Apprentice Requirements- The first Rank a Sea Scout holds is Apprentice.  This rate defines the basics of Sea Scouting, and demonstrates the Sea Scouts commitment to the program.

Ideals	Brief Description
1. Admission ceremony	Participate in the Ship’s admission ceremony.
2. Learn the Sea Promise, Scout Oath, and Scout Law, and Venturing Code.	Learn, memorize, and discuss the before mentioned.
Active Membership
3. Dues Paid	Dues are due each January, or when you first join.
4. Uniforms	Describe the Sea Scout uniform as outlined in the Sea Scout Manual.
Special Skills
5. Seamanship	Know the basic knots, square knot, bowline, clove hitch, sheet bend, two half hitches, figure eight, and cleat hitch.
6. Safety	Walk through and diagram the safety devices on the Gryphon, including the lights in each compartment, fire extinguishers, location of PFDs, buoyant apparatus, ring buoys, Life-sling, heaving lines, EPIRB, and other safety devices.  Demonstrate how to put on a PFD.  See Sea Scout Manual for further description.
7. Customs	How to board a vessel, the landship ceremony, demonstrate knowledge of personal courtesy aboard ship, and what does “By your leave” and “fair wind to the…” mean.
8. Swim Test	Learn and discuss the Safe Swim Defense.  Swim 75 yards using one or more of these strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl.  Swim 25 yards using the backstroke.
9. Work	Log 16 hours of work.

 


Ordinary Requirements- The second Rank a Sea Scout holds is Ordinary.  This rate establishes the knowledge basis for the more challenging requirements. Ordinary is the most difficult Rank to earn, where the most “new” material has to be mastered.

Ideals	Brief Description
1. Customs & Emblems.	Explain the meaning and symbolism of the Sea Scout emblem. Describe how and why is used. Demonstrate your understanding of the customs and courtesies of the sea.
2. Flag History	Give a brief history of the U.S. flag, and show when to fly it and how to hoist, lower, fold, display, and salute it.
Active Membership
3. Attendance	Attend 75% of the Ship’s meetings and activities over six months.
4. Quarterdeck Training.	Complete Petty Officer Training.
5. New Recruit.	Recruit a new member.
Special Skills
6. Boats.	Know the features and special advantages of ten of the following types of boats:  canoe, catamaran, dinghy, dory, kayak, motor cruiser, motor life boat, motor sailer, motor lifeboat, motor whaleboat, pram, pulling whaleboat, punt, runabout, self-bailing surfboat, skiff, trimaraan. Name the principal parts of the type of craft commonly used by your ship. Know the proper display of boat flags and courtesy on small boats. Demonstrate your ability to handle a rowboat.
7. Marlinspike Seamanship	Using line appropriate to the craft you normally use, tie the following knots and explain the use of each: overhand knot, stevedore's knot, bowline on a bight, timber hitch, rolling hitch, marline hitch, midshipman's hitch, and double bowline (French bowline). Name the various materials used for rope, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and the characteristics of laid and braided rope. Understand the meaning of lay, thread, strand, and hawser. Demonstrate the ability to secure a line to pilings, bitts and rings, and to coil, flake, and flemish a line. Know how rope is sized and measured. Demonstrate how to cut and heat seal a synthetic line.
8. Ground Tackle	Describe five types of anchors. Describe how each type holds the bottom, the kind of bottom in which it holds best, and any other advantages or disadvantages. Name the parts of a stock and stockless anchor. Demonstrate the ability to weigh and set anchor.
9. Piloting	Explain the degree system of compass direction. Explain variation and deviation, and show how corrections are applied to correcting and uncorrecting compass headings assigned by your consultant. Name relative bearings expressed in both degrees and points. Be able to report objects in view and wind directions with respect to the boat, and know the duties of a lookout. Name three kinds of devices used aboard ship for measuring speed and/or distance traveled and, if possible, demonstrate their use. Make a dead reckoning table of compass and distances (minimum three legs) between two points, plot these on a chart, and determine the final position. Note: It is best if this requirement can be met while under way. If this is not possible, it may be simulated, but the courses and charts used must be those in the normal cruising area of the ship.
