are looking for a vessel donation, not a purchase. Be clear when talking to a broker that his compensation is dependent upon success, and that the amount of any commission that you decide to pay is agreed upon before the broker brings you any vessel to look at. Make sure that you tell the broker that you are representing your unit. This means that your chartered organization (your “sponsor”) is the real party in interest and not your council. Your council Scout Executive will not want you to represent yourself as able to commit your council to anything unless you have been specifically authorized to do so.
4. One of the quickest ways to get a new program boat, is to put an advertisement in your local boating newspaper. Spend the money to make the ad big enough to see, as people who might consider donating a vessel will not spend much time reading the small ads to find someone to donate their boat to. Your ad must be large enough to be seen easily and have enough detail in the ad so that you can sell the potential donor on donating to you. Things to include in your ad are, the name of your unit, that you are part of the Boy Scouts, why you need a vessel, why you are a worthy donor and of course, how to get in touch with you.
Handbook for Skippers Page 111 5. Sometimes chartered organizations have purchased used vessels for their Scout units. In one instance, a chartered organization purchased the boat, and the unit repaid the chartered organization over a 5-year term by earning the price of the vessel through internal fund raising.
6. Last, but not least, it is possible to get boats from the government. There are three main ways to obtain a boat from the Federal Government. The first method is from the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS), the second is from the Department of Transportation on behalf of the Coast Guard, and the third method through a “direct donation” from the Army, Navy, Marines, or Air Force. These methods are simple in design, but quite complex in the operation.
7. Look at local marinas and yacht clubs for boats of the type you want which are for sale by the owner and have been on the market for a while.
The DRMS operates several offices on military bases all around the world. The DRMS is part of the Defense Logistics Agency, which is part of our Defense Department. The local Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO) receives military material that is surplus to the command that is sending it. This material is assembled, documented, categorized by its Federal Stock number, and held for others in the Federal Government to “screen” it to see if it would be useful in their area of Government.
After the surplus material is categorized, it is available for Federal Government agencies to pick up at no cost to them. The material is usually held for four to six weeks for screening by federal government agencies. Material that is not taken during this period is then available for State governmental agencies to screen. There is usually one to two weeks of time for material to be screened at this level.
The last-level before going to public sale is the “donor” level. The Boy Scouts are at this level. For the Boy Scouts to obtain anything from the DRMO, the material must be at the donor level of the remarketing process, and the material must be on the master list of items that the Boy Scouts have signed with the DRMS. If what you want to screen is not on the list, you will not get the item. Requests are on a first come first serve basis if the requester is also at the donor level. Naturally, if a federal government agency request comes in, your request will be denied.
Each council has one designated “screening officer.” This person is usually a professional staff person in the council. Due to abuses while obtaining equipment from the DRMS in the past, each council is required to designate the council screener through Executive Board action. The council screener will have a card from the DRMS, which is used in the screening process to validate the request for the surplus material.
Page 112 Handbook for Skippers Obviously, if you are to obtain a vessel from the DRMO, you must work closely with your council, so that together you can work quickly to obtain a boat as soon as it becomes available.
The acquisition process after the target vessel has been found, is simple. Your council screener will need the Federal Stock Number, the condition code, the original cost to the government, and the location code. He will put this information on a Form 123, sign the form, fax (or mail) the form to your Boy Scout Regional office for approval. It will then be faxed or mailed to the designated General Services Administration (GSA) office for their approval. The process can happen quickly, if you have done your homework, but if you have forgotten one piece of information, expect delays.
The difficulty in the whole process, is in finding the target acquisition. In this matter, you cannot expect your council to help you. They are much too busy, and under staffed, to spend much time looking for a vessel for you. Further, most of the Boy Scout professionals looking at DRMO surplus equipment will not be familiar with the various types of government boats. You must expect to find your own vessel, or rely on others in the program to find it for you. If you have a strong Area or Regional volunteer group, they can probably help you in your quest.
If you do not know what type of vessel that you want, start by going to your Public Library, and reading Combat Fleet of the World (year), by the Naval Institute Press, or Jane’s Fighting Ships (year). These are reference books on military vessels. They are published yearly. Look in the section on the United States, and go to the back part of that section. That is where you will find information on the smaller government boats.
Another way to find out the type of military vessel that you would like to have is to talk to the leaders of units that have a military surplus vessel, and ask them how they like their boat. Your Commodore can probably help you here. If he does not know of any unit that has a military vessel, ask to speak to your Area Commodore, or your Regional Commodore. They will know who is operating a military surplus boat.
After you have some idea of the types of boats you want, now comes the difficult part, finding one. If you have access to the Internet, the DRMO is on line. The category of assets that you are interested in will be 1940 first. This is the first four digits of the federal stock number, and it deals with boats. You can also look under 1910, 1920, 1925, and 1930. These deal with “auxiliaries” but some of these are boats also.
Unfortunately, not all boats seem to make it to the master DRMS list. Therefore, you must do some research on your own. To do this, you should visit the larger Navy yards in your area. If you have no military experience, it is advisable to recruit someone who is either retired from or on active duty in the military. Ask them to help you in your investigating so that you do not get yourself in trouble by being somewhere that you should not be.
Handbook for Skippers Page 113 In using this method, you will usually find out about vessels that will be coming available at some time in the future. Keep a reference list of these vessels and contacts in the various bases so that you can check on their progress from time to time. November is a particularly good time to call back on previous contacts, as the Federal Government budget comes out in October, and the various commands will make decisions about what will be surplus to their needs shortly after the budget comes out.
After you have found a “target” vessel, you should watch it closely. This means that you will know where the boat is physically. You will also have to monitor its progress through the screening cycle. Remember, the availability on the donor level is usually only one week, and it is first come, first served to all groups in the donor category. You need to have your council screener file the form 123 the day that the boat becomes available.
In the paperwork that the screener will have available to him are the methods that the DRMO can use to deliver the vessel to you. They will tell you if they have access to a crane, or if the boat is at a berth, of if it is on a trailer. They will also tell you how you can remove it from the DRMO, and when you must do so.
If you are successful in getting the boat donated to you, you are not done yet. You must remove it from the facilities when possible. Remember, you can lose title to the boat if you do not pick it up as agreed. Furthermore, the government looks with disfavor on anyone not picking up what was given to them on time. They can disbar the council from the DRMO office for two years if you fail. This will give all of Scouting a bad name, so be prepared to get the boat out of the DRMO yard as soon as you can, but no later than the deadline given to you by the DRMO.
If you have not done a vessel acquisition from the DRMO before, it is recommended that you work with a volunteer leader that has. Your Commodore, or Area Commodore should know some one in the program who has done an acquisition before. Ask him if he will work with you so that you do not have to relearn all that he already knows. If you cannot find anyone in your Area or Region to help you, call Western Region Area 3 Commodore Bob French, (209) 477-4417 on weekdays, and he will do what he can to help.
Boats are also available from the various branches of the military on a “direct donation” basis. In this method of donation, the commanding officer of the base signs a form 1148, which transfers title directly to the Boy Scouts, without going through the DRMO. This is used infrequently, because the Commanding Officer of the base who signs this risks having someone higher on the chain of command challenge his actions later if the vessel that he gave away was needed somewhere else in the Government. This is used on small boats of low value, at the convenience of the base commander.
Boats from the Coast Guard are handled with different paperwork than from the DRMO, but the process is quite similar. While your local council will probably not have the necessary
Page 114 Handbook for Skippers paperwork to effect the transfer, your Regional office will. If by some chance the Regional office cannot find their copies, a call to the regional GSA office will get the necessary paperwork going.
Before calling anyone with the Coast Guard to see if there are any vessels that are surplus, be prepared. Look at the various types of boats that are in the Coast Guard inventory. Most of them are not conducive to service as a Scout vessel. By knowing what you are looking for, you will know what you are not interested in.
Oftentimes the value of used military craft may be overrated. Medium-sized sailing yachts offer a wealth of nautical experience, are less costly to operate, and benefit from a large and supportive yachting community whose wealth of resources make them much more useful to Sea Scouting.
Insurance
No boat shall be operated without adequate liability insurance coverage. The amount, type, and limits of insurance coverage shall be determined by the executive board of each local council, and it shall be the responsibility of the local executive to see that this requirement is met. The council should require a certain minimum insurance coverage for each boat. It should include accident insurance for crew and passengers.
Problems of Larger Boats
There are some outstanding examples of successful Sea Scouting programs operating with large (over 50 feet in length) vessels. However, years of experience have demonstrated that it is usually unwise for a council to own or operate large boats because of the excessive cost of maintaining and operating them. The cost and care of larger boats have time and again proved disastrous for both the Sea Scout Ship and the council. In accordance with these findings, the boats made available are usually small enough to be maintained and handled by Sea Scouts themselves. Large boats may be approved for use by a chartered organization or the council when a feasibility study indicates that the chartered organization or the council can comfortably finance their use.
Coast Guard Relations
The U.S. Coast Guard has been very helpful to Sea Scouting over the years and shares our concern for the safety of our members. The National Sea Scouting Committee maintains constant contact with various portions of the Commandant’s office in Washington, DC.
Local councils in cooperation with the local Sea Scouting Committee’s Boat and Gear Team should maintain liaison with the local Coast Guard.
Handbook for Skippers Page 115 BSA Safe Boating/Sailing Standards
When the new Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993 was signed into law, it cleared up the confusion for recreational boat owners over who is a “guest” on board and who is a “passenger for hire.” This being the determination for compliance to either commercial vessel or recreational vessel standards of the U. S. Coast Guard.
BSA-owned vessels are not considered “small passenger vessels” or “passenger vessels” regardless of the number of Scouts or Venturers on board. Therefore BSA-owned vessels are not subject to U.S. Coast Guard licensing and inspection requirements except as these laws may apply to “exempt” recreational vessels.
EXEMPT BOATS Row Boats, Canoes, Open Cockpit Sailboats, Small Vessels Propelled Solely by Oars or Paddles.
Safety Standards:
BSA Aquatic Safety Standards as published in “Safety Afloat,” Guide to Safe Scouting, No. 34410.
BOATS 30' and UNDER
Three Safety Standards:
1. These boats shall display a current USCG Auxiliary “Seal of Safety” decal obtained through a free “Courtesy Marine Examination” by a member of the USCG Auxiliary within the council territory.
2. Adult leaders operating BSA boats shall complete the basic boating safety course from one of the following local organizations: ! U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary ! U.S. Power Squadrons ! U.S. Sailing ! American Red Cross ! Boating safety course qualified by your State Boating Law Administrator. ! Equivalent training or experience gained from participating in sailing or small boat programs i.e., U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast guard, or Merchant Marine Academies ! USCG Operator’s License.
Page 116 Handbook for Skippers To find a conveniently-located boating safety course, call the BOAT/U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety’s toll-free Course Line, 1-800-336-BOAT.
3. An annual Boat Safety Check List completed and filed with local council thirty days after charter renewal by a member from the council Health and Safety Committee or other council committee as designated by the Scout Executive. (Boat Safety Check List and sample Council Authorization Certificate are attached and should be reproduced locally.)
BOATS OVER 30'
Four Safety Standards:
(1.), (2.), and (3.) as above.
4. Operators of these boats shall obtain every four (4) years a “Condition Survey” (i.e., statement or letter indicating the condition of the vessel and suitability for the service intended) from a recognized or certified Marine Surveyor and filed with local council.
BOATS CARRYING PASSENGERS FOR HIRE
Safety Standards:
1. In all cases, the operator must have a U.S. Coast Guard operator’s license.
Under the Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993, a “passenger for hire” is defined for the first time as someone who has contributed “consideration” to the owner, operator, or agent of the vessel as a condition of being taken out on the boat. In such cases, the operator must have a U.S. Coast Guard operator’s license and retain or seek a U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection for the vessel.
2. The other major change in the law that may affect some BSA owned boats is in the use of the vessel as a charter boat. Under the new law, a bareboat charter vessel carrying more than 12 “passengers for hire” must now be inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Handbook for Skippers Page 117 A vessel measuring less than 100 gross tons can carry up to 6 “passengers for hire” and does not need to be inspected. It is now called an “uninspected small passenger vessel.”
A vessel measuring more than 100 gross tons can carry up to 12 “passengers for hire” and does not need to be inspected. It is now called an “uninspected passenger vessel.”
See Appendix J. Annual Boat Safety Check List for authorization to operate vessels.
Definition of Personnel Classifications
The operator is that person who is the officer in charge of the vessel and is then and there exercising command. The operator is not a passenger. Officer in Charge is a title relating to the capacity of an individual during the voyage of a Sea Scout vessel, irrespective of the rank or the customary title of this individual.
Safety Policies
The basic regulations and standards for safety that govern the program of the Venturing Division, BSA also apply to the Sea Scouting program. Skippers, Mates and other adult leaders should be aware of these safety policies and adhere to them in conducting the Sea Scouting program. For additional information, consult A Unit Leader’s Guide for Current Policies and Procedures to Safe Activities, 1994 Printing, No. 34411. See also Appendix G. Cruise Plan for BSA’s current policy on cruising activities.
Safety Afloat
Safety Afloat has been developed to promote boating and boating safety and to set standards for safe Ship activity afloat. Before a BSA group may engage in an excursion, expedition, or trip on the water (canoe, raft, sailboat, motorboat, rowboat, tube, or other craft), adult leaders for such activity must complete “Safety Afloat Training,” No. 34159, have a “Commitment Card,” No. 34242, with them, and be dedicated to full compliance with all nine points of Safety Afloat.
1. Qualified Supervision All activity afloat must be supervised by a mature and conscientious adult age 21 or older who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of youth members in his or her care, who is experienced and qualified in the particular watercraft skills and equipment involved in the activity, and who is committed to compliance with the nine points of BSA Safety Afloat. One such supervisor is required for each ten people, with a minimum of two adults for any one group. All supervisors must
Page 118 Handbook for Skippers complete BSA Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense training, and at least one must be certified in CPR. (It is strongly recommended that all Ships have at least one adult or older youth member currently certified as a BSA Lifeguard to assist in the planning and conduct of all activity afloat.)
2. Physical Fitness All persons must present evidence of fitness assured by a complete health history from physician, parent, or legal guardian. The adult supervisor should adjust all supervision, discipline, and protection to anticipate any potential risks associated with individual health conditions. In the event of any significant health conditions, the adult leader should require proof of an examination by a physician. Those with physical handicaps can enjoy and benefit from aquatics if the handicaps are known and necessary precautions taken.
3. Swimming Ability A person who has not been classified as a “swimmer” may ride as a passenger in a rowboat or motorboat with an adult “swimmer” or in a canoe, raft, or sailboat with an adult certified as a lifeguard or a lifesaver by a recognized agency. In all other circumstances, the person must be a swimmer to participate in an activity afloat. “Swimmers” must pass this test: Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes; sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.
4. Personal Flotation Equipment Properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) must be worn by all persons engaged in activity on the open water (rowing, canoeing, sailing, boardsailing, motorboating, waterskiing, rafting, tubing, kayaking, and surfboarding. Type II and III PFDs are recommended.
5. Buddy System All activity afloat must adhere to the principles of the buddy system. The buddy system assures that for every person involved in aquatics activity, at least one other person is always aware of his or her situation and prepared to lend assistance immediately when needed. Not only does every individual have a buddy, but every craft should have a “buddy boat” when on the water.
