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Sea Scouts is a program within the Boy Scouts Of America 's Venturing Program. It is a nautical program for young men and women ages 14–21. It is the BSA's implementation of the Sea Scout program first developed by Baden-Powell in England. The program today was developed originally in 1912. The advancement scheme for Sea Scouts places an initial emphasis on nautical skills before encouraging the youth to take a major role in planning activities in the unit. AIMS AND PRINCIPLES Sea Scout Promise As a Sea Scout, I promise to do my best To guard against water accidents; To know the location and proper use of the lifesaving devices on every boat I board; To be prepared to render aid to those in need and; To seek to preserve the motto of the sea, "Women and children first." Note that in modern times, this historical maritime phrase is not meant to be sexist, but is taken to mean that those who are trained and most capable should give special assistance to those who are not. In addition to the Sea Promise, Sea Scouts also learn and subscribe to the Scout Oath, Law and Venturing Code. HISTORY The Boy Scouts of America implemented the Sea Scouts program in 1912. The program was basically a nautical/naval program for older youth. During the early years of the program, the program was poorly defined. Each new national leader making changes. In 1917, scouter James "Kimo" Wilder came on board as Chief Seascout. He revamped the program and tried to make it successful. He didn't succeed, so stepped aside in 1923 for Commander Thomas J. Keane . Keane would revamp the Sea Scout program. This is the same basic program that exists today. Keane developed the naval-style uniforms, office title and insignia, four level advancement program of Apprentice, Ordinary, Able, and Quartermaster, and the like. In 1935, Sea Scouts became part of the larger Senior Scout Division of the BSA. In 1949, Sea Scouts were renamed Sea Explorers, as part of the renaming of Senior Scouts to Explorers. In 1964, minor changes occurred to the Sea Explorer program to more fit with the new Exploring program. Over the years, National stopped promoting the Sea Explorer program. It was only through the dedication of many Sea Scout leaders that the program survived. In 1971, along with Exploring, Sea Explorers became officially coed. In 1998, with the new Venturing program, Sea Explorers returned to their name of Sea Scouts. Also, the program was revitalized and better promoted. ORGANIZATION In Sea Scouts, youth are called "Sea Scouts", units are referred to as "Ships" and many ships have adopted names in addition to their ship numbers (ex: "Sea Scout Ship Eagle", "S.S.S. Liberty", etc.). The ship's adult leaders are called Skipper (analogous to the Advisor in Venturing) and Mates (Associate Advisors). Each ship also has a ship's committee comprising several adults, typically parents of the youth in the ship, one of whom must be a representative of the ship's sponsor/chartered organization. Sea Scouts emphasizes leadership; so the youth in the ship hold the offices of Boatswain (President), Boatswain's Mate (Vice President), Crew Leader, Assistant Crew Leader, Yeoman (Secretary), Purser (Treasurer), and Storekeeper (Quartermaster). Above Sea Scout Ships, Sea Scouts have a series of committees which are organized to support the program. Each level also has their own terminology:
UNIFORM AND INSIGNIA Individual Ships have traditionally worn US Navy or US Coast Guard uniforms, or a polo-style shirt or T-shirt worn with regular clothes. The current edition of the ''Sea Scout Manual'' (#33239C, 2002), sets down what are the current, approved Sea Scout uniforms. The use of these traditional Sea Scout Uniforms (based on modified US Navy uniforms) are mandated for Regional and National events. These uniforms were standardized by Commander Thomas J. Keane, a U.S. Naval Officer, who revamped Sea Scouts in the mid-1920s. Because of a recent (2006) decision made by the U.S. Navy to replace their coverall and work uniforms (the so-called "dungaree" uniforms for enlisted members and "working khaki" for Officers and CPOs) with a non-tactical MARPAT -style cammoflague uniform, the non-dress uniforms worn by Sea Scouts and their leaders will eventually take on an "antiquated" appearance. Youth members wear US Navy enlisted-style uniforms: the so-called "Cracker Jack" uniforms in white or navy blue, and for all other activities, the "dungaree" style work uniform, which is a light blue shirt worn with dark blue trousers with a baseball-style cap. To avoid confusion with Naval personnel, changes are made to these uniforms. The center strip on the navy cracker jack jumper is removed, and small Sea Scout emblems (called 'bugs') are added over the stars on the tar flap on both the blue and white cracker jack uniforms. The 'dixie cup' hat is also worn, sometimes with the dungaree uniform in place of the baseball cap when worn away from Ship functions. Adults wear US Navy officer-style uniforms: the dress blue, khaki summer work uniform, and summer whites (similar to the US Navy's "tropical white-long" uniform--a short-sleeve white shirt with detachable soft epaulet loops with the adults position embroidered on them, with white trousers, belt and shoes). A white combination cap is worn with blues and whites, with a baseball cap (or the combination cap with a khaki cover) being worn with khakis. The wearing of adult uniforms is optional for those with the Quartermaster rank, but only at the local council and unit level, as the National and Regional officers must wear the "Cracker Jack" uniform. If worn, the uniform is worn in the same manner as that of a Navy Chief Petty Officer. Insignia are as follows:
Other notes
Adult insignia Many are confused by the insignia used by adult Sea Scout leaders. The position of the adult is indicated by insignia that uses the Sea Scout Badge (Boy Scout First Class badge superimposed on an anchor), and then a combination of ropes and stars to indicate the position and level. The level of a scouter is indicated by the stars.
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