ADVANCEMENT

Apprentice

Ideals

1. Qualify as an official member of Ship 300 by taking part in the 300-admission ceremony.
2. Repeat from memory and discuss with an adult leader the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Discuss the Venturing Code and agree to carry out the provisions of Ship 300’s code.

Active Membership

1. Provide evidence that your dues are paid and that you are doing your fair share in helping to finance Ship 300’s program.
2. Describe the Sea Scout uniform and obtain one. Tell how and when the uniform is worn and how to care for it. Ref: p. 105.

Special Skills

1. Seamanship: Using both large and small lines, tie and explain the use of the following knots: square knot, bowline, clove hitch, sheet bend, two half hitches, figure eight, and cleat hitch. Demonstrate the ability to use a heaving line. Ref: p. 127, p. 154.
2. Safety: Know the basic safety rules for small boats. Know the safety rules that apply to the floating equipment used by Ship 300, and safety standards in the use of power tools, machinery, lifting heavy objects, and other safety devices used by Ship 300. Demonstrate the proper use of a personal floatation device such as a life jacket or a life buoy. Be familiar with and be able to use the standard marine distress signals, and demonstrate the procedure to send a VHF distress call. Ref: p. 242, p. 185, p.198.
3. Customs: Demonstrate the proper procedure for boarding a vessel. Demonstrate normal usage of personal courtesy on board a ship. Ref: p. 16, Appendix K.
4. Swimming: Swim 75 yards/meters in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breastroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards/meters using an easy resting backstroke. After completing the swim, rest by floating. Discuss the safe swim defense plan with a ship’s officer. Ref: p.249 and swimming merit badge pamphlet 33352.
5. Work: Log at least 16 hours of work on ship equipment, projects, or activities other than regular ship meetings, parties, dances, or fun events. Note: Arrange this work through ship’s petty officers.

Ordinary

Ideals

1. Explain the Sea Scout emblem and tell how and why it is used. Prove that you have a general understanding of the customs and courtesies of the sea. Ref: p.16, p. 117, p. 118.
2. 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. Ref: 17.

Active Membership

1. Attend at least 75 percent of Ship 300 meetings and special activities for six months. Note: check with the Ship 300 yeoman.
2. Complete quarterdeck training, either as a petty officer or as a prospective petty officer, as provided and required by Ship 300 and council.
3. Recruit a new member for Ship 300 and follow through until the new member is registered and formally admitted. (The Ship 300 Committee may waive this requirement if additional membership is not possible at the time the Sea Scout applies.) Ref: p. 200

Special Skills

1. Boats: Know the identifying features and special advantages of 10 of the following types of boats: canoe, catamaran, dinghy, dory, kayak, motor cruiser, motor lifeboat, motor sailor, motor whaleboat, pram, pulling whaleboat, punt, runabout, self-bailing, surfboat, skiff, trimaran. Name the principal parts of the type of craft commonly used by Ship 300.
Know the proper display of boat flags and courtesy on small boats.
Demonstrate your ability to handle a rowboat.
Ref: p.303, p. 265, p. 268, and rowing merit badge pamphlet 33404.
2. 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.
Ref: p. 123, p. 127.
4. 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 anchor and stockless anchor.
Demonstrate the ability to weigh and set anchor.
Ref: p. 145.
5. Piloting: Explain the degree system of compass direction. Explain variation and deviation; 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.
Ref: p. 170, p. 201.
6. Communications: Name the three principal methods of visual signaling and explain the advantages and limitations of each method.
Name the three principal types of radiotelephones equipment in marine use and demonstrate your knowledge of correct radiotelephone equipment in marine use and demonstrate your knowledge of correct radiotelephone procedures.
Ref: p. 220, p. 198.
7. Time: Understand Universal Coordinated Time (Greenwich mean time) and zonetime, 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.
Ref: p. 228, p. 36.
8. Swimming: Meet the requirements for swimming merit badge.
Ref: p. 249, swimming merit badge pamphlet 33352.
9. Cruising: Take part in planning and then make a two-day (including overnight) cruise in an approved craft under leadership. Submit a satisfactory log of the course.
Name the wheel or helm orders specified in the current Pilot Rules manual. While on the cruise, perform the duties of a helmsman.
Note: For each day of the cruise, fill out a cruise log.
Ref: p. 72, p. 218.
10. Safety: Know the man overboard, fire, abandon ship, and all other drills used by Ship 300.
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.
Ref: p. 242, p.253, BSA Safety Afloat Training Outline, No. 34159, Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats (U.S. Coast Guard).
11. 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 generally used 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.
Ref: p. 73, p.246, cooking merit badge pamphlet 33349.
12. 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.
Ref: p. 265, Appendix A.
13. Work: As a Seaman Apprentice log at least 16 hours of work on ship equipment, projects, or activities other than regular ship meetings, parties, dances, or fun events. Note Arrange this work through Ship 300 petty officers.
14. Electives: Do any three of the following: Note: Check with Ship 300 petty officers before selecting electives to ensure that they will be consistent with Ship 300 programs.
a. Drill: Demonstrate your ability to execute commands in close-order drill. Ref: p. 44 “Drill Ship Formations and Movements”
b. Signaling: Send and receive semaphore messages using proper procedures at a rate of at least 30 letters a minute. Ref: p. 221.
c. 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. Ref: p. 171.
d. 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 crewmember in a race sailed under current International Sailing Federation Rules. Note: Secure the assistance 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.
e. 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. Ref: Appendix A.
f. Ornamental rope work: Demonstrate your ability to make a three strand Turk’s head and a three-strand monkey’s fist. Using either ornamental knot, make up a heaving line. Note: Most ornamental rope work is far too complicated to describe and illustrate effectively in a manual of this type. Secure the assistance of a consultant and read the literature the consultant recommends.
g. 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 or consultants for correct procedures. Ref: 160.