6. Skill Proficiency All persons participating in Ship activity afloat on the open water must be trained and practiced in craft handling skills, safety, and emergency procedures. a. All persons planning to participate in Ship activity on white water must complete special training conducted by an Aquatics Instructor, BSA, or qualified equivalent.
Handbook for Skippers Page 119 b. Powerboat operators must complete state certification and be able to meet require- ments for the Motorboating merit badge or equivalent (American Red Cross, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, or U.S. Power Squadron). c. Except for white water and powerboat operation as noted above, a minimum of three hours’ training and supervised practice or fulfilling the requirements for basic handling tests is required for all unpowered craft.
7. Planning a. Float Plan. Know exactly where the Ship will put in, where the Ship will pull out, and precisely what course will be followed. Determine all stopover points in advance. Estimate travel time with ample margins to avoid traveling under time pressures. Obtain accurate and current maps and information on the waterway to be traveled, and discuss the course with others who have made the trip under similar seasonal conditions. (Preferably, an adult member of the group should run the course before the Ship trip.) b. Local Rules. Determine which state and local laws or regulations are applicable. If private property is to be used or crossed, obtain written permission from the owners. All such rules must be strictly observed. c. Notification. The float plan must be filed with the parents of participants and a member of the Ship committee. For any activity using canoes on running water, the float plan must be filed with the local council service center. Notify appropriate authorities, such as Coast Guard, state police, or park personnel, when their jurisdiction is involved. When the Ship returns from this activity, persons given the float plan should be so advised. d. Weather. Check the weather forecast just before setting out, know and understand the seasonal weather pattern for the region, and keep an alert “weather eye.” Imminent rough weather should bring all ashore immediately. e. Contingencies. Planning must anticipate possible emergencies or other circumstances that could force a change in the original plan. Identify and consider all such circumstances in advance so that appropriate contingency plans can be developed.
8. Equipment All equipment must be suited to the craft, to the water conditions, and to the individual; must be in good repair; and must satisfy all state and U.S. Coast Guard requirements. To the extent possible, carry spare equipment. On long trips or when spare equipment is not available, carry repair materials. Have appropriate rescue equipment available for immediate use.
9. Discipline
Page 120 Handbook for Skippers All participants should know, understand, and respect the rules and procedures for safe Ship activity afloat. When Scouts know and understand the reason for the rules, they will observe them. When fairly and impartially applied, rules do not interfere with fun. Rules for safety, plus common sense and good judgment, keep the fun from being interrupted by tragedy. Note: For cruising vessels (excluding rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and rafts, but including sailboats and powerboats longer than 20 feet) used in adult-supervised Ship activities by a chartered Sea Scout Ship specializing in watercraft operations or used in adult-supervised program activity in connection with any high-adventure program or other activity under the direct control of the National Council, the standards and procedures in the Sea Scout Manual, No. 33239A, may be substituted for the “Safety Afloat” standards.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s)
Properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) must be worn by all persons engaged in activity on the open water (rowing, canoeing, sailing, boardsailing, motorboating, waterskiing, rafting, tubing, kayaking, and surfboarding) as appropriate. Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved equipment (types I, II, III, or V) is acceptable for use in Scouting aquatics. Ski belts are not acceptable. Scouts and Ship leaders should learn which type is appropriate for each specific circumstance and how to wear and check for proper fit.
Swimming and Diving Areas
Swimming areas should be large enough to avoid crowding (minimum of 40 square feet per swimmer). Water depth for non-swimmers should not exceed 3½ feet; for beginners, 6 feet. These areas should be visibly identified. A minimum water depth of 7 feet beneath and in front of the point of entry is required for diving from the edge of a pool, pier, or floating platform. A minimum of 12 feet of depth is required for diving from a 1-meter board. Diving boards are not permitted higher than 1 meter above the water surface or extended from a floating platform. Studies show that the most serious diving injuries occur to males, ages 12 to 31, diving from low heights, such as the edge of a pool deck, a dock, or a pier, into water less than 4 feet deep. A common type of injury on Ship swims results from jumping or diving from high points above the water onto persons in the water below.
Scuba
Any person possessing, exhibiting, or using scuba equipment in connection with any Scouting-related activity must be currently certified by the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) or the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). These two agencies are recognized by the Boy Scouts of America for scuba training and instruction. Alternatively, if PADI or NAUI training and instruction is not available, certification may be accepted from other agencies that comply with Recreational Scuba
Handbook for Skippers Page 121 Training Council (RSTC) guidelines, provided that such acceptance has been expressly approved by the BSA local council in consultation with the BSA national Health and Safety Service. Scuba programs may be a part of Varsity or Venture activities and Venturing for participants who are 14 years of age or older. Persons meeting the age requirement and properly certified may participate in group dives under the supervision of a responsible adult who is currently certified as a dive master, assistant instructor, or any higher rating from NAUI or PADI. Student divers must be under the supervision of a currently certified NAUI or PADI instructor. No exceptions to the BSA age requirement are permitted, and shall be followed in all Scout-related activities. A 14-year-old participant with a junior diver certification may dive only when accompanied by a buddy who is a certified open-water diver at least 18 years old. Because of lack of frequency of diving by most sports divers, it is important that any certified divers be screened and evaluated by a certified diving instructor before participating in BSA-related activities. The skills to be evaluated include the following:
1. Use of buoyancy control device 2. Giant stride entry 3. Removal and replacement of weight belt 4. Neutral buoyancy 5. Snorkel to regulator exchange 6. Removal and replacement of scuba gear under the water 7. Face mask removal, replacement, and clearing 8. Emergency swimming ascent 9. Alternate air source ascent 10. Pre-dive safety drill 11. Five-point ascent and descent 12. Deepwater exits 13.Simulation of surface procedures
Waterskiing
Safe waterskiing starts with safe equipment; a thorough knowledge of techniques; competent instruction; an efficient, careful tow boat operator; and a conscientious observer. A life jacket is a must for all water-skiers. Skis should be in good shape and free from sharp or protruding edges. The boat operator should be driving solely for the benefit, satisfaction, and safety of the skier. The boat and skier should stay away from docks, swimmers, boaters, people who are fishing, and other objects The Water-Skier’s Safety Code and Boat Driver’s Safety Code are found in the Waterskiing merit badge pamphlet. These are guidelines to be followed by all those involved in the sport of waterskiing.
Reference: Waterskiing merit badge pamphlet
Whitewater Safety Code
Page 122 Handbook for Skippers The American Whitewater Affiliation (AWA) Safety Code includes ten recommendations for river safety:
1. Be a competent swimmer. 2. Wear a PFD. 3. Keep your canoe under control, always! 4. Be aware of river hazards and avoid them. 5. Boating alone is not recommended; preferred minimum is three to a craft. 6. Be suitably equipped. a. Wear shoes (tennis shoes or special canoeing shoes are best). b. Tie your glasses on. c. Carry knife and waterproof matches (also compass and map). d. Don’t wear bulky clothing that will waterlog. e. Wear a crash helmet where upsets are likely. f. Carry an extra paddle and canoe-repair tape. g. Open canoes should have bow and stern lines (painters) securely attached. Use at least 15 feet of ¼ or d inch rope. Secure them to the canoe so they are readily available but will not entangle feet and legs in case of a spill. 7. Swim on your back in fast water, keeping your feet and legs downstream and high. Keep watching ahead. 8. When you start to spill, keep the upstream gunwale high. 9. If you do spill, hang on to your canoe and get to the upstream end. (Note: If you are heading into rough rapids and quick rescue is not expected, or if water is numbing cold, then swim for shore or a rock where you can climb out of the water.) 10.When you are with a group: a. Organize the group to even out canoeing ability. b. Keep the group compact for mutual support. c. Don’t crowd rapids! Let each canoe complete the run before the next canoe enters. d. Each canoe is responsible for the canoe immediately behind it.
Medical Information
It is recommended that all members of the Boy Scouts of America have periodic medical evaluations by a physician.
# In recent years, in an effort to provide better care to those who may become ill or injured and to provide youth members and adult leaders a better understanding of their physical capabilities, the Boy Scouts of America established minimum standards for providing medical information prior to participating in various activities. They are classified as follows:
Class 1: Includes any event that does not exceed seventy-two consecutive hours, where the level of activity is similar to that normally expended at home or at school, and where
Handbook for Skippers Page 123 medical care is readily available. Examples: weekend cruise, regatta, or swimming party. Medical information required is a current health history signed by parents or guardian. The health history form currently found on the back of the BSA individual applications or the Class I Personal Health and Medical Summary found on page 3 of form No. 34414 (Personal Health and Medical Record) meet this requirement. Skippers should review these and become knowledgeable about the medical needs of the youth members in their Ship. Forms must be updated annually. They are filled out by participants and kept on file for easy reference.
Class 2: Includes any event that exceeds 72 consecutive hours where the level of activity is similar to that normally expended at home or at school, and where medical care is readily available. Examples: week-long cruise in local waters. Medical data required is an annual health history signed by parents or guardian supported by a medical evaluation completed within the past thirty-six months by a physician licensed to practice medicine. The Personal Health and Medical Record – Class 2, No. 34414, is designed primarily for resident Boy Scout summer camp but could be used for any Class 2 activity. Youth members and adult participants under 40 years of age use this form. The Class 2 requirement or form is not applicable to adults over 40. (See Camp Health and Safety for additional information on Class 2 application.)
Class 3: Includes any event involving strenuous activity such as backpacking, high altitude, extreme weather conditions, cold water, exposure, fatigue, athletic competition, adventure challenge, or remote condition where readily available medical care cannot be assured. Examples: week-long cruise in distant waters, jamborees, and extended trips in remote areas. Medical information required includes current health history supported by a medical evaluation within the past twelve months performed by a physician licensed to practice medicine. Form 34412 is to be used by youth for Class 3 activities. Adults over 40 will use this form for Class 2 and Class 3 activities. See form No. 34414, Personal Health and Medical Record, for more information.
# Examinations conducted by licensed health care practitioners, other than physicians, will be recognized for BSA purposes in those states where such practitioners may perform physical examinations within their legally prescribed scope of practice. It is recommended that Ship leaders have a complete medical history and permission slip for every participant attending each Scouting activity. The medical history form and permission slip, in most cases, will allow emergency medical treatment to a youth member in case of injury or illness when a parent or guardian cannot be contacted.
Immunizations
Verification of the following protections is strongly recommended before participation in activities conducted by the Boy Scouts of America:
Page 124 Handbook for Skippers 1. Tetanus and diphtheria toxoid within the last ten years. 2. Measles mumps and rubella (MMR) since first birthday. 3. Trivalent oral polio vaccine (TOPV); four doses since birth.
First Aid
First aid is the first help or immediate care given someone who has suddenly sickened or been hurt in an accident. First-aid training continues through the program of the Boy Scouts of America as concrete evidence that we are prepared to help others in need. It is important that one person in each touring group be trained in the principles of first aid, know how and when to put this knowledge to the best use, and thoroughly understand the limitations of this knowledge. It is strongly recommended that adult leaders in Scouting avail themselves of CPR and first-aid training by the American Red Cross or any recognized agency to be aware of the latest techniques and procedures. However, some of the first-aid techniques found in BSA literature are not the same as those professed by the American Red Cross.
First Aid Kits
A first aid kit well stocked with the basic essentials is indispensable. Choose one sturdy and lightweight, yet large enough to hold the contents so that they are readily visible and so that any one item may be taken out without unpacking the whole kit. Keep a list of contents readily available for easy refilling. Keep the kit in a convenient location. Make one person responsible for keeping the kit filled and available when needed. Quantities of suggested items for your first-aid kit depend on the size of your group and local conditions.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
This specialized skill to endeavor to revive victims of cardiac arrest (no breathing–no pulse) may be taught to Sea Scouts by an instructor currently certified by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Preliminary skills related to CPR are found in the First Aid merit badge pamphlet (rescue breathing, choking, and steps to take for CPR).
Protection Considerations for Bloodborne Pathogens
Many people are concerned about the rapid spread of HIV (the AIDS virus) and try to avoid exposing themselves to this hazard. Health professionals and amateur first-aiders like those of us in Scouting may find ourselves faced with special concerns in this regard. Therefore, we must know how to act and how to instruct the youth we lead. Try to maintain the BSA’s tradition of rendering first aid to those in need. Recognize that often the victims we treat with first aid are friends and family members whose health we are familiar with. Therefore, in such cases, except when we know they have infectious diseases, we should not hesitate to treat them. The Boy Scouts of America recommends that you should treat all blood as if it is contaminated with bloodborne viruses. Do not use bare hands to stop bleeding;
Handbook for Skippers Page 125 always use a protective barrier. Always wash exposed skin area with hot water and soap immediately after treating the victim. The following equipment is to be included in all first-aid kits and used when rendering first aid to those in need:
# Latex gloves, to be used when stopping bleeding or dressing wounds # A mouth-barrier device for rendering rescue breathing or CPR # Plastic goggles or other eye protection to prevent a victim’s blood from getting into the rescuer’s eyes in the event of serious arterial bleeding # Antiseptic, for sterilizing or cleaning exposed skin area, particularly if there is no soap or water available.
Individuals who might have been exposed to another’s blood and body fluids should know the following:
1. The chartered organization and its leaders should always explain and make clear the possible degree of exposure to blood or body fluids as a result of Scouting activities. 2. As a precaution, adult volunteers or youth members should consider a hepatitis-B vaccination. The cost of the shots will not be borne by BSA nor is the chartered organization required to underwrite the cost. 3. The chartered organization may arrange to have shots given at a reduced rate or free of charge. 4. If vaccination is recommended, any adult volunteers and youth members who decline the shots either at full cost to them or at a reduced rate, or free, should sign a refusal waiver that should be retained by the council for five years.
Transportation
Established public carriers – trains, buses and commercial airlines – are the safest and most comfortable way for groups to travel. Chartered buses usually are the most economical transportation for groups of twenty or more. It may be necessary for small groups to travel in private automobiles; however the use of chartered equipment from established rail bus and airline companies is strongly recommended. The advantages are many. These companies have excellent safety records because of their periodic inspections and approved health and safety procedures.
Automobiles
It is essential that adequate, safe, and responsible transportation be used for all Scouting activities. Because most accidents occur within a short distance from home, safety precautions are necessary, even on short trips. General guidelines are as follows
1. Seat belts are required for all occupants.
Page 126 Handbook for Skippers 2. All drivers must be licensed. If the vehicle to be used is designed to carry more than fifteen persons, including the driver (more than ten persons, including the driver, in California), the driver must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). 3. An adult leader (at least 21 years of age) must be in charge and accompany the group. 4. The driver must be currently licensed and at least 18 years of age. Youth member exception:
When traveling to an area, regional, or any Venturing event under the leadership of an adult (at least 21 years of age) tour leader, a youth member at least 16 years of age may be a driver, subject to the following conditions:
1. Six months’ driving experience as a licensed driver (time on a learner’s permit or equivalent is not to be counted) 2. No record of accidents or moving violations 3. Parental permission granted to the leader, driver, and riders 4. A 21-year-old licensed driver must be a passenger in the vehicle. 5. Passenger cars or station wagons may be used for transporting passengers, but passengers should not ride on the rear deck of station wagons. 6. Trucks may not be used for transporting passengers except in the cab. 7. All driving, except short trips, should be done in daylight. 8. All vehicles must be covered by automobile liability insurance with limits that meet or exceed requirements of the state in which the vehicle is licensed. It is recommended that coverage limits are at least $50,000/$100,000/$50,000. Any vehicle designed to carry ten or more passengers is required to have limits of $100,000/$500,000/$100,000. 9. Do not exceed the speed limit. 10.Do not travel in convoy. 11.Twelve hours of actual travel time including rest stops and a change of drivers is the maximum for one day; a minimum of eight or nine hours should be planned for sleep at night.
