Sea Scouts (Scouting America)

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Sea Scouts is a coeducational maritime program of Scouting America for teens and young adults ages 13–20 (usually 14 or 13 with eighth grade completed). In addition to the Scout Oath and Law, Sea Scouts follow the Sea Promise, which focuses on water safety, lifesaving knowledge, helping others, and putting those who may need help first.

The Ship
- The basic unit is the Ship, which must have five or more Sea Scouts plus adult leaders.
- Ships are sponsored by a local organization (business, school, club, religious group, etc.). The sponsor provides a meeting place and supports a good program.
- A chartered organization representative manages the relationship between the ship, the sponsor, and the BSA.
- The Ship Committee (adults, led by the committee chair) runs the program, finances, records, and leadership recruitment.
- Youth members elect officers to lead the ship, including boatswain, boatswain’s mate, crew leader, assistant crew leader, yeoman, purser, and storekeeper. The Skipper and Mate guide but let youth take the lead.
- Higher-level support comes from councils, areas, regions, and national committees.

National and awards
- Each year, Sea Scouts’ National Office and BoatUS award one ship the National Flagship for outstanding program quality, youth achievement, and adult commitment.

History and affiliation
- Sea Scouts began in the United States in 1912, founded by Arthur A. Carey and Charles T. Longstreth, and grew from England’s Sea Scout movement started by Baden-Powell.
- It became independent within the BSA in 2016; from 1998–2016, it was part of Venturing and before that Exploring.
- In 2018, Sea Scouts was designated the official youth program of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Uniforms and insignia
- In 2012, the Official Sea Scout Uniform was introduced for both youth and adults.
- Typical attire includes a dark blue shirt, dark blue pants, a black cap (or the “Dixie Cup”), an optional dark blue neckerchief, a black belt, and black shoes.
- Positions and ranks are shown with insignia, and rank shows levels of leadership and experience.

Ranks and advancement
- Ranks: Apprentice, Ordinary, Able, and Quartermaster (the highest rank).
- Apprentice teaches basic seamanship, safety, and Sea Scout ideals.
- Ordinary requires six months of active membership, knowledge of core ideals, and basic boat-related skills.
- Able demonstrates advanced seamanship, earns the Lifesaving merit badge, completes a long cruise, and holds a ship officer role.
- Quartermaster requires strong leadership, regular attendance (at least 75%), completion of a leadership service project, mastery of seamanship, and a council-level review. Quartermasters can enlist in the Navy or Coast Guard at a higher pay grade and wear uniforms similar to Navy Chief Petty Officers.

Certifications and recognitions
- Sea Scouts can earn badges like Qualified Seaman and Small Boat Handler, and may earn the Long Cruise Badge.
- The Sea Scout Leadership Award recognizes notable service at various levels.
- The Long Cruise often involves a two-week cruise or multiple shorter cruises totaling about 14 days.
- The program may include additional awards and recognitions for extended service and leadership.

Activities and events
- Ships engage in on-water activities such as sailing, paddling, power boating, scuba, and boat maintenance.
- Regional regattas and rendezvous foster sailing competitions and camaraderie.
- Each summer, Sea Scouts sail aboard the USCGC Eagle.
- The program also offers international opportunities like the William I. Koch International Sea Scout Cup.
- Other regattas include the Ancient Mariner Regatta and Cabrillo Rendezvous.

Training and ongoing education
- Youth and adults can participate in Sea Scout training such as Quarterdeck Training, Introduction to Leadership Skills for Ships (ILSS), and Sea Scout Experience Advanced Leadership (SEAL).
- Safety at Sea, a joint Coast Guard/BSA program, provides hands-on advanced maritime training.
- Sea Scouts may pursue state and local boating licenses, first aid/CPR, lifesaving, SCUBA, and US Sailing certifications.
- Ships are encouraged to work with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons for additional training.
- Trained leaders can pursue Sea Scout Adult Leader Basic Training, Long Cruise Planning, On-the-Water Leadership Skills, Advanced On-the-Water Leadership Skills, and Seabadge for advanced leadership and unit management.