Able

Ideals

1. Organize and conduct two impressive ceremonies and two impressive closing ceremonies for Ship 300.
Ref: 25.
2. Demonstrate and explain the proper etiquette for boarding a Sea Scout vessel, land ship, 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 Navy vessel.
Or
Lead your ship in a discussion of how the sea history of our nation has contributed to our way of life.
Ref: p. 303, p. 52, Appendix K.

Active Membership

3. Attend at least 75 percent of Ship 300 meetings and special activities for one year.
Check with Ship 300 yeoman.
4. Serve effectively either as an elected petty officer of Ship 300 or as the chair of a major ship activity.
Ref: p. 5, p. 61.
5. Prepare and present a 15-minute program on Sea Scouting before a Boy Scout Troop, Venturing Crew, Venturing Officer’s Association meeting, school class, or other youth group. Some of this time should be used to describe the activities of Ship 300, with time allotted for questions and discussion of Sea Scouting.
Ref: p. 51.

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.
Ref: p. 68, p. 253, p. 268, motor boating merit badge pamphlet 33345.
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 Ship 300.
Submit a flat seam, round seam, and grommet eye sewn in canvas or Dacron. Describe how each is used in the care of sails. Best if done in repair of sails.
Ref: p. 133, p.141, p. 138, p. 264.
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 various kinds of anchor rode and the advantages of each type.
Identify and explain the use of the following: thimble, shackle, turnbuckle, pelican hook, sister hook, and other ship’s hardware and fittings on your ship’s main vessel.
Ref: p. 145.
9. Piloting: Understand the system of aids to navigation employed in your area, including buoys, lights, and day marks, and their significance and corresponding chart symbols. Read in detail a National Ocean Service chart, preferably for the area normally cruised by Ship 300, 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 a small sailing craft or power craft. Arrange for a larger, more stable craft if needed. Check with your ship’s officers.
10. Swimming: Meet the requirements for Lifesaving merit badge. Pamphlet 33297.
11. Cruising: Make a long cruise (two weeks) after becoming Ordinary. Earn the Long Cruise Badge. Ref: p. 100.
12. Safety: Know and put into practice the rules for fire prevention. Conduct a fire safety inspection of the craft normally used by Ship 300 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 s of fire extinguishers 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. Ref: p. 246, fire safety merit badge pamphlet 33318.
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. Ref: first aid merit badge pamphlet 33301, Boy Scout Handbook, No. 33105, p. 296-7.
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 Ship 300. Explain and demonstrate ship 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 maneuver, constrained by draft; fishing (trawling); sailboat.
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 position of 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 the 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.
Ref: p. 206, p. 224, p. 209.
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, and proper care of the common hand tools used aboard your craft.
Note: Consult Ship 300 petty officers and the marine supplier or maintenance people in your area with which your ship does business for information on the above.
Ref: p. 157, p. 170.
17. Electives: Do any three of the following: Note: Many ships place emphasis on differing skills because of the nature of their programs. Check with your petty officers before selecting electives to assure that they will be consistent with the Ship 300 program.
a. 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, and the proper commands. Ref: Appendix A.
b. Boats: Teach and command a crew under oars, using a boat pulling at least four oars single- or double-banked. Perform the following maneuvers: get under way; maneuver ahead and back, turn the boat in its own length, dock, and secure. Ref: p. 155, p. 273, p. 275.
c. Radio: Demonstrate the correct procedures to transmit and receive radiotelephone distress (Mayday), urgency (Pan), and safety (Security) messages, as well as normal traffic. Ref: P. 197, “Marine Radio Could Be A Lifesaver” (U.S. Coast Guard).
d. Drill: Demonstrate your ability to give and execute commands in close order drill. Ref: p. 45.
e. Engines: Understand the safe and proper procedures for gasoline and diesel inboard engines, including fueling, restarting checks, ventilation, starting, running, periodic checks while running, securing, post-operative checks, and keeping an engine log. If possible demonstrate use of the type of engine aboard the craft you most frequently use. Understand and demonstrate the preventive maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer. Demonstrate basic knowledge of troubleshooting.
f. Yacht Racing: Demonstrate your understanding of the shapes, flag hoists, gun, and horn signals used in sailboat racing as well as working knowledge of the racing rules of the International Sailing Federation. Serve as helmsman, with one or more additional crewmembers, of a sloop-rigged or other suitable boat with a spinnaker in a race sailed under ISAF racing rules.
g. 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. Ref: p. 281.
h. Ornamental Rope work: Demonstrate your ability to fashion the following items of ornamental rope work: four-strand Turk’s head, coach whipping, cocks combing, round braid, flat sennit braid, wall knot, and crown know. 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. Note: While page 127 through 144 will be helpful, ornamental rope work is far too complicated to describe and illustrate effectively in a manual of this type. Secure the assistance of a consultant and read the literature the consultant recommends.
i. Specialty Proficiency: Do one of the following: become a certified scuba diver; become proficient in boardsailing, surfing, kayaking, or whitewater rafting/canoeing.