Campers, Trailers, and Trucks
Trucks are designed and constructed to transport materials and equipment, not people. The beds of trucks or trailers must never be used for carrying passengers. Tour permits will not be issued for any trip that involves carrying passengers in a truck except in the cab. This includes vehicles converted for that use unless they are licensed as buses and meet all requirements for buses. Use caution in towing trailers or campers as a vehicle’s performance, steering, and braking abilities will be altered. Consider these safety tips:
1. Get the correct trailer for the car and the correct hitch for the trailer. Distribute and anchor the load. 2. Allow extra time to brake. Changing lanes while braking can jackknife the trailer.
Handbook for Skippers Page 127 3. Add safety equipment as dictated by common sense and state laws (mirrors, lights, safety chains, brakes for heavy trailers, etc.) 4. Park in designated areas.
Buses
A driver of a bus or any vehicle designed to carry more than fifteen persons (including driver) is required to have a commercial driver’s license. Possession of a license, however, does not mean that a person is capable of driving a bus safely. It is essential that Ship leaders and volunteers be thoroughly familiar with the bus they will be driving, including knowing the location of emergency exits and fire extinguishers and how to operate them. A driver must be prepared to handle and brake a full bus, which weighs significantly more than an empty bus. Other safety tips are:
1. Regular and thorough maintenance program 2. No more passengers than there are seating locations 3. Luggage and equipment fastened securely to prevent being thrown around in case of an accident 4. Emergency exits clear of people or things 5. Pre-trip inspection of critical systems (signals, fuel, tires, windshield wipers, horn, etc.) The safety rules for automobiles apply to bus travel, with the exception of seat belts. In special cases, chartered buses may travel more than nine hours a day. On certain occasions, night travel by public carrier bus is appropriate – it should be considered permissible when conditions are such that rest and sleep for passengers are possible with a reasonable degree of comfort. However, night travel on buses should not be planned for two successive nights.
Trains
Observe these safety guidelines for train travel:
1. Don’t lean out of windows or doors. 2. When changing trains, don’t cross railroad tracks without permission. 3. Stay out of vestibules. Keep the railroad car door closed. 4. In case of illness or accident, see a train official who can arrange for medical help 5. On overnight trips, one leader should be on watch duty at all times.
Boats
In national parks and some other areas of the country, special boat and canoe regulations are in force, and special boat permits are required for cruising or recreation. Follow these safety precautions:
Page 128 Handbook for Skippers 1. U.S. Coast Guard recommends and BSA regulations require that an approved USCG personal flotation device (PFD) be worn by each participant using watercraft in an aquatics activity. Types II and III are recommended for Scout activity afloat. A capsized boat is never anticipated, so always be prepared. Be sure each individual wears a PFD. 2. Rowboats or canoes carrying passengers should not be towed behind motorboat or sailboats. 3. Use of canoes should be restricted to swimmers who have satisfactorily demonstrated their ability in launching, landing, and paddling a canoe and in handling a swamped canoe. Canoeists should be taught the proper procedure for staying afloat if the canoe capsizes or is swamped. 4. Small boats, whether under sail or power, used for pleasure or ferry purposes, must have a minimum capacity of 10 cubic feet per person. Boats propelled by hand power – such as rowboats – and used for pleasure purposes only must provide a minimum of 7 cubic feet per person. (Lifeboats on passenger-carrying vessels propelled by power must comply with the 10-cubic-foot law.) 5. Provision also should be made by all boats under sail or power for a sufficient quantity or supply of oars and rowlocks or paddles to be used in case of emergency. Fire-fighting equipment and lights must also be carried aboard. 6. Bilges of gasoline-powered boats should be kept free from gasoline and oil at all times. Thorough ventilation, either natural or by blower, is necessary to dispel gasoline vapor. 7. Motorized personal watercraft, such as jet-skis, are not authorized for use in Scouting activities, and their use should not be permitted in or near BSA program areas. 8. To prevent ignition by static electricity during refueling, establish complete metallic contact between the nozzle of the filling hose and the tank opening or filling pipe, and maintain contact until gasoline has ceased to flow. If a funnel is used, establish contact with the funnel and the opening in the tank. All passengers should be ashore during refueling. For regulations that govern cruises by private powerboat or sailboat refer to Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats, published by the US Coast Guard Boating Safety Office.
Aircraft
Air travel is permitted as follows:
1. On any flight scheduled by a commercial airline. 2. The BSA Flight Permit, No. 23-672 is required for all BSA flying activities except for commercial flights, or flights covered under a Ship’s approved Fly-Along Plan. The local council reviews and approves the flight permit just as it would a tour permit. The Parental/Guardian Consent Form, No. 23-673, is also required. Ships should attach the signed consent forms to the BSA Flight Permit application and keep a copy of the signed consent forms in their files. 3. Hang gliding, microlite and ultralight flying, experimental aircraft flying, parachuting, hot-air ballooning, and flight training (power aircraft in-flight) are unauthorized activities.
Handbook for Skippers Page 129 4. Airplane travelers are cautioned about what they pack in their luggage. In flight, variations in temperature and air pressure can cause some hazardous materials to leak or ignite. Included in the category of hazardous materials that should not be packed in luggage are matches or lighters; flammable liquids and gases; signal flares and other explosives; bleaches, aerosols, mercury, and solvents containing dangerous chemicals that can cause toxic fumes and corrosion.
Tour Permits
If a Ship plans a trip within 500 miles of the home base, it is important that the Ship obtain a local tour permit. A national tour permit is required for trips in excess of 500 miles from home or outside the continental United States. Tour permits have become recognized by national parks, military institutions, and other organizations as proof that a Ship activity has been well planned and organized and is under capable and qualified leadership. These organizations may require the tour permit for entry. Most short, in-town trips of a few hours do not require a tour permit; however, it is recommended that Ships obtain permission slips from parents. Don’t forget to file a float plan if appropriate. See Appendix G. Cruise Plan.
Leadership Requirements for Trips and Outings
# Two-deep leadership: It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that trips and outings may never be led by only one adult. At least two adult leaders, both of whom must be at least 21 years of age, are required for all trips and outings. They must be at least 21 years of age and be approved by the Skipper (on behalf of the chartered organization) or by the council Scout Executive. Coed overnight activities require male and female leaders.
# During transportation to and from planned Scout outings. 1. Meet for departure at a designated area. 2. Prearrange a schedule for periodic checkpoint stops as a group. 3. Plan a daily destination point. A common departure site and a daily destination point are a must. If you cannot provide two adults for each vehicle, the minimum required is one adult and two or more youth members – never one on one.
# Safety rule of four: No fewer than four individuals (always with the minimum of two adults) go on any backcountry expedition or campout. If an accident occurs, one person stays with the injured, and two go for help. Additional adult leadership requirements must reflect an awareness of such factors as size and skill level of the group, anticipated environmental conditions. and overall degree of challenge.
# Coed overnight activities: Male and female leaders require separate sleeping facilities. Married couples may share the same quarters if appropriate facilities are available.
Page 130 Handbook for Skippers # When staying in tents, no youth will stay in the tent of an adult other than his or her parent or guardian.
# If separate shower and latrine facilities are not available, separate times for male and female use should be scheduled and posted for showers. The buddy system should be used for latrines by having one person wait outside the entrance, or provide Occupied and Unoccupied signs and/or inside door latches.
# Written parent or guardian approval is required for each Venturer or guest under 21 years of age.
# Two-deep adult leadership is required for flying activities. For basic orientation flights, the adult licensed pilot in control of the aircraft is sufficient for the flight while two-deep leadership is maintained on the ground. In advanced orientation flights, Venturers may stop at an airport different from the departure airport and even have an activity there, such as a tour of a flight museum. Because of this difference, two-deep adult leadership is required.
Youth Protection and Child Abuse
Because of the great concern the Boy Scouts of America has for the problem of child abuse in our society, the Youth Protection program has been developed to help safeguard both our youth and adult members. Published and videotaped materials have been prepared to give professionals and volunteers information on the resources available for educating our membership about child abuse – how to avoid it, how to identify it, and how to deal with it. These materials and local council training programs are designed to give parents and their children basic information that will increase their awareness and sense of personal power to assist in their own self-protection. Ship leaders can learn more from these materials:
1. Child Abuse: Let’s Talk About It, No. 3943; Spanish edition, Abuso de los Niños, No. 94-006 2. Youth Protection Basic Training for Adults (Venturers, No. 34-225) 3. How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse: A Parent’s Guide Included in all Boy Scouts of America handbooks as a special insert. 4. A Time to Tell (video), available from Venturing Executive or local council service center 5. It Happened to Me (video), available from Venturing Executive or local council service center.
Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use and Abuse
The Boy Scouts of America prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances at encampments or activities on property owned and/or operated by the Boy Scouts of America, or at any activity involving participation of youth members. Adult leaders
Handbook for Skippers Page 131 should support the attitude that young adults are better off without tobacco and may not allow the use of tobacco products at any BSA activity involving youth participants.
Fuels and Fire Prevention
Chemical Fuels
Knowledgeable adult supervision must be provided when Scouts are involved in the storage of chemical fuels, the handling of chemical fuels in the filling of stoves or lanterns, or the lighting of chemical fuels. The use of liquid fuels for starting any type of fire is prohibited.
Guidelines for Safely Using Chemical Stoves and Lanterns
1. Use compressed- or liquid-gas stoves or lanterns only with knowledgeable adult supervision and in Scout facilities only where and when permitted. 2. Operate and maintain according to manufacturer’s instructions included with the stove or lantern. 3. Both gasoline and kerosene shall be kept in well-marked, approved containers (never in a glass container) and stored in a ventilated, locked box at a safe distance (a minimum of 20 feet) from buildings and tents. Keep all chemical fuel containers away from hot stoves and campfires, and store below 100° F. 4. Let hot stoves and lanterns cool before changing cylinders of compressed gases or refilling from bottles of liquid gas. 5. Refill liquid-gas stoves and lanterns a safe distance from any flames, including other stoves, campfires, and personal smoking substances. A commercial camp stove fuel should be used for safety and performance. Pour through a filter funnel. Recap both the device and the fuel container before igniting. 6. Never fuel a stove, heater, or lantern inside a cabin; always do this outdoors. Do not operate a stove or lantern in an unventilated structure. Provide at least two ventilation openings, one high and one low, to provide oxygen and exhaust for lethal gases. Never fuel, ignite, or operate a stove, heater, or lantern in a tent. 7. Place the stove on a level, secure surface before operating. On snow, place insulated support under the stove to prevent melting and tipping. 8. Periodically check fittings on compressed-gas stoves and on pressurized liquid-gas stoves for leakage, using soap solution before lighting. 9. To avoid possible fires, locate gas tanks, stoves, etc., below any tents since heavy leaking gas will flow downhill the same as water. 10.When lighting a stove, keep fuel bottles and extra canisters well away. Do not hover over the stove when lighting it. Keep your head and body to one side. Open the stove valve quickly for two full turns and light carefully, with head, fingers, and hands to the side of the burner. Then adjust down. 11.Do not leave a lighted stove or lantern unattended.
Page 132 Handbook for Skippers 12.Do not overload the stove top with heavy pots or large frying pans. If pots over 2 quarts are necessary, set up a separate grill with legs to hold the pot, and place the stove under the grill. 13.Bring empty fuel containers home for disposal. Do not place in or near fires. Empty fuel containers will explode if heated and should never be put in fireplaces or with burnable trash.
Fireworks
The Boy Scouts of America prohibits the securing, use, and display of fireworks in conjunction with programs and activities except where the fireworks display is conducted under the auspices of a certified or licensed fireworks control expert. Local councils may not authorize any group or chartered Ship activity for or on behalf of its members, Ships, or district to sell fireworks as a fund-raising or money-earning activity.
Ship Fund-raisers
Include these safety considerations when planning a Ship fund-raiser:
1. Money-earning projects should be suited to the ages and abilities of youth participants. 2. Proper adult supervision should be provided. 3. Youth should engage in money-earning projects only in neighborhoods that are safe and familiar and should use the buddy system. 4. Leaders must train youth members to never enter the home of a stranger and to know whom to contact in case of an emergency. 5. Youth participants should be familiar with safe pedestrian practices and participate during daylight hours only. 6. Compliance requirements: a. Check local statutes regarding solicitation rules and permits. b. A Unit Fund-raising Permit must be obtained from the local council service center.
Unauthorized and Restricted Activities
The following activities have been declared unauthorized and restricted by the Boy Scouts of America:
# All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are banned from program use. ATVs are defined a motorized recreational cycles with three or four large, soft tires, designed for off-road use on a variety of terrains. # Boxing, karate, and related martial arts are not authorized activities. # Chainsaws and mechanical log splitters may be authorized for use only by trained individuals over the age of 18, using proper protective gear in accordance with local laws.
Handbook for Skippers Page 133 # Exploration of abandoned mines is an unauthorized activity. # Varsity football teams and interscholastic or club football competition and activities are unauthorized activities. # Fireworks secured, used, or displayed in conjunction with program and activities is unauthorized except where the fireworks display is conducted under the auspices of a certified or licensed fireworks control expert. # The selling of fireworks as a fund-raising or money-earning activity by any group acting for or on behalf of members, Ships, or districts may not be authorized by councils. # Flying in hang gliders, ultralights, experimental class aircraft, hot-air balloons, parachuting, and flying in aircraft as part of a search and rescue mission are unauthorized activities. # All motorized speed events, including motorcycles, boats, drag racing, demolition derbies, and related events, are not authorized activities for any program level. # Participation in amateur or professional rodeo events and council or district sponsorship of rodeos are not authorized. # The activity commonly referred to as “War Games” – in which individuals shoot paint or dye at one another – is an unauthorized activity. # Motorized personal watercraft, such as jet-skis, are not authorized for use in Scouting aquatics, and their use should not be permitted in or near BSA program areas. # Except for (1) law enforcement officers required to carry firearms within their jurisdiction, and (2) circumstances within the scope of the BSA hunting policy statement, firearms should not be in the possession of any person engaged in camping, hiking, backpacking, or any other Scouting activity other than those specifically planned for target shooting under the supervision of a certified firearms instructor. (Among the purposes of this policy is to prohibit adult leaders from bringing firearms on BSA camping and hiking activities or to Ship meetings.) # Parasailing, or any activity in which a person is carried aloft by a parachute, parasail, kite, or other device towed by a motorboat or by any other means, is unauthorized. # All activities related to bungee cord jumping (sometimes called shock cord jumping) are unauthorized.