10. Communications.	Name the three principal methods of visual signaling and explain the advantages and limitations of each method. Name the three principal types of radiotelephone equipment in marine use and demonstrate your knowledge of correct radiotelephone procedures.
11. Time	Understand Universal coordinated time (Greenwich mean time) and zone time, and demonstrate the ability to convert from one to the other for your local area. Name the seven watches and bell time. Understand the 24-hour system of telling time.
12. Swimming	Meet the requirements for the Swimming merit badge.
13. Cruising	Take part in the planning and make a 2-day (including overnight) cruise in an approved craft under leadership. Submit a satisfactory log of the cruise. Name the wheel or helm orders specified in the current Pilot Rules manual. While on the cruise, perform the duties of a helmsman.
14. Safety	Know the man overboard, fire, abandon ship and all other drills used by your ship. List the equipment that should be contained in an abandon ship bag, and list the duties to be performed before abandoning ship. List safety equipment required by law for your ship's main vessel. Discuss BSA Safety Afloat with a ship's officer.
15. Galley.	While on a cruise or at a camp, prepare or take charge of a breakfast, lunch and dinner, including boiled, fried, and uncooked dishes. Demonstrate your ability to properly use the galley equipment or personal cooking gear aboard your craft. Demonstrate appropriate sanitation techniques for food preparation and meal cleanup. Submit a menu, list of provisions, and estimated costs before meeting the above requirement. Explain the use of charcoal, pressurized alcohol, propane, and compressed natural gas stoves including safety precautions for each.
16. Sailing	Name the principal parts of the masts, booms, spars, standing and running rigging, and sails of a gaff- or Marconi- rigged sloop, schooner, and ketch or yawl. Describe the identifying characteristics of a sloop, ketch, yawl, cutter, and schooner.
17. Work	As a Seaman Apprentice log at least 16 hours work on ship equipment, projects, or activities other than regular ship meetings, parties, dances, or fun events. Note: Arrange this through the ship's officers
18. Electives  Do any three of the following.	Drill: Demonstrate your ability to execute commands in close-order drill. Signaling: Send and receive semaphore messages using proper procedures at a rate of at least 30 letters a minute. Compass: Box the compass to 32 points and demonstrate your ability to compute the degree heading for each point. Describe the relationship between the 32 points and the relative bearing system using points. Yacht Racing: Describe the procedures used in yacht racing, and the signals used by the race committee to start a race, and serve as a crew member in a race sailed under current International Sailing Federation Rules. Note: Secure the help of your ship's officers to obtain a copy of the current version of the ISAF racing rules from the U.S. Sailing Association and secure a berth on your nearest qualified yacht club race, or sail in your local council or regional sailing races. Sailing: In a cat-rigged or similar small boat, demonstrate the ability to sail single-handedly a triangular course (leeward, windward, and reaching marks). Demonstrate beating, reaching, and running. A qualified instructor must observe this. Ornamental Ropework: Demonstrate your ability to make a three-strand turk's head and a three-stand monkey's fist. Use the monkey's fist to make up a heaving line. Note: Most ornamental ropework is far too complicated to describe and illustrate effectively within a manual of this type. Secure the help of a consultant and read the literature the consultant recommends. Engines: Perform routine maintenance on your ship's propulsion system, including filter, spark plug, oil changes, and other appropriate proper fueling procedures. Refer to operation manuals or ship officers for correct procedures.

Able Requirements- The third Rank a Sea Scout holds is Able.  This rank continues what has been learn in Ordinary and prepares the Sea Scout for Quartermaster.

Ideals	Brief Description
1. Ceremonies.	Organize and conduct two impressive opening ceremonies and two impressive closing ceremonies.
2. Customs & Flag Etiquette.	Demonstrate and explain the proper etiquette for boarding a Sea Scout vessel, landship, and naval vessels. Explain and demonstrate when and where to display the U.S. ensign, ship, and signal flags on a Sea Scout, Coast Guard, or Naval vessel. Or Lead your ship in a discussion of how the sea history of our nation has contributed to our way of life.
