Frequenty Asked Questions

Apprentice

Striving for Apprentice rank, Sea Scouts learn ideals, courtesies, procedures, and responsibilities. Service hours in ship projects, activities, equipment maintenance, and in the community are required.

Ordinary

Ordinary rank requires additional service as well as knowledge of U.S. flag etiquite and land and sea protocals. Sea Scouts serve as an event chair, complete quarterdeck training, and qualify on various safety and emergency procedures while building their seamanship and boat handling skills.   

Able

To achieve Able rank, Sea Scouts master ceremony presentation and demonstrate knowledge of maritime history. There is a continued progression in seamanship, boat-handling skills, anchoring, piloting, navigation, as well as a deeper understanding of maritime environmental issues.

Quartermaster

Most requirements represent  intensification of what was learned for previous ranks, but with significant additions in the Quartermanster service project, study of weather and forcasting, and completion of additional electives. 

The Crew Leader role is similar to the Patrol Leader role in a Scouting America Troop. A Ship's Crew Leader is responsible for maintaining the morale and conduct of the crew. The Crew Leader also assists with training the crew and delegates responsibilities to them.

The Assistant Crew Leader assists the Crew Leader as needed and serves as the substitute Crew Leader if the actual Crew Leader is absent. 

The Media Specialist helps manage and produce content for the ship's website and Social Media accounts.  

The Specialist is a youth officer with a specialized duty that is not covered by another position. 

The Committee Chair recruits adult leaders, ensures they are properly trained, and supports them in carrying out the program. The Committee Chair is responsible for a host of administrative duties as well as serving as a representative of the ship in a wide range of settings. The Chair leads committee meetings and ensures the ship's compliance with the policies and standards of our chartered organization, Scouting America, and the ship's codes and bylaws.

Our Committee Members work together to address the program's financial, equipment, and logistical needs. They work with the Commitee Chair to ensure compliance with the policies and standards of our chartered organization, Scouting America, and the ship's codes and bylaws. 

Similar to a Scoutmaster in a Scouting America Troop, a Skipper serves as the key adult leader of a Sea Scout ship and gives direction to the program. A Skipper advises and coaches the youth officers as they plan, organize, and conduct meetings and activities.  The Skipper delegates responsibilites to the Mates as needed.

Similar to Assistant Scoutmasters in a Scouting America Troop, Mates work together to assist the Skipper as directed and assume the Skipper's duties if absent. Our team of Mates each have different areas of focus that include program, training, and maintaining our fleet.