Page 134 Handbook for Skippers 8. PROGRAM RESOURCES
Sea Scouting at times is as simple as cruising on a mirrored sea. At other times it can be as complex and difficult as navigating unfamiliar waters during a storm. Every Skipper needs the advice of experts, commonly referred to as consultants, who are skilled in fields of seamanship and other member interests. You will also need the help of publications containing information you need.
It is only when you gain experience as a seasoned Skipper that you will discover how much more there is to learn and how much outside help is available.
This chapter lists publications, agencies, and organizations you can write to or contact personally for help.
Agencies such as the Coast Guard, National Ocean Service, and the National Oceano- graphic and Atmospheric Administration have official publications and charts your Ship can use. They also have consultants in your fields of interest in many parts of the nation who can help your Ship secure training, facilities, and equipment.
In this listing you will find many sources of good literature for your Ship program. Review these helps carefully to discover what is helpful and available to you. Then write to the addresses given or, when possible, phone or stop at local offices for resources that will help keep the wind in your program sails.
U.S. Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard was first authorized by Congress in 1790. It is part of the Department of Transportation in peacetime but comes under the Navy in wartime. In peacetime the Coast Guard’s primary responsibility is safety of life and property at sea and on navigable waters in the United States.
It conducts search and rescue operations to help vessels in distress. It enforces Federal laws and promotes safe boating through education. It oversees the numbering of undocumented powerboats and administers the numbering system in states that have not assumed this responsibility.
The Coast Guard sees to the maintenance of standards of safety equipment for pleasure craft. For boats, ships, and planes it maintains buoys, lighthouses, and other aids to navigation. It produces a variety of publications including the Rules of the Road, the Light Lists, local Notices to Mariners, the Recreational Boating Guide, and Pleasure Craft.
Handbook for Skippers Page 135 The Coast Guard maintains a chain of marine inspection offices, lifesaving stations, communication centers, support centers, air stations, and other facilities along the coasts of the United States, Newfoundland, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico, as well as on the Great Lakes and major inland rivers. These facilities are often available to Sea Scout Ships.
The Coast Guard operates hundreds of vessels, ranging from 400-foot ice breaking vessels to 13-foot skimmers. Included among these are motor lifeboats, surfboats, buoy tenders, patrol craft, high endurance cutters, and helicopter search-and-rescue ships. It also uses many types of aircraft, including helicopters, amphibians, and long-range cargo planes.
The Coast Guard also maintains a network of primary and secondary radio stations. They keep a round-the-clock vigil, including the distress and calling frequencies of 2182 KHz and 156.8 MHz (marine band FM channel 16).
The Coast Guard encourages the use of many different distress signals. One of the simplest is raising and lowering your arms, outstretched to either side, slowly and repeatedly.
You can reach the Coast Guard by telephone or by mail. Each of the 10 district offices includes a rescue coordination center with 24-hour telephone service. Look in the telephone directory under “U.S. Government,” or look in the front under emergencies.
Marine inspection offices are located in or near Coast Guard district offices and in other cities as well.
National Ocean Service
This is a scientific and technical bureau of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). President Thomas Jefferson created the bureau in 1807.
Its purpose is to assist marine and air commerce by creating nautical and aeronautical charts and related publications.
NOS produces most of the nautical charts in the United States. These charts cover more than 85,000 miles of coastline an offshore areas.
National Ocean Service nautical charts and publications are sold by authorized sales agents, located in many U.S. ports and in some foreign ports. Charts and publications may also be obtained directly from the National Ocean Service's Distribution Division. Mail orders should be sent to:
Page 136 Handbook for Skippers Distribution Division (N/ACC3) National Ocean Service 6501 Lafayette Avenue Riverdale, MD 20737-1199
Telephone orders may be placed (Visa or MasterCard accepted) to 301-436-6990, or 1-800-638-8975 or by FAX: 301-436-6829.
Navigational Charts
Navigational charts for North American waters are issued by three U.S. Government departments and by one Canadian agency.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration produces more than 800 charts. They distribute more than a million copies a year. These are for all U.S. coastal waters (including tidal rivers).
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for important inland rivers. These include the Mississippi system and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Its U.S. Lake Survey covers the Great Lakes and connecting waters.
Offshore charts are produced by the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office. They also republish foreign charts of navigable waters around the world.
The Canadian Hydrographic Service is the official body that charts the Dominion’s important waters.
Chart No. 1 is a 26-page booklet that covers all nautical charts that are issued by the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office, Washington, D.C. 20390. It is available free from all U.S. chart- issuing agencies.
U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office
This is a unit of the U.S. Navy until 1962 called the U.S. Navy Hydrographic Office. It produces nautical charts and related material for naval and merchant vessels on the high seas and in foreign waters.
This material is similar to the publications that the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey and U.S. Coast Guard produce for coastal and harbor areas. Much of it is available to any Sea Scout Ship.
The Oceanographic Office, which goes back to 1830, has headquarters in Maryland, outside Washington, D.C., and branch offices in seacoast cities around the country.
Handbook for Skippers Page 137 Besides nautical charts, sailing directions, and light lists for the high seas and foreign waters, the Oceanographic Office issues pilot, plotting, loran, Consolan and other charts. Essential books available are Radio Navigational Aids, Radio Weather Aids, International Code of Signals, American Practical Navigator (Bowditch), and the Navigation Dictionary. A weekly Notice to Mariners is prepared in cooperation with the Coast Guard.
H.O. charts and publications, as they still are known, can be obtained through both main and branch Oceanographic Offices.
A catalog listing the publications is available free from U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office, Washington, D.C. 20390.
Rules of the Road
The U.S. Coast Guard enforces the rules of the road in U.S. waters and adjacent international waters. Both rules are found in their pamphlet, Navigation Rules – International and Inland (COMDTPUB P16672.2 (series)). This pamphlet also includes the Pilot Rules and other related information.
For reference on legal requirements for recreational vessels, refer to the pamphlet, Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats.
These pamphlets and other related publications, may be obtained in limited quantities either from the nearest Coast Guard district office, boating safety branch, or marine safety office or by writing to: Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Boating Safety, 2100 Second Street, SW, Washington, DC 20593-0001. Additionally, your nearest U.S. Coast Guard district office, Aids to Navigation Branch, can provide you, free of charge, local ‘Notice to Mariners.’
If not available, publications may be purchased from: Supervisor, Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20401, or call (202) 783- 3238 to make telephone orders.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
This is a civilian arm of the Coast Guard that concerns itself principally with the promotion of safety in small boats. It goes back to 1939 and has a membership exceeding 20,000 volunteers. Its organization follows the 10 Coast Guard districts. For information write to: Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Auxiliary [G-OCX], 2100 2nd Street, SW, Washington, DC 20593-0001.
U.S. Navy
Page 138 Handbook for Skippers The U.S. Navy is the branch of the Armed Forces of the United States that acts to maintain command of the seas. The Navy includes ships, aircraft, and the men who operate them. It involves shore bases, training stations, and reserve centers–all equipped with facilities and knowledgeable people who can help Sea Scout Ships carry out their programs.
No doubt there is a naval facility in your area. Look in the white pages of your telephone directory under “U.S. Government.”
U.S. Power Squadron
These are nonprofit, educational organizations of amateur boatmen. They promote safety afloat, skill in boat handling, piloting, and navigation. They cooperate with Federal agencies to bring about a better understanding of boating laws and regulations.
They have well over 50,000 members organized into more than three hundred local squadrons in 25 geographic districts. Their training course in piloting and small-boat handling is offered free through local squadrons.
For further information write the U.S. Power Squadrons, Box 510, Englewood, N.J. 07631, or call 1-888-FOR-USPS.
US Sailing
US Sailing is the principal yacht racing association in the United States. Established in 1925, the organization includes all of the major yacht clubs and many of the prominent yachtsmen in the country. It represents the United States to the International Yacht Racing Union and to the U.S. Olympic Committee. It is the source of all yacht racing rules used within the United States and is very active in the calculation of racing yacht ratings and in the establishment of yacht racing safety rules. For more information, contact them at US SAILING, Box 1260, 15 Maritime Dr., Portsmouth, RI 02871, 1-800-US SAIL-1.
Yachting Associations
Throughout the United States there are a number of associations of yacht clubs formed for yacht racing and other cooperative purposes. Two examples are the Yacht Racing Association of Long Island Sound and the Yacht Racing Association of San Francisco Bay. These are important sources of information and support for Sea Scouting. The address of your local yachting association can be obtained from any yacht club in your area.
Handbook for Skippers Page 139 NAUTICAL BOOKS, PUBLICATIONS, AND INTERNET RESOURCES
Most publications listed are available in your local library. Merit badge pamphlets may be ordered from the council service center.
Piloting and Navigation S33308 Astronomy merit badge pamphlet, No. Motorboating merit badge pamphlet, No. S33303 S33294 Basic Marine Navigation, Bart J. Bok and Rowing merit badge pamphlet, No. Francis W. Wright S33392 How To Navigate Today, Marion R. Hart Young Sportsman’s Guide to Motor- and William McEwen boating, William Pearsall Navigation the Easy Way, Carl D. Lane Knots and Ropework and John Montgomery Art of Knotting and Splicing, The, Cyrus Primer for Star Gazers, Henry M. Neeley Day Primer of Navigation, George W. Mixter The Ashley Book of Knots, Clifford W. Ashley Radio merit badge pamphlet, No. S33333 Decorating Knots, Peter Owen Weather merit badge pamphlet, No. S33274 Encyclopedia of Knots and Fancy Rope Work, Raoul Graumont and John J. Boat Design and Building Hensel American Small Sailing Craft, Howard I. Fisherman’s Knots – and Nets, Raoul Chapelle Graumont and Elmer Wenstrom Make Your Own Sails, R. M. Bowker and The Morrow Guide to Knots, Mario S. A. Budd Bigon and Guido Regazzoni Boat Maintenance and Engines Safety, First Aid, Swimming, The Big Book of Boat Canvas, Karen S. and Lifesaving Lipe First Aid merit badge pamphlet, No. Boat Maintenance Afloat and Ashore, S33276 Vols. I, II, and III, Charles F. Chap- How To Survive on Land and Sea, U.S. man Naval Institute, Annapolis, Md. Small Boat Engines, Conrad Miller Lifesaving merit badge pamphlet, No. Canoes, Rowboats, Outboards S33297 Canoe Camping, Carle W. Handel Swimming merit badge pamphlet, No. S33299 Canoeing merit badge pamphlet, No.
Page 140 Handbook for Skippers Sea Lore and History Naval Ceremonies, Customs, and Traditions, William Mack and Royal American Small Sailing Craft, Howard I. Connell Chapelle Pilot, The, James Fenimore Cooper Around the World Single-Handed, Harry Pidgeon Robinson Crusoe, Daniel Dafoe Bird of Dawning, John Masefield Sailing Alone Around the World, Joshua Slocum The Brendan Voyage or The China Voyage, Tim Severin Sailing and Small Craft Down the Ages, Edgar L. Bloomster Captain Blood, Rafael Sabatini Sailing Ship, The, Romola and R. C. An- Captain Courageous, Rudyard Kipling derson Cruise of the Amaryllis, George Salty Words, Robert Hendrickson Muhlhauser The Sea Witch, Alexander Laing Cruise of the Cachalot, Frank Bullen The Serpent’s Coil, Farley Mowat Endurance, Alfred Lansing Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson The Good Shepard, C. S. Forester 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Jules Greyhounds of the Sea, Carl C. Cutler Verne Guide to Fishing Boats and Their Gear, C. Two Years Before the Mast, Richard H. H. Blair and W. D. Ansel Dana The Hornblower series, C. S. Forester Venturesome Voyages, J. C. Voss History of American Sailing Ships, The, Westward Ho, Charles Kingsley Howard I. Chapelle Whale Hunt, Nelson C. Haley Kon-Tiki, Thor Heyerdahl General Seamanship Land and Sea Tales for Scouts and Scout Masters, Rudyard Kipling The Annapolis Book of Seamanship, John Rousmaniere Lively Lady, The, Kenneth L. Roberts Basic Seamanship and Safe Boat Hand- Lives of the Liners, Frank O. Braynard ling, Blair Walliser Lubbers Afloat, Thomas J. Keane The Bluejackets’ Manual Men Against the Sea, Nordhoff and Hall International Maritime Dictionary, Rene Moby Dick, Herman Melville de Kerchove Mutiny on the Bounty, Nordhoff and Modern Seamanship, Admiral A. M. Hall Knight and U.S. Naval Academy offi- cers
Handbook for Skippers Page 141 New Boatman’s Manual, Carl D. Lane Guide to America, Elmer Jenkins. Com- prehensive description of historic, Oceanography merit badge pamphlet, recreational, scenic, and other points; No. S33296 listed by States and communities. Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Sailing and Racing Handling, Charles F. Chapman ABC’s of Small Boat Handling, Alice and This Business of Boating, Elwell B. Thom- Lincoln Clark as Basic Sailing, M. B. George Galley Techniques and Outdoor Cooking and Camping Book of Small Boat Sailing, Sports Illus- trated The Boy Scout Handbook, No. 33229. All-around outdoor handbook. Glenans Sailing Manual, Philippe Harle Cooking merit badge pamphlet, No. The New Yacht Racing Rules, rev. ed., S33257 Robert N. Bavier, Jr. The Gourmet Galley, Terence Janericco Race Your Boat Right, Arthur Knapp, Jr. How To Survive on Land and Sea, U.S. Sailboat Classes of North America, The, Naval Institute, Annapolis, Md. Im- F. S. Blanchard provising and living off the land; Sailing Made Easy, Rufus G. Smith food, fire, shelter orientation. Sailing Technique, H. A. Calahan Mariner’s Cookbook, N. H. Woodward Sailing To Win, Robert N. Bavier, Jr. The New Cruising Cookbook, Jones and Norton The Sailing Yacht, Juan Baader Outdoor Cook’s Bible, The, Joseph D. Small-Boat Sailing merit badge pamphlet, Bates, Jr. No. S33319 Cruising, Tours, and Expedi- The Small-Boat Sailor’s Bible, Hervey tions Garret Smith Tours and Expeditions, BSA publication, Start ’em Sailing, Gordon C. Aymar No. S33735. An excellent guide to Personal Fitness and Citizen- plan and conduct a cruise or trip. A ship cruise leader’s friend, complete with camp facilities by states, necessary Citizenship in the Nation merit badge forms, permits, policies, and work- pamphlet, No. S33248 book pages. Ship Meeting Helps Cruising Guide to the New England Essentials of Parliamentary Procedure, J. Coast, Roger Duncan and Fessenden Jeffrey Auer. Rules especially for Blanchard small group meetings.