Active Membership
3. Attendance.	Attend 75% of the Ship’s meetings and activities over one year.
4. Leadership.	Serve effectively either as an elected petty officer of your ship or as the chair of a major ship activity.
5.  Presentation.	Prepare and present a 15-minute program on Sea Scouting to a Boy Scout troop, Venturing crew, Venturing Officers' Association meeting, school class, or other youth group. Some of the time should be used to describe the activities of your ship, with time allowed for questions and discussion of Sea Scouting.
Special Skills
6. Boats.	Know and use a customized equipment checklist for your vessel. Learn and demonstrate your ability to properly operate a boat equipped with an outboard motor of not more than 25 horsepower. Included should be proper mounting of the motor, fueling, manual starting, leaving a dock, maneuvering, coming alongside, and securing the motor (including flushing if in salt water). Some states require an operator's license for outboard motor operations. Secure such a license, if required, before meeting this requirement. Locate the capacity plate required to be affixed to all newer small boats. Show how to compute the safe loading capacity for a small boat.
7. Marlinspike Seamanship	Submit an eye splice, short splice, and a palm-and-needle whipping. Know the names and functions of lines used to secure a vessel to a dock. Understand and execute docking commands used in handling lines on your ship's main vessel. Describe the parts of a block and how blocks are sized. Demonstrate the various types of tackle used by your ship. Submit a flat seam, round seam, and grommet eye sewn in canvas or Dacron. Describe how each is used in the care of sails.
8. Ground Tackle	Identify a capstan or windlass and explain its use in handling line, wire rope, or chain. Identify and explain the fittings used to handle chain. Describe the various kinds of anchor rode and the advantages of each type. Describe the methods of marking chain. Understand and execute the commands used in handling ground tackle. Identify and explain the use of the following: thimble, shackle, turnbuckle, pelican hook, sister hook, and other ship's hardware and fittings commonly used aboard your craft. Describe how each is sized. Note: See ship's officers for identification of the hardware and fittings on your ship's main vessel.
9. Piloting	Understand the system of aids to navigation employed in your area, including buoys, lights, and daymarks, and their significance and corresponding chart symbols. Read in detail a National Ocean Service chart, preferably for the area normally cruised by your ship, identifying all marks on it. Explain the use of tide tables, current tables, light lists, and how to update a chart using the Notice to Mariners. Describe the deck log kept aboard your ship's principal craft. Keep a complete log for three cruises. While on the water, determine a fix of your position from three or more visual bearings and plot this position on a chart. Note: This is difficult to do in small sailing or power craft. Arrange for a larger, more stable craft if needed. Check with your ship's officers.
10. Swimming.	Meet the requirements for the Lifesaving merit badge.
11. Cruising	Make a long cruise (two weeks) after becoming Ordinary. Earn the Long Cruise badge.
12. Safety	Know and put into practice the rules for fire prevention. Conduct a fire safety inspection of the craft normally used by your ship or of your ship's meeting place. Note any fire hazards and report them to your ship's petty officers. Know the different kinds of fire extinguishing agents and how each works. Know the classes of fires and the type of fire extinguisher that may or may not be used for each. In a safe place under adult supervision, demonstrate the extinguishing of class A and class B fires with an approved fire extinguisher. See that the fire extinguisher used is properly recharged or replaced.
13. First Aid	Meet the requirements for First Aid merit badge or American Red Cross Standard First Aid. Obtain CPR certification. Demonstrate the Heimlich maneuver and tell when it is used.
14. Rules of the Road	Explain and demonstrate a working knowledge of the nautical rules of the road that govern the local waters used by your ship's principal craft. Explain and demonstrate ship's lights, rules in limited visibility, whistle signals, and right of way, including exceptions vessels. Describe special lights and day shapes deployed on the following vessels: not under command; restricted by ability to manover; constrained by draft; fishing (trawling); sailboat. Reference: See "Rules of the Road" on page 174.
