Purpose of the Ship

Sea Scouts is adventure on sea and land -- for you. Ship 300 is a program offered to young men and young women between the age of 14 and 21. It is a chance to learn and have fun at the same time.

What is Sea Scout Ship 300?

Sea Scout Ship 300 is organized to promote better citizenship and to improve members' skills and knowledge through instruction and practice in water safety, boating skills, outdoor, social, and service experiences, and knowledge of our maritime heritage. Members are expected to attend meetings, maintain the Ship's boats, and aid in financing the program.

What is in it for you?

You can learn to sail, to row, and to keep a boat in shape; you can cruise, or even sail one of our small boats. You will be active in camping, social events, tours, regattas, excursions, and seamanship contests.

Sailing and Cruising

Ship 300 has access to several small boats for learning to sail and for use in cruising. During the summer, every member has a chance to try his hand at the tiller, to trim the sails, and all members are taught safe and proper methods of handling boats. Sea Scouts also learn the meaning of buoys and lights, how to take advantage of wind and tide, and how to drop anchor or approach a dock. Day, weekend, and long cruises are held for all Ship members.

Maintenance and Repair

Every boat owner takes pride in the condition of his boat. Each spring he chips, sands, and paints until it is trim and shipshape. Sea Scout vessels are no exception. A significant part of our Sea Scouting program is teaching and learning the methods of boat maintenance.

Meetings

Regular meetings are held at Concord Yacht Club. These are informal meetings conducted in work uniforms. Meetings during the summer months are held at Concord Yacht Club on Thursday evenings at 7:00 P.M. Meetings during the winter months are held at the Concord Yacht Club, on every Monday at 7:00 P.M. Swimming, lifesaving, first aid, Sailing and Seamanship, and first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses are taught within the Ship by our Great Smoky Mountain Council Members. The U.S. Coat Guard Safe Boating Course are also offered on an annual basis. These courses are open to the public.

Skills taught

· Marlinspike Seamanship - use of line, knots, and splicing
· Sailing
· Rowing
· Canoeing
· Piloting - learning the aids to navigation, reading charts
· Rules of the Road
· Small Boat handler - equal to Coast Guard course
· Radio - qualify for Marine Radiotelephone Operators Permit (MROP)
· Boat Maintenance - learn how to care for and maintain a small boat
· Engines - maintenance of inboard and outboard engines
· Electricity - basic electrical theory & hands on experience
· Weather- learn how to interpret weather maps
· Boats - indentification of boats, teaching and commanding a crew under oars and sail
· Ground Tackle - anchoring, proper use of anchors, identification and use of fittings on board
· Galley - learning to prepare food and to buy provisions for a long cruise
· Safety - fire, man overboard, etc.
· Sea History
· Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - American Safety Council BLS certificate
· TN Safe Boating Course - necessary to operate any powerboat in the water of the State of Tennessee correctly
· First Aid
· Swimming
· Lifesaving

Entry Requirements

· Be at least 14 years of age.
· Attend and observe one meeting before filling out application form.
· Pay new member fee (which also includes Sea Scout Manual, insignia, hat, belt, and insurance); Be prepared to buy shirt, deck shoes.
· Support Ship in fundraising activities.
· Agree to obey the Scout Law and Oath.
· Meet the membership requirements of the Boy Scouts of America.