Page 142 Handbook for Skippers So You Were Elected, Virginia Bailard and S33299 Harry McKown. How to lead and Swimming and Water Safety, American operate high-school-group meetings; Red Cross. A complete text on learn- how to plan various types of socials. ing to swim and dive. Sports and Aquatics Boating Magazines Be Expert With Map and Compass, Bjorn Motor Boating Kjellstrom. One Design and Offshore Yachts Boy’s Complete Book of Fresh and Salt Water Fishing, Oliver H. Rodman and Rudder Edward C. Janes. Field Sports, No. Sail 12020 The Skipper Canoeing, American Red Cross Yachting Canoeing merit badge pamphlet, No. S33308 Internet Resources Lifesaving merit badge pamphlet, No. Boy Scouts of America home page S33297
Handbook for Skippers Page 143 GLOSSARY OF SEA TERMS
ABAFT – Toward the stern; at the rear of fitted into a rail; it is used for the secur- a ship. ing of sheets and halyards. ABEAM – The direction at right angles to BELL – Used aboard a boat as a warning the keel of the boat. signal, or as a means of announcing ABOARD – On or in the boat. time. ABREAST – Lying or moving side-by-side. BELOW – In the cabin or under the deck. ADRIFT – Not made fast; lying around BEND – To fasten by means of a bend or loose. knot. AFT – In, near, or toward the stern or rear BIGHT – Any part of a rope except the of the boat. ends; usually refers to a curl or loop in AFTER – Toward the stern. a rope. AGROUND – On the bottom; stranded. BILGE – The curved or angular part of the AHEAD – In a forward direction. hull where the bottom and sides meet; AMIDSHIPS – Midway between the bow also, the internal part of the boat below and the stern, or the front and back of waterline. the boat. BINNACLE – Protective casing for the ANCHORAGE – A sheltered area where compass. boats can anchor in reasonable safety. BITT – A post or fitting to which mooring ASTERN – Behind a boat, or in a back- lines are secured. ward position. BITTER END – The last part of a rope, or AUXILIARY – A boat equipped to be pro- the last link in an anchor chain. pelled by sail or power, or both used BLOCK – A mechanical contrivance used together. for transmitting power or changing the AWEIGH – Said of an anchor when it is direction of motion by means of a rope clear of the bottom. or chain passing around movable pul- BACKSTAY – A wire brace led aft to sup- leys. port a mast against the pressure of the BOOM – A spar at the foot of a wind. fore-and-aft sail to which the sail is BAROMETER – An instrument for mea- secured. suring atmospheric pressure. BOOM CRUTCH – A notched upright BEAM – The greatest width of a vessel. board or metal structure into which the BEAM SEA – A sea running at right angles boom fits when the sails are furled or to the boat’s course. off the spars. BEARING – The direction of an object BOW – The forward or front end of a from a boat (expressed in compass vessel. degrees). BOW CHOCKS – Metal fittings on deck at BEAT – A zigzag course against the wind. the bow through which anchor and BEAUFORT SCALE – A table describing dock lines are led. 12 stages of the velocity of winds. BOWSPRIT – A spar to which the head- BELAY – A command to stop. A line is sails are attached, extending forward belayed when it is made fast. beyond the bow. BELAYING PIN – A wooden or metal pin BREAK OUT – To remove from a storage
Page 144 Handbook for Skippers GLOSSARY OF SEA TERMS
space. pit. BRIGHTWORK – Woodwork on a vessel COCKPIT – Open part or well of the boat which is varnished or finished to show where passengers sit and the helmsman its grain steers. BROACH TO – Said of a vessel under sail COIL – To lay a rope down in circular when running with the wind on the turns; a coil of rope is 200 fathoms. quarter. The ship’s head comes up COLORS – The ceremony of raising or suddenly toward the wind in conse- lowering the national ensign and other quence of a sea striking the stern or recognized flags. through bad steering. COME ABOUT – To change the course of BULKHEAD – A wall or partition between a ship when sailing by the wind so that compartments –often watertight for it will sail at the same angle with the safety. wind on the other side. BUNK – A Sea Scout’s delight–his bed. COURSE – The direction steered by the Also, something reported that is not vessel. done or not true. CRINGLE – A ring sewn into the sail so BUOY – A floating marker anchored to the that a line can be passed through it, like bottom. a grommet in the edge of a tent. CABLE – A rope or chain secured to the CROSS BEARING – Two or more bearings anchor. of known objectives noted and plotted CARRY – The forward momentum of a on a chart to determine the Ship’s posi- boat after it has come head to wind. tion. CAST OFF – To let go of a line. CURRENT – The movement of water in a CAULK – To make seams water tight by horizontal direction. filling them with cotton or oakum. DEAD RECKONING – The procedure CENTERBOARD – A movable plate of used to determine the position of a wood or metal that can be raised or vessel at any moment during periods lowered through the keel of a sailboat when the weather renders astronomical to prevent sliding to leeward. observations impossible. CHAFING GEAR – A wrapping of canvas DECKHOUSE – A cabin built on an upper or rope around spars, rigging, or lines deck which does not extend over the to prevent chafing. full breadth of the vessel. CHART – Marine version of a road map DEVIATION – The change in the compass showing aids to navigation, shoals, reading caused by the magnetic influ- water depth, dangers, etc. ence of the iron and steel in a boat and CLEAR – Free, not entangled. its equipment. CLEAT – A horned fitting of wood or DISPLACEMENT – The number of tons of metal to which lines are made fast. water displaced by a vessel afloat. CLEW – The after lower corner of a sail. DITTY BAG – A small bag for carrying or CLOSE-HAULED – Sailing as close to the stowing personal articles. wind as possible. DOWNWIND – To leeward. COAMlNG – A protective rail higher than DRAFT – Depth of a hull from waterline the deck to keep water out of the cock- to lowest part of keel.
Handbook for Skippers Page 145 GLOSSARY OF SEA TERMS
EASE – To slacken or loosen. two approaching vessels, should keep EMBARK – To go onboard. out of the way of the other. ENSIGN – The flag of the United States of GROUND TACKLE – The anchor and America. anchoring gear. FAKE DOWN – A method of coiling rope GUNWALE – “Gunnel”; upper edge or so that each fake (flat coil) overlaps the rail of a boat’s side. previous one and is free for running HALYARD – A line used for hoisting sails. out rapidly. HANDSOMELY – Gradually or carefully, FAST – A rope or chain by which a vessel as when slacking or easing a rope on is secured to a wharf, pier, quay, etc. which there is strain. FATHOM – A nautical measure of 6 feet. HATCH – An opening through the deck to FENDERS – Portable bumpers hung over a cabin or area below. sides to protect the hull from contact HAWSER – Fiber rope 5 to 24 inches in with dock or other boat. circumference used for towing or work- FID – A tapered wooden tool used to sepa- ing the Ship. rate the strands of a rope before splic- HEAD – The toilet aboard a boat. ing. HEADING – The direction in which a ship FITTING – General name for ship’s hard- actually points or heads at any particu- ware. lar moment. FIX – A term denoting the determination HEAVE – To throw; the rise and fall of a of a ship’s position by observation of vessel at sea. celestial or terrestrial objects or by a HEAVE IN – To pull (as on an anchor combination of both. line). FLOTSAM – Floating trees plants, drift- HEAVE TO – To pull a sailing vessel in wood, wreckage, etc. (any “stuff” float- the position of lying to, by putting the ing). helm down or hauling in the weather FLUKE – The flattened end of an anchor braces, to cause the sails to counteract arm. each other. FORE AND AFT – In line with the keel; HEAVING LINE – A light line, or messen- from stem to stern; lengthwise. ger. attached to a heavier line and FORESTAY – A stay leading from a mast thrown to a pier or other vessel. forward. HEEL – A boat heels when it into one side FORWARD – Toward the bow. or the other. There is a transverse tilt FOUL – Not clear; jammed; tangled. when the hull is off the vertical. FRAME – A boat’s rib. HELM – The steering device; tiller, wheel. FREEBOARD – The distance between the HELMSMAN – The person who steers. waterline and the main deck or rail. HITCH – A knot, usually tempo, which is GALLEY – Kitchen aboard a boat. designed to be untied quickly. GEAR – Name applied to blocks, tackle, HOOK – Sailor’s name for an anchor. ropes. and other equipment used in HULL – The main body or shell of a boat, operating a boat. exclusive of super-structure. GIVE-WAY VESSEL – The vessel which, JACK – A flag composed only of the canon according to the rules of the road for or union of the national ensign.
Page 146 Handbook for Skippers GLOSSARY OF SEA TERMS
JETSAM – Those things that sink in the LOCKER – A chest, box, cabinet, or closet water–they don’t float like flotsam. used as a storage compartment. JIB – A triangular sail set ahead of the LOG – A record of a vessel’s activities; foremast on a sailboat. also, an instrument for measuring dis- JIBE – Bringing a sailboat from one tack to tance traveled. the other by swinging her stern across LOGBOOK – A record of all the activities the wind, in order to bring the sails to of a ship. the other side. To shift suddenly and LUFF – The forward or entering edge of a with force from one side to another sail. when running before the wind. LUFFING – The quivering of the luff when JIB SHEET – The line by which the angle sailing almost directly into the wind. of the jib is controlled. MAINSAIL – The boat’s main or principal JURY RIG – A makeshift rig. sail KEEL – The backbone of the boat; the MAINSHEET – The line by which the trim basic support extending from stem to (angle) of the mainsail is controlled. stern. MAKE FAST – To secure the belaying KlNGSPOKE – The upper spoke of the turns of a rope around a cleat or belay- steering wheel when the rudder is fore ing pin. and aft. MARLINESPIKE – A pointed steel tool KNOT – A measure of speed; the velocity used by seamen to separate the strands in nautical miles per hour. A nautical of rope when splicing. mile equals 6,080 feet per hour. MIDSHIPS – A term which describes the LANDLUBBER – What you are not when position of an object that is midway you are a seaman. between the stem and stern, or midway LANYARD – A short line used for making between the sides of the hull. anything fast. MIZZENMAST – The after and shorter of LAY – The twist of a rope’s strands. two masts on yawls and ketches; the LEAD – In sailing craft, this is the distance aftermost of three masts on a three- between the center of effort and the masted schooner or bark. center of lateral resistance. NAUTICAL MILE – Known as a sea mile; LEE – Pertaining to the part or side toward it is 6,080 feet long. which the wind blows, or which is OUTBOARD – Toward the sides of a ves- sheltered from the wind. sel or outside of it. LEEWARD – “loo-ard”; toward the lee OUTHAUL – A device and/or line used to side; away from the wind. haul out the clew (after corner) of a sail LEEWAY – A drift to leeward, or in the along a boom. direction toward which the wind is OVERHANG - The projection of the bow blowing. and stern beyond the waterline. LIMBERHOLES – Holes in the floor tim- PAINTER – A line at the bow of a dinghy bers or frames to allow bilge water to for securing it. drain into the lowest part of the hull PAY OUT – To slack away (let out) a line. LINES – Ropes used for various purposes PEAK – The angle formed by the head and aboard a boat. leech of a gaff sail.
Handbook for Skippers Page 147 GLOSSARY OF SEA TERMS
PILOTING – The method of directing a sured from hawsepipe to the anchor. vessel from place to place by soundings SEAM – The joint between adjacent or by referring to visible landmarks. planks. PIPE DOWN – An order directing every- SECURE – To make fast a line or to leave one to be quiet. a boat safely moored or tied up. POINT – The ability to sail close into the SEIZE – To bind, lash, or make fast one wind. rope to another. a rope to a spar, etc. PORT – The left side of a vessel looking SERVE - To bind or wind a rope tightly toward the bow. with small cord, spun yarn, or marline. QUARTER – That part of a craft lying SHACKLE – A wrought-iron or steel fit- within 45 degrees from the stern; star- ting with a pin across the throat. board or port quarter, depending SHEAVE – A grooved wheel in a block, whether after right or left corner is mast, or yard over which a rope passes. referred to. SHEET – A rope or chain fastened to one QUARTERDECK – The stern deck area of or both of the lower corners of a sail, the vessel. and used to extend it or change its RAIL – The boat’s side above the deck line. direction. REEF – To reduce sail area. SHIP’S ARTICLES – A self-imposed code REEVE – To thread a rope through a of procedures and conduct written by block. the Ship officers, based on the needs, RIGGING – A general term for all ropes, concerns, and desires of the Ship mem- chains, and gear used for supporting bers. and operating masts, yards, booms, SHIPSHAPE – In correct fashion aboard a gaffs, and sails. ship; everything orderly, secure, and in RIGHT-OF-WAY – The legal right to hold its place. one’s course. SHROUDS – Wire stays leading from the ROPE – A general term for cordage over 1 upper part of the mast to the deck. inch in circumference. SNUB – To check a rope or line from run- RUDDER – A device that is used for steer- ning out by making a turn about a ing and maneuvering a vessel. cleat, piling, or post. RULES OF THE ROAD – The rules and SPARS – All booms, masts, gaffs, etc., to regulations accepted by international which a sail may be set. agreement and enforced by law in mari- STARBOARD – The right side of a vessel, time countries which govern the move- looking forward. ments of ships when approaching each STAND-ON VESSEL – The vessel that other. according to the rules of the road for RUNNING – Sailing with the wind astern. two approaching vessels has the RUNNING RIGGING – Rope or wire right-of-way and should under normal lines which control sails. conditions keep her course and speed. SAIL – A piece of fabric of some kind STAY – Rigging; a wire or line which sup- spread to the wind to cause a vessel to ports a mast. move through the water. STEM – The vertical timber or leading SCOPE – This is the length of cable mea- edge of a boat.