15. Navigation.	Understand the systematic division of the earth's surface by latitude and longitude. On Mercator charts, place the coordinates of maritime positions and locate positions on charts when furnished with coordinates. Demonstrate your ability to fix your position by the following methods: lines of positions on two known objects, running fix, and estimated position. Discuss the method for establishing a radar fix. Lay a course and execute it using dead reckoning. Establish distance from a known object using "double the angle on the bow" and explain how to set a danger angle. Discuss how GPS (Global Positioning System) operates, the purpose of way points, and the use of set and drift. Note: If this requirement cannot be met under way, the skills should be demonstrated using charts of the ship's normal cruising area.
16. Boat Maintenance	Know how and why to use marine enamel, varnish, and synthetic coatings for both topsides and underbodies of boats. Demonstrate the proper surface and coating preparation, coating techniques, care of stored coatings, and cleaning of brushes. Explain any special techniques needed for the maintenance and repair of fiberglass hulls and decks. Know the names, uses, sizes, and proper care of the common hand tools used aboard your craft. Note: Consult your ship's petty officers and the marine supplier or maintenance people in your area with which your ship does business for information on the above.
17.  Electives: Do any three of the following.	Sailing: While in command of a crew of not less than two other persons, demonstrate your ability to sail a sloop or another suitable boat correctly and safely over a triangular course (leeward, windward, reaching marks) demonstrating beating, reaching, running, an d the proper commands. Reference: See appendix A. Boats: Teach and command a crew under oars using a boat pulling at least four oars single- or double-banked. Perform the following manuvers: get under way, maneuver ahead and back, turn the boat in its own length, dock, and secure. References: See "Maneuvering at a Dock" on page 155, "Types of Powerboats" on page 273, and "Rowing" on page 275. Radio: Demonstrate the correct procedures to transmit and receive radiotelephone distress (Mayday), urgency (Pan), and safety (Security) messages, as well as normal traffic. References: See "Radiotelephone Aboard Ship" on page 197, and Marine Radio Could be a Lifesaver (U.S. Coast Guard). Drill: Demonstrate your ability to give and execute commands in close-order drill. Reference: See "Techniques for Close-Order Drill" on page 45. Engines: Understand the safe and proper procedures for gasoline and diesel inboard engines, including: fueling, prestarting checks, ventilation, starting, running, periodic checks while running, securing, postoperative checks, and keeping an engine log. If possible, demonstrate using the type of engine (gasoline or diesel) aboard the craft you most frequently use. Understand and demonstrate the preventive maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer. Demonstrate basic knowledge of troubleshooting. Yacht Racing: Demonstrate your understanding of the shapes, flag hoists, gun, and horn signals used in sailboat racing as well as a working knowledge of the racing rules of the International Sailing Federation. Serve as helmsman, with one or more additional crew members, of a sloop-rigged or other suitable boat with a spinnaker in a race sailed under ISAF racing rules. Sea History: Know the highlights of sea history from the earliest times to the present. Include the evolution of boat construction and propulsion, important voyages of exploration and development, the origin of sea traditions, and leaders of U.S. sea history and their achievements. Reference: See "The Evolution of Ships" on page 281. Ornamental Ropework: Demonstrate your ability to fashion the following items of ornamental ropework: four-strand turk's head, coach whipping, cockscombing, round braid, flat sennit braid, wall knot, and crown knot. Make a useful item such as a bos'n's call lanyard, rigging knife lanyard, bell rope, etc., or decorate some portion of your ship's equipment such as a stanchion, rail, lifeline, tiller, etc., as an example of your work. Reference: Although pages 127 through 133 will be helpful, ornamental ropework is far too complicated to describe and illustrate effectively in a manual of this type. Secure the help of a consultant and read the literature the consultant recommends. Specialty Proficiency: Do one of the following: become a certified scuba diver; become proficient in windsurfing, surfing, kayaking, or whitewater rafting/canoeing.