Quartermaster

Ideals

1. Lead a discussion on the subject “participating citizenship” at a ship meeting or with a separate group of your peers. Ref: p. 52.
2. 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.
Ref: citizenship in the world merit badge pamphlet No. 33260.

Active Membership

1. Attend at least 75 percent of Ship 300 meetings and special activities. Note: check with the yeoman.
2. Present a brief talk or program (15 minutes long) on Sea Scouting at a service club, religious organization, PTA, or other adult organization. Ref: p. 51.
3. While an Able Sea Scout plan, develop, and give leadership to others to 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 involve your ship and at least one other group. Note: You must use the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, No. 18-927, in meeting this requirement.
Ref: p. 83 and Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook No. 18-927.

Special Skills

1. Boats: Demonstrate and teach skills from Motor boating merit badge.
2. Marlinspike Seamanship: Teach the Ordinary and Able requirements.
3. Piloting: Teach the Ordinary requirement and the Able requirement.
4. Signaling: Draw the international code flags and pennants from memory and give the single-letter meaning of the flags.
5. Swimming: Meet the requirements for BSA Lifeguard or Red Cross Lifesaving, and obtain certification where applicable.
6. 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:
a. Inspect the vessel for required equipment.
b. Supervise the menu preparation.
c. Prepare the boat to get under way with a proper checklist.
d. Anchor, dock, and maintain course by commands to the helmsman.
e. Remain under way for an extended period during darkness. Discuss appropriate nighttime running procedures.
f. While under way perform man overboard, damage control, abandon ship, fire fighting, collision drills, and any other drills used by Ship 300. 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.
7. 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 Ship 300. Ref: p. 251.
8. Rules of the Road: Teach Able requirement and demonstrate a working knowledge of both international and inland navigation rules. Ref: p. 174.
9. Weather: Demonstrate your ability to read a barometer, thermometer, anemometer, psychrometer, and weather vane. Be familiar with the Beaufort scale of winds and seas.
Ref: 235, weather merit badge pamphlet No. 33274.
10. Electives Do four of the following. Note: Check with your ship’s officers before selecting elective to assure that they will be consistent with the Ship 300 program.
a. Sailing: Know the principles of handling a schooner, ketch, or 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 in charge of 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.
i. Understand the operation of spark ignition and compression ignition for internal combustion engines used aboard small craft.
ii. 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.
iii. Be able to locate and correct minor engine troubles according to the engine manufacturer’s trouble shooting guide.
iv. Note: With the help of your Ship 300 officers, locate a consultant who has knowledge of engines. Read the consultant’s suggested reference materials, and ask the consultant to relate this to the engine aboard your craft. Ref: p. 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 the nearest U.S. Federal Communications Commission field office. Ask for an application and appropriate study materials, and secure the help of 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. Ref: p. 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.
i. Understand the construction of simple battery cells. Demonstrate the proper care of storage batteries.
ii. Understand the difference between direct current and alternating current and the best uses for each.
iii. Demonstrate that you know how to replace fuses, reset circuit breakers, and properly splice shipboard electric cable.
iv. Submit a diagram of the electrical system aboard the craft used by your ship or aboard another craft.
v. Understand wire tables, the current-carrying capacity of circuits, and the hazards and prevention of electrical overloading.
vi. Understand electrolysis as applied to the deterioration of a boat’s underwater fittings by galvanic action and its prevention.
vii. 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. Ref: p. 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.
i. Demonstrate finding latitude by the altitude of Polaris or by the sun’s altitude at local apparent noon. Demonstrate how longitude is determined.
ii. Demonstrate finding error in the boat’s compass by the sun’s azimuth.
iii. 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 that the consultant recommends.
g. Drill: Demonstrate the ability to handle the ship’s company in close-order drill. Do all required maneuvers. Ref: p. 44-50.
h. Piloting: Under competent direction, assume the control 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. Ref: p. 170 - 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. Ref: p. 137.