Page 148 Handbook for Skippers GLOSSARY OF SEA TERMS
STERN – The after part or back end of a to anchor or has left its moorings and is vessel. making progress through the water. SWAB – A nautical name for a mop. VARIATION – Difference in direction TACK – To change the course of a ship between true north and magnetic when sailing by the wind by turning her north. head toward the wind so that she will VEER – To slack off and allow to run out sail at the same angle but with the wind (like veering more anchor line, for on the other side. instance). THWART – A transverse seat in a boat. WAKE – The track a vessel leaves astern. THWARTSHIPS – Crosswise of the deck; WATCH – The part of a ship’s company at right angles to the fore-and-aft line. employed in working it at one time. TILLER – The handle attached to the WAY – The progress or motion through rudder by which the boat is steered. the water of a vessel. A vessel gathers TOPSIDES – The sides of hull above wa- way when its rate of sailing increases. terline. WEATHER SIDE – The windward side; TRANSOM – The framework of the stern; the side toward the wind. the boards forming the flat stern area WINDWARD – “win’ard”; the direction of any boat not having a pointed stern. from which the wind is blowing. TRIM – The fore and aft level at which a YAW – A vessel yaws when it swings boat floats; the set of a boat’s sails. widely from one side of the course to TRUE WIND – The direction of the wind the other – usually when running be- as observed from a stationary object. fore heavy, quartering seas. UNDER WAY – Refers, under normal conditions, to a vessel that has weighed
Handbook for Skippers Page 149 Index
50-Miler Award, 91, 97 Annual boat safety checklist, 174 Abandon ship, 101 Applications Ability groups, 105 Boardsailing, BSA, 90 Able badge, 98 BSA Flight Permit, 129 Achievement patches, 93, 97 BSA Lifeguard, 90 Activity charter, 14 assignment, 18 heroism awards, 91 board, 11, 57 Historic Trails Award, 91 idea suggestions, 19 Hornaday Award, 91 Long Cruise, 47 membership, 68 national, 50, 56 Snorkeling BSA, 90 participation, 74 Apprentice badge, 98 promotion, 53 Aquatics awards, 90 regional, 56 Assistant Crew Leader, 98 review, 12, 45 Automobiles, 126 safety policy, 118 Awards schedule, 12, 44 see specific award Activity committee Baden-Powell, Robert, 75 council and district activities, 56 Bell time, 61 makeup and method, 52 Bloodborne pathogens, 125 serving on, 19, 20, 74 Boardsailing, BSA, 90 Activity committee chair Boat activity review, 45 etiquette, 69 appointment, 10, 39, 51 Boat and Gear Team, 24 coaching, 53 BOAT/U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety job description, 18 Course Line, 117 recognition, 82 Boats Admission ceremony, 61, 126 acquiring, 109 Adult leadership assignment, 24 recognition, 93 donations, 110 young, 1 Federal laws, 116 Advancement insurance, 115 adult recognition, 93 landings, 72 emphasizing, 81 loading, 105 Skipper's conference, 165 operation, 107 Age passing, 72 Mate, 11 personnel classifications, 118 Skipper, 7 safety checklist, 117 Aircraft, 129 salutes, 72 Alcohol, 131 Boatswain, 15 Allegience, pledge of, 63 badge, 98 Annual activity schedule, 9, 44 Boatswain's Mate
Page 150 Handbook for Skippers INDEX
badge, 98 Colors, 69 job description, 16 Columbia Ranger, 79 Boy Scout Requirements, 90 Commodore, 22 Bridge of honor, 52, 61 Congressional Award, 92 BSA Flight Permit, 129 Consultants, 54 BSA Lifeguard, 90, 97 recruiting, 14 Buddy plan, 105 Ship Committee members, 14 Budget planning and account sheet, 162 Correspondence, ship, 17 Bugler, 15 Council Campers, 127 activities, 46, 57 Campways Tours and Expeditions, 91 Commodore, 22 Capacity plates, 106 service center, 14, 24, 34, 39, 49, 56, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 125 90, 120, 131 Career interest support, 22 surveys, 22, 24, 37 Courtesies, 59 Carey, Arthur A., 75 Courtesy Marine Examination, 116 Ceremonies, 60 Coxswain Certificates see Crew Leader of Inspection, 117 CPR, 125 qualified seaman, 92 Crew Leader, 18 US Power Squadron, 93 badge, 98 Chairman, Sea Scouting reporting, 60 see Commodore Crew Leader, Assistant Change of watch, 60 badge, 98 Charter Cruise log, 161 application, 14 Cruise plan for Sea Scout Ships and Ven- presentation, 15, 21, 34, 36 turing Posts, 166 review meeting, 14 Cruising for Sea Scouts, 76 Charts, navigational, 137 Cyclodial waves, 108 Chemical fuels, 132 Deck plan, landship, 62 Child abuse, 131 Defense Reutilization and Marketing Of- Church pennant, 69 fice, 112 Claerhout, John M., 78 Democracy, 19, 26 Closing ceremony, 61 Discipline, 2 Coast and Geodetic Survey, 137 Safe Swim Defense, 105 Coast Guard, 135 District support, Sea Scouting, 24 relations, 115 Diving, Scuba, 121 Code Dockage, 24 ship's articles, 63 Donations Coed gifts, 24 overnights, 130 military surplus, 24 overnights , 130 Double salute, 58 Collision, 101 Drills, safety, 100
Handbook for Skippers Page 151 INDEX
Driver qualification, 126 boat etiquette, 69 Driving and transportation, 126 displaying, 70 DRMO, 112 Sea Scout, 67, 70 Drugs, 131 useage aboard ship, 70 Dues, Ship, 17 Flight Permit, 129 Eagle Award, 81 Flights, safety policies, 129 Election Fuels, 132 crew and Crew Leaders, 18 Fund-raisers, 133 petty officers, 39 Galley, 103, 143 Electrical system, 103 cook, 15 Engine room, 102 Gifts, 24 Ensign Glossary of sea terms, 145 national, 59, 66, 70, 146 Guide to Safe Scouting, 116 U.S. yacht, 69, 70 Handbook for Boys, 76 Equipment Handbook for Skippers, 77, 79 Coast Guard approved, 99 Handbooks, Sea Scouts, 76 landship, 61 Harbor log, 17, 68, 159 military surplus, 112 Heavy weather afloat, 107 private donations, 110 Heroism Award, 91 records, 18 Heroism awards, 91 safety, 99 Historian, 17 securing, 13, 17 Historic Trails Award, 90, 97 Etiquette, boat, 69 History, Sea Scouting, 75 Extinguishers, fire, 99 Honor Medal, 91, 97 Federal Hornaday Award, 91, 97 boating laws, 107 Ideals, Sea Scouting, 63 Finances Immunizations, 124 Budget planning and account sheet, Independence, young adults, 4 162 Insignia, Uniform, 87, 97, 175 fund-raising projects, 133 where to get, 89 Ship financial report, 17 Inspection and Certification Requirements Ship funds, 13, 17 boat, 107, 116 superactivity, 48 Insurance, boats, 115 Fire Inventory, equipment, 18 drill, 102 Job descriptions, 7 fighting, 104 Johnson, Bruce Chr., 79 prevention, 102 Kansan, 77 First aid, 125 Keane, Commander Thomas J., 77 First aid kit, 104, 125 Landship, 31 First Mate, 12 and equipment, 61 Fitch, Morgan L., Jr., 79 deck plans, 62 Flags Layouts, landship, 62 see also National ensign Leadership
Page 152 Handbook for Skippers INDEX
adult, 7 17 definition, 7 Money-Earning Application, 133 ship member ability, 20 Money-earning projects, 133 skills and competence, 7 National winning or losing face, 2 Court of Honor, 91 Lidderdale, William J., 78 ensign, 59, 66, 69, 146 Life experience areas, 52 Sea Scouting Committee, 50, 77, 79, Life preservers, 100 115 Life rings, 100 tour permit application, 49 Lifeboat, 102 Venturing Leadership Conference, 46 Lifeguards, 105 National activities, 46, 50 Lifesaving National Ocean Service, 136 devices, 100 Nautical books and publications, 141 Lindgren, Arthur N., 79 Nautical Scouting, 76 Lockers, 103 Naval installations, 24 Log, Cruise, 161 Naval Oceanographic Office, 137 Log, Harbor, 68, 159 Navigational charts, 137 Logbooks, 67, 161 Navigator, 15 Long Cruise, 47 Newsletter editor, 15 Long Cruise badge, 97 Nimitz, Adm. Chester W., 77 Longstreth, Charles T., 76 Nominating committee, Petty officers, 39 Lookout, 105 Notice to Mariners, 135, 138 Man overboard, 100 Officers flags, displaying of, 71 Mate, 11 Opening ceremony, 60 badge, 98 Order of the Arrow, 97 selection, 13 Ordinary Award, 81 Maturity, 2 badge, 98 Medal of Merit, 91, 97 Outside activities, recognition, 82 Medical information, 123 Overnights, coed, 130 Membership Papers, Ship, 67 applications, 68 Parent cooperation, 14 know-how, 19 Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993, 116 recruiting, 16, 37 Personal floation devised, 100, 121 Ship Committee, 34 Personal problems, 20, 75 Menninger, Dr. William C., 77 Personnel changes, Ship, 35 Meyer, G. V. L., 76 Personnel classifications, 118 Mile Swim, BSA, 97 Petty officers Military assistants, 15 installations, 24 elections, 39 surplus, 24, 112 job description, 15 Minto, Bill, 79 Ship member cooperation, 19 Minute, Skipper's, 73 Skipper's role, 9 Minutes, Ship and Quarterdeck meetings, training, 40
Handbook for Skippers Page 153 INDEX
Philmont Scout Ranch and Venturer Base, badge, 98 47 Qualifications Photographer, 15 Boatswain, 15 Physical fitness, Safe Swim Defense, 105 Boatswain’s Mate, 16 Pioneer, 75 driver, 126 Piping the side, 59 Mates, 11 Pleasure Craft, 135 petty officers, 15 Pledge of allegiance, 63 Skipper, 7 Policies Qualified Seaman bar, 92, 97 acquisition of boats and equipment, Qualified supervision, 105 109 Quarterdeck meetings, 26 adult leadership, 130 agenda, 28 aircraft, 129 minutes, 17 alcohal, 131 national activities, 46 automobiles, 126 ship meeting pattern, 30 bloodborne pathogens, 125 Skipper's role, 9 boats, 128 Quarterdeck seminar, 9, 40 buses, 128 Quartermaster campers, trailers, and trucks, 127 Award, 81 coed overnights, 130 badge, 98 driving and transportation, 126 knot, 98 drugs, 131 Ranger, 66 fuels, 132 Receiving medical, 123 Skipper, 60 military surplus, 112 visitors, 60 money-earning projects, 133 Rechartering, 14 smoking, 131 forms, 34, 35 unauthorized and restricted activities, meeting, 34 133 process, 34 Power vessels, displaying flags, 71 Service Team role, 23 Program capability inventory, 14, 23, 43, Recognition, 89 44, 163 adult, 93 Program planning conference Long Cruise badge, 89 Mate's role, 12 Records, Ship's papers, 17 Program planning conferences, 4, 11, 57 Recreational Boating Guide, 135 Program Team, 23 Recruiting Promise, Sea, 63 consultants, 14 Property, Ship, 13 membership, 16, 22, 37 Public relations, 40 plans, 37 chair, 15 Skippers and Mates, 13 Publicity, 16 Refueling, 103 campaign, 22 Regatta, 50, 56 Purser, 17 Regional activities, 56
Page 154 Handbook for Skippers INDEX
Registrations, adult, 35 Sea Scout Ship achievement scoresheet, Religious awards, 91 172 Reputation, Ship, 40 Sea Scouter’s Training Award, 95 Resource literature, 49, 141 Sea Scouting Respect, 59 Committee, 115 Responsibility, 19 history, 75 Ring buoys, 100 ideals, 63 Rules of the road, 138 Sea Scouting and Seamanship for Boys, 75 Safe Boating course, 92 Sea Scouting Chair Safe boating standards, 116 see Commodore Safe Swim Defense, 105 Sea terms, glossary, 145 Safety Seabadge Conference, 94 certificate, 117 Second Mate, 12 checklist, 174 Secretary drills, 100 see Yeoman equipment, 99 Selection committee, activity, 23 policies, 118 Self-government, 26 Safety afloat, 118 Self-reliance, young adults, 4 Sailing activities, 46, 56 Senior Scouting, 78 Sales Team, 22 Service Salute, double, 58 motivating, 81 Saluting, 58 projects, 5 between boats, 72 Service Team piping the side, 59 job description, 23 Scouter’s Key Ship see Skipper’s Key achievement patches, 97, 172 Scouter’s Training Award activity, 12, 29 see Sea Scouter’s Training Award annual progress report, 34 Scuba, 121 articles, 63 Sea Promise, 63, 64 badges of rank and office, 98 Sea Scout budget, 13, 75, 162 insignia, 97, 175 dues, 17 leader badges, 98 finances, 17 uniforms, 96 fund-raisers, 133 Sea Scout Advanced Seamanship course, funds, 13, 17 92 historian, 17 Sea Scout Manual, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 31, logbook, 67, 161 40, 42, 49, 58, 60, 67, 76, 94, 121, papers, 67 172-174 petty officer elections, 39 Sea Scout officer progress record, 170 property, 13 Sea Scout Officers’ Specialized Training, public relations program, 40 94 records, 17 Sea Scout salute, 58 recruiting plan, 37
Handbook for Skippers Page 155 INDEX
reputation, 40 Superactivity committee, 48 roster, 35 Surplus military personal property dona- safety and maintenance, 24 tion program, 112 training equipment, 62 Surveys, career-interest, 22, 37, 39, 164 Ship Committee Swimming area, 105, 121 Chair, 35, 98 System of values, 3 Committeeman badge, 98 Talent, recognizing, 80 job description, 12 Texas A & M University, 50 meetings, 10, 34 Tobacco, 131 program capability inventory, 44, 163 Tour permits, 130 Ship meeting, 30 Trailers, 127 Ship meetings Training facilities, 13 annual Quarterdeck seminar, 40 meeting pattern, 31 cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 125 minutes, 16 equipment, 62 voting, 19 equipment, landship, 58 Ship members Safe Boating, 92 job description, 19 Sea Scout Advanced Seamanship, 92 Sideboy, 60 Sea Scout Officers’ Specialized Train- Signalman, 15 ing, 94 Signals, flag, 71 Team, 23 Single-masted sailboats, displaying flags, Transportation, 126 70 Treasurer Skills, leadership, 1, 7 see Purser Skin and scuba diving, 121 Trochoidal waves, 108 Skipper, 7 Trucks, 127 badge, 98 Two-deep leadership, 130 selection, 13 Two-masted sailboats, displaying flags, 71 Skipper's minute, 73 U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, 137 Skipper’s conference, 165 U.S. Coast Guard, 135 Skipper’s Key, 94 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, 138 Small boats, displaying flags, 70 U.S. Jack, 70 Small-Boat Handler bar, 92, 97 U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office, 137 Smoking, 131 U.S. Navy, 139 Snorkeling, BSA, 90 U.S. Power Squadron, 139 Social relationships, young adults, 4 certificate, 93 Specialists, 15 U.S. yacht ensign, 69, 70 badge, 15, 98 U.S.C.G. Barque Eagle, 50 Spirit, 58, 80 Uniforms, 82 Station bill, 100, 160 Sea Scout, 31, 84, 96 Storekeeper, 17 Sea Scout leader, 96 badge, 98 what kind, 84 Superactivities, 48 Uninspected vessels, 118
Page 156 Handbook for Skippers INDEX
Unit Fund-raising Permit, 133 Watch, change of, 60 US Sailing, 139 Waterskiing, 122 Values systems, 3 Weather, heavy, 107 Values, Venturing, 3 Weatherman, 15 Venturing Weight-carrying capacity, 106 principles, 3 Whitewater, 122 program planning conference, 11, 57 Wilder, James Austin, 76 Vessel logbooks, 68, 161 William T. Hornaday Award, 91 Vice Commodore, 22 World Jamboree, 50 Visitors, receiving, 60 Yachting associations, 139 Vocational interest, young adult, 4 Yeoman Voting badge, 98 election of Ship petty officers, 39 job desciption, 16 majority, 30, 40, 47, 74 ship's papers, 67 Ship budget approval, 20, 162 Young adults, 1, 7 Ship members, 19 Youth protection, 131 superactivity, 47
Handbook for Skippers Page 157 APPENDIX A
Harbor Log Date
Sea Scout Ship Port Skipper Bar Ther Mate Wind-Dir. Force 2nd Mate
TIME REMARKS At P.M. “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “
Page 158 Handbook for Skippers Appendix B. Station Bill
COLLISION FIRE ABANDON SHIP General Alarm General Alarm General Alarm
Word Passed Rapid Ring of Bell Bugle – Siren
No. Name Rank Billet Stations Duty Boat Will Provide
Handbook for Skippers Page 159 Appendix C. Cruise Log
VESSEL NAVIGATOR FROM TO
Course Log Time Position Latitude Longitude Speed Remarks True Var. Dev. Comp. Dist.