Quartermaster Requirements- The highest rank in Sea Scouting is the Quartermaster Award.  While there are over 6,000 Sea Scouts in the United States today, only 50 each year earn the Quartermaster Award.  As described by the late Commander Thomas J. Keane:

"The Quartermaster Award, which stands for excellence, goes to the young adult who attains the highest rank in Sea Scouting.  The award is a reminder that as a ship needs a rudder, a compass, and a moving force to reach its destination, so an individual must be physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight to achieve worthwhile goals in life."

Ideals	Brief Description
1. Participating Citizenship.	Lead a discussion on the subject participating citizenship at a ship meeting or with a separate group of your peers.
2. 200 Word Statement.	Write and submit a paper of about 200 words that tells how and what your ship can do to contribute to the world fellowship of Scouting. Or Prepare a written analysis of one of the following: your ship's bylaws, constitution, administration, or ceremonies and make recommendations for change to your ship's Quarterdeck.
Active Membership
3. Attendance.	Attend at least 75 percent of your ship's meetings and special activities for 18 months (including previous service of Apprentice, Ordinary, and Able).
4. Presentation.	Present a brief talk or program (15 minutes in length is suggested) on Sea Scouting at a service club, religious organization, PTA, or other adult organization.
5. Service Project.	While an Able Sea Scout, plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or your community. The project idea must be approved by your Skipper and ship committee and approved by the council or district before you start. This service project should involved your ship and at least one other group.
Special Skills
6. Boats.	Demonstrate and teach the Motorboating merit badge. Know the principles of springing into and out from a dock, from both bow and stern, using an engine depending on the type of craft used by your ship. Take charge of the craft used by your ship, or suitable powered craft and give all necessary commands to the crew while coming alongside and getting under way in several wind and current situations.
7. Marlinspike Seamanship	Teach the Ordinary and Able requirements No. 7, Marlinspike Seamanship to a crew. Demonstrate an eye splice in double braided line.
8. Ground Tackle	Teach the Ordinary and Able requirements No. 8, Ground Tackle, to a crew. Know the methods of bringing a boat to anchor or mooring with special emphasis on wind and current with respect to the vessel's course and speed. Take charge of the craft used by your ship and give all commands to the crew for anchoring and weighing anchor in several different wind and current situations. Take charge of the craft used by your ship and give all commands to the crew for picking up a mooring buoy and properly mooring the vessel in several wind and current situations.
9. Piloting	Teach the Ordinary requirement No. 9 and Able requirement No. 15 to a crew. Know the methods of fixing a boat's position in limited visibility, and the special precautions that should be taken when limited visibility is encountered.
10. Signaling.	Draw the international code flags and pennants from memory and give the single-letter meanings of the flags. Demonstrate your ability to use the book, International Code of Signals. Note: The International Code of Signals may be secured from most marine supply stores. Reference: See "The International Code Flags" on page 222.
11. Swimming.	Meet the requirements for BSA Lifeguard or Red Cross lifesaving, and obtain certification where applicable.
12. Cruising.	Take command of a vessel with a crew of not less than four Sea Scouts for at least 48 hours (including two consecutive nights). Do no work while in command. You must delegate all duties and supervise only. During the cruise complete the following: Inspect the vessel for required equipment. Supervise the menu preparation. Prepare the boat to get under way with a proper checklist. Anchor, dock, and maintain course by commands to the helmsman. Remain under way for at an extended period during darkness. Discuss appropriate nighttime running procedures. While under way, perform man overboard, damage control, abandon ship, fire fighting, collision drills, and any other drills used by your ship. During this cruise no substantial errors may be committed. A competent adult leader should grade and observe this requirement and, if necessary for safety reasons, take command of the vessel.
13. Safety.	Know the heavy weather precautions taken aboard both power and sailing craft when dangerous weather approaches, and demonstrate these precautions aboard the craft used by your ship.
14. Rules of the Road	Teach Able Requirement No. 14, Rules of the Road, and demonstrate a working knowledge of both international and inland navigation rules. Reference: See "Rules of the Road" on page 174.