Page 160 Handbook for Skippers APPENDIX D BUDGET PLANNING AND ACCOUNT SHEET
Fill out in triplicate (3 copies); 2 copies to Purser for 30 day advance approval Name of Event: Date of Event: Activity Chair: Activity Advisor: Prepared by: Date Prepared: Income - Estimated Income - Actual Money Source Amount Source Amount Turned In
Total $ Total $ Expenses - Estimated Expenses - Actual Receipt Source Amount Source Amount Turned In
Total $ Total $ Anticipated Profit/(Deficit): $ Actual Profit/(Deficit): $ Prior Approval (incl. dates): Final Approval (incl. dates): Advisor: Advisor: Purser: Purser: Skipper: Skipper:
Handbook for Skippers Page 161 APPENDIX E PROGRAM CAPABILITY INVENTORY I want to assist our young adults in the Sea Scout program. I understand that if they decide they want to explore my profession or hobby interest, an appointment will be made with me well in advance.
Name
Address
Town Zip
Phone (Home) (Office)
Occupation
Position Name of Business
Avocation/hobbies (sailing, scuba diving, photography, camping, etc.)
Memberships (clubs, associations, fraternal groups, etc.)
Contacts (people you know who would be willing to share their interests)
Thank you for your willingness to assist young adults in exploring new fields of interest.
Please return to:
( )
Page 162 Handbook for Skippers APPENDIX E
WHAT IS SEA SCOUTING?
ea Scouting is an aquatics-based young- C Regular communication with each Ship to adult program of the Boy Scouts of America provide program support. Sfor men and women aged 14 through 20. C Use of council facilities such as camps and The program is developed by local community canoes. organizations such as Yacht clubs, maritime C Planning of coucilwide activities which enrich unions, power squadrons, scuba clubs, churches, the Ship’s program. schools, and civic groups to match the interests of C Liability insurance coverage. young adults with the program resources of the organization. For example, a church might have a HOW YOU CAN HELP number of outdoor-minded adult members who Sea Scouting needs adult volunteers to serve as could provide leadership and program help to a Skippers, Ship Committee members, program Sea Scout Ship. Or a dive club could design a Sea consultants, and to help out with transportation, Scouting program in Scuba dining and invite Sea chaperons, equipment, and facilities. Scout-age youths interested in diving to join. Adults are also asked to support their local Boy These community organizations support their unit Scouts of America council’s budget through partici- in three major ways: pation in sustaining membership enrollment. C A program “inventory” of adults related to the If you would be willing and able to share your organization who are willing to provide pro- career, hobby, skills, or contacts with young adults, gram help to the unit. These include careers, please complete the program capability inventory hobbies, skills, contacts, facilities, and ideas. on the reverse side and return it to the person C The adult leadership to organization this listed. program inventory and serve as Skippers to youth leaders of the Ship. C Meeting facilities.
A Sea Scout Ship is a young-adult organization which recruits members, elects officers, and plans programs based on the organization’s program inventory. Adult Skippers and Mates provide training and guidance for the unit’s elected youth officers. The BSA council recruits a volunteer Venturing Committee and assigns staff members to provide the following services to the community organiza- tion’s unit:
C Leadership training for adult and petty officers. C Guidance on how to organize a Ship and keep the program going successfully. Thank you for supporting the Sea Scouting pro- C Methods to recruit Sea Scouts, including an gram of the Boy Scouts of America. interest survey of local high schools.
Handbook for Skippers Page 163 APPENDIX F SKIPPER’S CONFERENCE
Name Date Rank for this Skipper’s Conference Date Prev. SK Conf. Leadership Position(s) held Activity Chair of the following activities: What have they learned while working on this rank?
What have they learned about themselves while working on this rank?
What do they particularly enjoy about the Ship?
What do they feel could use improvement?
What are they good at in Sea Scouting? What are their outside interests? Where do they feel they have room for improvement? How will they make the improvement? How would they assess their leadership performance?
Personal Goals: Sea Scouting Goals: Next Rank by (date): Other comments:
Page 164 Handbook for Skippers APPENDIX G
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
National Office 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane P.O. Box 152079, Irving, Texas 75015-2079 214-580-2000 April 2, 1996
SUBJECT:Cruise Plan for Sea Scout Ships and Venturing Crews
FROM: Director, Venturing Division
TO: Scout Executives, Skippers, and Advisors
The following policies are recommended in regards to Cruise Plans and Tour Permits by all Ship/Venturing Crew personnel. l. LOCAL DAY SAILING-- within sight of the departure point does not require a Cruise Plan to be filed with a designated safety officer for boats under 26 feet or under 40 horsepower prior to leaving. A cruise plan should be filed for boats over 26 feet or over 40 horsepower (see Designated Safety Officer definition in paragraph 2)
2. LOCAL WATERS CRUISING-- for boats traveling beyond visual observation from the departure point but less than 500 miles distance and less than five days duration requires a Cruise Plan to be filed with a designated safety officer prior to leaving.
The DESIGNATED SAFETY OFFICER could be the council Sea Base watchstander, Sea Base OD (Officer of the Day), or a Ship/Venturing Crew responsible person (parent/adult) who can be contacted by radio or telephone should problems develop.
3. EXTENDED CRUISING-- for boats traveling beyond 500 miles or for more than five days requires a Cruise Plan and National Tour Permit to be filed thru the Local Council Service Center at least two weeks in advance. This Cruise Plan should also be posted on a vessel bulletin board at the departure base if such is available. ACTION: This recommended Cruise Plan is provided for council use.
Handbook for Skippers Page 165 APPENDIX G
NATIONAL VENTURING DIVISION BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
CRUISE PLAN For Sea Scout Ships and Venturing Crews
Skippers: If your boat is leaving the vicinity of your home base (dock, yacht club, etc.) so as to be out of sight of another Venturing leader, you should file this Cruise Plan before departure and cancel it when you return. If you are overdue, this is our only way of starting search procedures. If you are delayed or have a problem and have a radio, call via the marine operator so that we don’t start searching needlessly.
SHIP or CREW IDENTIFICATION
SHIP/CREW NO. DISTRICT:
CHARTERED ORGANIZATION:
VESSEL IDENTIFICATION
BOAT # VESSEL NAME
TYPE OF VESSEL LENGTH HULL COLOR
DECK COLOR TYPE OF RADIO CALL SIGN
CRUISE DESCRIPTION
DEPARTURE: DATE TIME RETURN: DATE TIME
TYPE OF CRUISE: 1 DAY MORE THAN 2 DAYS NO. OF OVERNIGHTS
CRUISE DESTINATION
l. Marine/Bay (Inside Jetty) 2. Harbor (Inside Breakwater) 3. Open Sea
4. Scout Cove 5. Inland Water
6. Other Local Destination
Page 166 Handbook for Skippers APPENDIX G
IF OVERNIGHT LIST ANCHORAGES and DATES:
PURPOSE and ROUTE OF CRUISE:
NAVIGATIONAL LIMITS: Inland and coastal waters of the United States of America, the Bahamas, Mexico, and Canada not exceeding 100 miles offshore. Approval from the local Council must be received and additional insurance must be purchased for any exceptions.
CREW and PASSENGER INFORMATION
The Boy Scouts of America Policy requires two adult leaders on all trips and tours. For Venturing both leaders must be at least 21 years of age and the leader in charge have safe swim defense certification. Each coed crew must have coed adult leaders.
LIST ALL PERSONNEL ABOARD THE VESSEL INDICATING: A-Adult C-Crew G-Guest Y-Youth Protection S-Safe Swim Defense l. 19.
2. 20.
3. 21.
4. 22.
5. 23.
6. 24.
Handbook for Skippers Page 167 APPENDIX G
7. 25.
8. 26.
9. 27.
10. 28.
11. 29.
12. 30.
13. 31.
14. 32.
15. 33.
16. 34.
17. 35.
18. 36.
APPROVALS
Approval of Parents or Guardians and Medical Release for each Venturer.
INSURANCE INFORMATION and REQUIREMENTS
All boats under 26 feet or under 40 horsepower are automatically covered through the BSA general liability program. Boats 26 feet and/or over 40 horsepower owned by the council must be scheduled with the national office as there is no insurance coverage until an additional premium is paid. Vessels owned by chartered organizations or others and used in Scouting activities should carry their own insurance. If the chartered organization does not carry primary liability insurance on the boat, then it should be scheduled the same as a council owned vessel. Watercraft in the category of 50 feet or more are specifically excluded from BSA umbrella liability coverage and must be scheduled on a separate policy and an additional premium is charged.
------
CRUISE PLAN ACCEPTED BY: Date: (Cruise.Plan)
Page 168 Handbook for Skippers APPENDIX H
SEA SCOUT OFFICER PROGRESS RECORD
SKIPPER’S KEY SEA SCOUTER’S TRAINING AWARD
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY STATE ZIP Boy Scouts of America - 2001 Printing
SKIPPER’S KEY
TRAINING: 1. Complete the sessions outlined in Adult Venturing Leader Basic Training. 2. Complete the Sea Scout Officers’ Specialized Training, No. 25-339. 3. Complete a boating safety course offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, or similar organization.
TENURE: Complete three years of registered tenure as a Skipper within a five-year period.
PERFORMANCE: At least twice during the 3-year period serve as the Skipper of a ship earning the National Quality Unit Award or its equivalent.
CERTIFICATION: The ship committee chair and service team member must approve the Skipper’s application for a Skipper’s Key.
Ship Committee Chair Date
Service Team Member Date
Handbook for Skippers Page 169 APPENDIX H
SEA SCOUTER’S TRAINING AWARD
TRAINING: 1. Complete the sessions outlined in Adult Venturing Leader Basic Training. 2. Complete the Sea Scout Officers’ Specialized Training, No. 25-339. 3. Complete a boating safety course offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, or similar organization.
TENURE: Complete three years of registered tenure in any adult capacity in Sea Scouting.
PERFORMANCE: Perform to the satisfaction of the Skipper your assigned leadership duties.
CERTIFICATION: The Skipper and service team member must approve all applications.
Skipper Date
Service Team Member Date
Page 170 Handbook for Skippers SEA SCOUT SHIP ACHIEVEMENT SCORESHEET (Used to qualify for local, regional and national standards)
Directions for use: This scoresheet is to be used during the annual rechar- Requirements for local, regional, and national standard ship ter process. The scores are filled in by the Ship’s officers at achievements are listed in their respective columns. If a Quarterdeck meeting under the supervision of a Venturing all your scores are equal to or above those in another service team member using the following procedure: column, you have achieve the standard in that column. Read the items listed below and place your answers in the For example, if all your scores equal or are above those column under Your Scores. in the Regional Standard column, you achieve regional *Items required for all standards. standard. Qualify for any four of the unstarred items (only the four with Get the proper signatures on you report and send it to you highest scores). local council office for approval and certification.
Ship No. Ship Name Chartered Organization District/Division Charter Expiration Date
I. Functioning Manpower Your National Regional Local We recognize that the success of Sea Scouting depends largely Scores Standard Standard Standard upon the Sea Scout leader’s ability to work with young adults and coast them to develop leadership and initiative. Also, this success depends upon the support that is received from the chartered organization and the Ship Committee. Yes Yes Yes *1. Skipper completed Venturing & Sea Scout leader training . Yes Yes Yes *2. Mate completed Venturing & Sea Scout leader training .. Yes Yes Yes *3. Ship has at least one Mate ...... Yes Yes Yes *4. Ship reregistered on time ......
*5. Quarterdeck trained by Skipper...... Yes Yes Yes
*6. Quarterdeck meetings...... 12 10 8
* 7. Boatswain or representative attends minimum of four presi- dents’ association or wardroom meetings annually 44 4
II. Quality Program
A quality program, planned and conducted by the Sea Scouts, should be geared to the needs of the ship and aimed to help each Sea Scout understand and attain the maximum in personal fitness, the development of the skills necessary for a happy and productive life, and the fulfillment of obligations to God and country.
*1. Program planned and administered by Sea Scouts with coaching from adults ...... Yes Yes Yes
*2. Program planned using method described in Sea Scout Manual...... Yes Yes Yes
*3. Citizenship activities...... 43 2 *4. Leadership activities ...... 43 2 *5. Fitness activities ...... 43 2 *6. Social activities...... 43 2
*7. Outdoor activities APPENDIX I
*8. Service activities ...... 43 2 9. Ship has mobilization plan ...... 43 2 *10. Occasions for presenting awards and other recognitions Yes Yes Yes 1 1 . Recognitions and awards – Scout, Venturing, and Sea Scout (Divide total recognition by total members to get percentage) 43 2 ......
12.Sea Scouts with religious emblems...... 100% 75% 50%
* 1 3 . Participate as a ship in two or more district or council activi- ties ...... 20% 10% 5%
*14.Ship uses budget plan...... Yes Yes Yes 15. An annual highlight cruise or superactivity . . . Yes Yes Yes 16.Number of activities including parents ...... Yes Yes Yes 17.Average attendance at all activities...... 43 2 18. Sea Scouts and officers in complete uniform . . 80% 70% 60% III. Increased Membership 100% 85% 70% Sea Scouting should be constantly made available to young adults. The Ship’s petty officers should always be aware of the need to attract new members through personal recruiting and attractive programming.
*1. New Sea Scouts during the year......
*2. Ship had an increase in members this year . . .
*3. Admission ceremony given every new Sea Scout 8 or 30% 6 or 25% 4 or 20%
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
We certify that the above is an accurate report taken from the records of our Ship. It has been determined that this ship is entitled to a ______standard ship achievement rating for the next 12 months. (Local, regional, or national) Signed: Skipper Boatswain Approval: District or Division Service Team Member or Commissioner
Council Approval: For the Council Venturing Committee How the Ship Obtains Insignia Patches may only be order by local council. Patches: No. 5601. Patches are worn centered on the right sleeve of the uniform, ½ inch below the ship or universal emblem. White stars may be affixed to the Ship flag as prescribed in the Sea Scout Manual. Patches and stars may only be worn for a year unless reawarded. No. 28-305C 2001 Printing
Page 172 Handbook for Skippers APPENDIX J
ANNUAL BOAT SAFETY CHECK LIST (For Council Authorization to Operate BSA Vessels)
Unit Number: Council Name:
Boat Name: Boat Make/Model/Manufacturer/or Style: Include the year built if known.
State Registration Number and/or Hull Number: Serial numbers do not take the place of this information.
Length: . Measure the uppermost continuous deck between the inside of the stern post to the inside of the stem post (USCG specifications).
Kind of Propulsion: Gas/diesel powered Sailboat Power supplemented sailboat Over 50' classification, indicate where the boat is docked (name of pier and city):
CHECK: G 1. In compliance with an annual USCG Auxiliary Courtesy Marine Examination and “Seal of Safety” decal displayed on boat.
G 2. In compliance with minimum and maximum number of persons carried aboard (See Guidelines on back).
G 3. Have determined which additional equipment is appropriate for this boat as outlined on page 33 of the USCG publication titled “Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats” and/or other items as described on page 5-83, under “Boating Safety,” in the Sea Scout Manual, No. 33239A. USCG Boating Safety Hotline is 800-368-5647 for literature and questions.