15. Weather.	Demonstrate your ability to read a barometer, thermometer, anemometer, psychrometer, and weather vane. Be familiar with the Beaufort scale of winds and seas. Read and understand a local weather bulletin. Know how to obtain current marine and weather reports from the National Weather Service in your area either by telephone or radio. Know weather signs for your local area, including cloud types, and prepare a 48-hour forecast from them. Compare your forecast with the actual weather that occurred. Reference: See "Weather" on page 235, and Weather merit badge pamphlet, No. 33274.
16. Electives: Do four of the following.	a.  Sailing: Know the principles of handling a schooner, ketch, yawl, or other suitable sailing craft. Under competent direction, take charge of a crew and demonstrate your ability to handle a suitable sailing craft in all points of sail. Note: The key to success here are the words competent direction. You must secure the guidance of the adult related to the sailboat you will use. Read the reference material he or she suggests, and learn by doing as you sail together. b. Engines: Explain the principal features of steam turbine, turboelectric, direct reversing diesel, diesel-electric, gas turbine, nuclear, gasoline, and diesel engines and the relative advantages of each type. Understand the operation of spark ignition and compression ignition for internal combustion engines used aboard small craft. Be familiar with the engine aboard the craft used by your ship, including its principles of operation, fuel, lubrication, cooling and electrical systems, and their component parts. Be able to locate and correct minor engine troubles according to the engine manufacturer's troubleshooting guide. Note: With the help of your ship's officers, locate a consultant who has a knowledge of engines. Read the consultant's suggested reference material, and ask the consultant to relate this to the engine aboard your craft. Reference: See "Boat Maintenance and Engines" on page 157. c. Radio: Qualify for and obtain the Marine Radio Operator Permit as issued by the Federal Communications Commission. Note: Look in the blue pages of your local telephone book for the address and telephone number of your nearest U.S. Federal Communications Commission field office. Ask for an application and appropriate study materials, and secure the help of a qualified adult. Sight-impaired applicants will receive a special examination. d. Boat Maintenance: Take charge of reconditioning or overhauling at least one of your ship's boats, or take charge of hauling out the principal craft used by your ship. In either case, lay out a plan of the work to be done in advance, including an estimate of the materials, tools, cost, and time involved. Note: Work closely with an adult leader of your ship to carry out this requirement. Reference: See "Boat Maintenance and engines" on page 157. e. Electricity: Know and demonstrate the correct method of rescuing a person in contact with a live wire. Demonstrate the approved method of resuscitation. Understand the construction of simple battery cells. Demonstrate the proper care of storage batteries. Understand the difference between direct current and alternating current and the best uses for each. Demonstrate that you know how to replace fuses, reset circuit breakers, and properly splice shipboard electric cable. Submit a diagram of the electrical system aboard the craft used by your ship or aboard another craft. Understand wire tables, the current-carrying capacity of circuits, and the hazards and prevention of electrical overloading. Understand electrolysis as applied to the deterioration of a boat's underwater fittings by galvanic action and its prevention. Note: Secure the help of a qualified adult to help you understand the wiring of your boat and the effects of galvanic action on the underwater fittings of your boat. Reference: See "Electrical Systems" on page 167. f. Navigation: Understand how the sextant works. Show how to use it and demonstrate measuring horizontal angles and altitudes. Understand the navigator's day's work. Demonstrate finding latitude by the altitude of Polaris or by the sun's altitude at local apparent noon. Demonstrate how longitude is determined. Demonstrate finding error in the boat's compass by the sun's azimuth. Note: Celestial navigation and sextant use are far too complicated to describe and illustrate effectively in a manual of this type. Secure the help of a consultant and read the literature he or she recommends. g. Drill: Demonstrate the ability to handle the ship's company in close-order drill. Do all required maneuvers. Reference: See pages 44 through 50. h. Piloting: Under competent direction, assume the con of your ship's vessel. Plot its projected course between two ports, and cruise that course mooring to mooring, handling all piloting duties and acting as officer of the deck. The cruise should be made in daylight hours with good visibility. Reference: See pages 170 through 218. i. Yacht Racing Crew: Take charge of a crew in a race using current ISAF racing rules. j. Rigging: Demonstrate your ability to splice and handle wire rope, attach wire rope fittings, and complete a safety and tuning inspection of a ship vessel.