G 4. Vessels over 30' in compliance with a “Condition Survey” every four years by a recognized or certified Marine Surveyor. Date of Survey:______
G 5. Adult leader (Name): operating BSA vessel has completed the basic boating safety course from:
______Date: (Organization/USCG Licensed) APPROVAL:
Signature:______Date:______(Council Designee)
Signature:______Date:______(Adult Boat Operator or Unit Leader)
Handbook for Skippers Page 173 OFFICER THE OFFICIAL General Appearance: (Allow 6 points for each) a. Good posture; b. Clean face and hands; c. Hair combed; d. Neatly PLACEMENT OF 30 Pts. dressed; e. Clean fingernails. Headgear: Combination cap, white top with silver insignia SEA SCOUT and chin strap. (Quartermasters should wear same with 5 Pts. black chin strap.) Right Sleeve, Coat: Ship emblem or Sea Scout universal AND emblem, Ship achievement patch as prescribed for Sea 10 Pts. Scout jumper. Badge of office 2 inches above edge of cuff. SEA SCOUT OFFICER No US flag patch is worn. Left Sleeve, Coat: Badge of office 2 inches above edge of INSIGNIA cuff. Long cruise badge centered approximately 8 inches 10 Pts. below shoulder seam. Left Sleeve, Summer Shirt: No community, state, or ship organization worn. Leader’s insignia of office centered 4" below shoulder seam. Long cruise badge centered ½” below badge of office. Right Pocket: Sea Scouts, B.S.A. strip as prescribed for Sea Scout jumper. 5 Pts. Left Pocket, Coat: Service stars, ribbon awards as prescribed for Sea Scout jumper, shirt or jacket. Seabadge 5 Pts. pin worn centered on the top of open pocket. SEAL pin worn centered d” above pocket, knots, or service stars. Left Pocket, Summer Shirt: Service stars, ribbon awards as prescribed for Sea Scout jumper, shirt or jacket. Sea Scout 10 Pts. universal emblem centered on pockets. Seabadge pin worn centered on the top of open pocket. SEAL pin worn centered d” above pocket, knots, or service stars. Shirt: Long-sleeve, plain, white with official navy blue uniform coat; navy blue must be worn with this shirt; short- 5 Pts. sleeve, white with no epaulet loops for summer uniform. Trousers or skirt: Navy blue, no cuffs. White trousers with summer uniform. Women wear blue or white skirt, color to 10 Pts. match jumper or shirt. Socks: Black or dark-blue socks. White socks with which trousers. Women wear flesh-toned hose. 5 Pts. Shoes: Black. White shoes with white trousers. Current membership card on person.
5 Pts.
UNIFORM INSPECTION SCORE Sea Scout and Sea Scout Name Ship no. Officer Inspection Sheet Address District
Office BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA • VENTURING DIVISION General Appearance: General SEA SCOUT Appearance: (Allow 6 points for 30 Pts. each) a. Good posture; b. Clean face The basic way to conduct uniform inspection is with and hands; c. Hair combed; d. common sense. Detailed information and optional items Neatly dressed; e. Clean fingernails. are in Insignia Guide, No. 33064. Headgear: Cap with embroidered badge. Worn tilted to right, down in Reminder: While Ships have some latitude in 5 Pts. front to a point two fingers width determining the specifics of unit’s uniform, insignia above right eyebrow. must be worn only on officially prescribed locations as noted below. Tie: Official dark blue tie (cravat under collar of jumper and tied with RIGHT SLEEVE. Ship emblem or Sea Scout universal 10 Pts. flat square knot, leaving ends 4 to 6 emblem centered 2 inches below shoulder seam. Ship inches long, know directly under achievement patch (worn only by members of a Ship opening of jumper. Sea Scouts are that has earned it) worn ½ inch below Ship emblem. not permitted to wear black U.S. No US flag patch is worn. Navy neckerchiefs. LEFT SLEEVE. Council strip touches shoulder seam. Jumper or Shirt: Blue or white with Ship number immediately below, as shown. Badge of appropriate strip. 10 Pts. office worn snug up to Ship numeral. Long Cruise Trousers or skirt: Trousers, color to badge centered ½ inch below badge of office. match jumper or shirt; pressed, RIGHT POCKET. Sea Scouts, B.S.A. strip worn in line 10 Pts. buttons fastened, no cuffs. Women with top edge of left pocket. Temporary insignia wear blue or white skirt, color to centered on pocket area below Sea Scouts, B.S.A. strip. match jumper or shirt. Shoes: Low cut, black. Must be solid LEFT POCKET. Badge of rank centered on left pocket. color. Laces should match, neatly Service stars centered inch above pocket, ¾ inch d 5 Pts. tied; shoes polished. from center to center. SEAL pin d inch above service stars. (If left pocket has flap, center SEAL pin on left Socks: Black or navy blue socks. pocket flap.) Awards suspended by ribbons worn Must be plain color; no design. centered over pocket below seam and service stars. Bar 5 Pts. Women wear flesh-toned hose. awards (i.e., Small-Boat Handler) worn centered d inch Insignia: Correct placement. Right below pocket. sleeve, 5 points. Left sleeve, 5 Position diagram of insignia right on sleeve to guide you on proper placement. 20 Pts. points. Right pocket, 5 points. Left pocket, 5 points. Current membership card on UNIFORM INSPECTION SCORE person. 5 Pts.
Name Ship no. Our Ship inspection Address District will be held on Rank Office Crew
______Bring this Form with you APPENDIX L
Appendix L. Youth Protection Guidelines As a Venturing/Sea Scouting leader, you knows the proper procedures to follow to need to have basic knowledge about abuse ensure that the young victim will be pro- of adolescents and the Youth Protection tected from any possible further abuse. policies of the Boy Scouts of America. Due Background Information on Abuse protection takes on added dimensions. By definition, child abuse is harm to a It is important to realize that, although person under the age of 18 that occurs child abuse is preconceived as a problem immediately or through accumulated effects related to younger children, it is not un- over a period of time. When the harm is usual for adolescents to be victims of caused by withholding life’s necessities from abuse—Venturing/Sea Scouting leaders are a child, it is classified as neglect. The ability obliged to be familiar with the Youth Pro- to provide such care, but failing to do so, is tection emphasis of the Boy Scouts of the factor separating neglect from the ef- America. fects of poverty. Guiding the Youth Protection emphasis is Three additional kinds of child abuse are the five-point strategy adopted by the Boy caused by commission of acts against a Scouts of America to prevent abuse. This child—emotional abuse, physical abuse, and strategy includes the following points: sexual abuse. 1. Educating volunteers, parents, and Emotional abuse occurs when a youth is Venturers/Sea Scouts themselves to aid consistently Denigrating name-calling is a in the detection and prevention of form of emotional abuse. Because the physi- abuse cal signs of this form of abuse are subtle, it 2. Establishing leader-selection proce- is difficult to substantiate emotional abuse. dures to prevent offenders from enter- Physical abuse is the bodily injury of the ing the BSA leadership ranks youth by the parent or caretaker. Indicators 3. Establishing policies that create barriers of physical abuse include unexplained, to abuse within the program unusual, or repeated injuries. 4. Encouraging Venturers/Sea Scouts to Sexual abuse is any sexual activity between report improper behavior in order to a child and an adult or between children identify offenders quickly where there is an unusual older or larger. Indicators of sexual abuse include pain in 5. Swift removal and reporting of alleged the genital area, sexually transmitted dis- offenders eases, and specific behaviors that are associ- It is important for you to remember that ated with sexual abuse such as age-inappro- any time abuse is suspected in the Ventur- priate understanding of sex; disturbances; ing/Sea Scouting program, the Scout execu- wearing lots of clothing, especially to bed; tive must be contacted immediately. con- and fear of being left alone with a particular tacts with the law enforcement and child person. protective agencies within the council, and
Handbook for Skippers Page 175 APPENDIX L
Child abuse is also a cause of stress, as are Child Molesters any number of other events in a child’s life, Individuals who sexually abuse children are such as family school. This stress may cause known as child molesters. Just as with other reactions such as bed-wetting, crying for no kinds of abusers, child molesters do not fit apparent reason, immature or behavior, any convenient profile. Most child molest- withdrawal, substance abuse, inability to ers are ordinary-appearing people. It is not concentrate, unexplained aches and pains, unusual for a child molester to occupy a running prolonged period, there is reason position of respect in the community. Child to be concerned and the behavior needs to molesters may be professionals, such as be looked into. physicians, schoolteachers, members of the Child Abusers—Who are They? clergy, or public officials. It often is very difficult to accept the notion that such By far, most child abuse occurs within the prominent individuals violate society’s victim’s family. While abusers tend to defy taboos and engage in sexual activity with any kind of orderly profile that would children. facilitate their easy identification, there are some general factors associated with various Date Rape kinds of abuse. Child abusers tend to be A form of sexual assault of particular con- individuals with low self-esteem. Their own cern for Venturing/Sea Scouting-age young needs are so overwhelming that they are women is “date rape,” or acquaintance poorly equipped to meet the needs of their rape. More than half of the rape victims children. Ignorance about children and reporting to police are adolescent females, children’s needs is also a factor in some and their greatest risk for sexual assault child abuse cases. Often children who are appears to be through a social relationship neglected have parents who abuse drugs or with a boyfriend or date. alcohol. An emotional abuser might have unreal expectations of the child and maligns As in any form of forced sexual contact, the child when he or she fails to meet those date rape is a crime and the victim deserves expectations. emotional support and assistance. Such help is available through the rape crisis centers in Physical abuse can occur when the pressures nearly every community. If the alleged experienced by the caretaker or parent seem offense occurred during a Venturing/Sea to be insurmountable and the child does Scouting event, the Scout Executive must be something that “triggers” physical vio- contacted immediately. lence–the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. Physical abuse can also hap- pen when physical punishment becomes Youth Protection Policies of the Boy extreme or exaggerated. Often, physical Scouts of America abuse can be avoided when the individual realizes the need for time out and has some- An important component of the BSA’s one to provide respite care of the children Youth Protection ensure that young people for a brief period. participating in any phase of the Scouting program are safe from abuse.
Page 176 Handbook for Skippers APPENDIX L
Leadership Creating External Barriers The Boy Scouts of America takes great After selecting the best possible leaders, pride in the quality of its adult leadership. further protection for children can be struc- Being a registered leader in the BSA is a tured into the program. The following privilege, not a right. policies have been adopted to provide additional security for youths in the pro- One tool that has been provided to char- gram. In addition, they serve to protect tered organizations is the adult leader appli- adult leaders from situations in which they cation. The application checked by the unit are vulnerable to allegations of abuse. committee or chartered organization before accepting the applicant for unit leadership. • Two-deep leadership. Two registered child molester—or any kind of child adult leaders or one registered adult abuser—in advance of attempted or actual leader and a parent of a participant, abuse. We can minimize the risk by learning both of whom. must be 21 years of age all we can about an individual seeking a or older, coeducational, leaders of both leadership position—his or her experience sexes must be present. The chartered with Venturing/Sea Scouting-age youth. We organization is responsible for ensuring also can convey the message that the Ven- • No one-on-one contact. One-on-one turing/Sea Scouting program is a hostile contact between adults and Ventur- environment for individuals who want to ers/Sea Scouts is not permitted, except abuse children. By getting this message for authorized ride-along programs. across, would-be abusers will be discour- Personal conferences must be con- aged from trying to participate in Ventur- ducted in plain view of others. ing/Sea Scouting. • Respect of privacy. Adult leaders must Our system of preventing ineligible leaders respect the privacy of Venturers/Sea from participating in Venturing/Sea Scout- Scouts in situations such as changing ing requires that unit leader selection turn into swimsuits or taking showers at down an applicant due to questionable camp. They must also protect their conduct discovered through their back- own privacy in similar situations. ground check. • Separate accommodations. When Fraternization camping, no youth is permitted to Because the Venturing/Sea Scouting pro- sleep in the tent of an adult Councils gram is designed for young adults, there are strongly encouraged to have sepa- often is little difference in the ages of the rate shower and latrine facilities for Ship Skippers and the Ship members. It has females, and when schedules for males been found that maintaining a close social and females should be posted. relationship, as in dating, between regis- • Proper preparation for high-adventure tered adult leaders and registered Ventur- activities. Activities with elements of ers/Sea Scouts is disruptive to the Ship’s risk should never be undertaken with- program and, therefore, is not permitted by out proper preparation, equipment, the Boy Scouts of America.
Handbook for Skippers Page 177 APPENDIX L
supervision, and safety measures. Don’t panic or overreact to the information disclosed by the young person. • No secret organizations. There are no “secret” organizations recognized by Don’t criticize the youth. the Boy Scouts of America. All aspects Do respect the youth’s privacy. Take him or of the Venturing/Sea Scouting program her to a private place away from others, yet are open to observation by parents and still in view. Reassure and that you would leaders. like to help. You might want to ask if the • Appropriate attire. Proper clothing for youth has talked with his or her parents activities is required. Skinny-dipping is about the abuse–if a parent was not the not appropriate as part of the Ventur- alleged abuser. ing/Sea Scouting program. Do not promise to keep the victimization • Constructive discipline. Discipline in secret, as it will be necessary to make a Venturing/Sea Scouting underlying report to the Scout Executive. The Scout values. Corporal punishment is never Executive will advise you of your responsi- permitted. bility to report to child protective services or to a law enforcement agency. • Hazing prohibited. Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not Do encourage the youth to tell the appro- be included as part of any priate authorities. You may do this by mak- Venturing/Sea Scouting activity. ing sure the youth feels that he or she is not to blame for what happened. Tell the youth • Junior leader training and supervision. that no one should ask him or her to keep Adult leaders must monitor and guide a special secret, that it is okay to talk about the leadership techniques used by Ven- what happened with the appropriate adults, turing/Sea Scouting leaders and see that and that the youth will not be blamed. BSA policies are followed. Do keep it strictly confidential. Take your Adherence to these policies not only en- guidance from the Scout Executive or the hances the protection of our membership, child protection authorities to whom you but also ensures that the basic values of reported. Discussing allegations of abuse Venturing/Sea Scouting are preserved. with others is not helpful to the child. Disclosure Reporting Requirements Considering the prevalence of abuse and Anytime you suspect child abuse in the the educational programs that increase Scouting program, you are required to adolescents’ awareness of sexual molesta- inform the Scout executive. tion, you might someday have a member of your Ship tell you that someone has mo- Each of the 50 states, the District of Colum- lested them. Follow the guidelines below if bia, and the United States territories have a Venturer indicates that he or she might different reporting requirements. Many of have been the victim of abuse or exploita- these jurisdictions require child care profes- tion. sionals to report suspected child abuse, and
Page 178 Handbook for Skippers APPENDIX L in some states, reporting laws have been states make is that the report is made in interpreted to require should be aware of “good faith.” making the report in good your reporting responsibilities. This infor- faith. mation is available from your local council. As a volunteer in the Venturing/Sea Scout- No state requires the person making the ing program, you are cautioned that you are report to have proof that abuse has oc- not an investigator. The investigation of curred—only that it is suspected. The intent abuse allegations is best left to the trained of most state laws is clear—they expect may be facilitated by working through the suspected child abuse to be reported as Scout executive, who has established a soon as it is suspected. Failure to do so can working relationship with law enforcement result in civil or criminal penalties. agencies in the council. Concern is often expressed over the poten- The Boy Scouts of America will not tolerate tial for criminal or civil liability if a report any form of child abuse in its program and of abuse is made that subsequently is found will take all necessary steps to remove any to be unsubstantiated. All states suspected offenders from membership in the BSA. child abuse. The only requirement that
Handbook for Skippers Page 179