SSS Sea Dogs

1. Compendium of Sea Scouting Skills.  Below are all the skills specified for rank awards in Sea Scouting.
    a.    Ideals, Traditions, & Courtesy:
        i.    Memorize Sea Promise, Scout Oath, Scout Law (Apprentice)
        ii.    Demonstrate the proper procedure for boarding a vessel. (Apprentice)
        iii.    Demonstrate normal usage of personal courtesy on board a ship. (Apprentice)
        iv.    Demonstrate and explain the proper etiquette for boarding a Sea Scout vessel, landship, and naval vessels. (Able)
        v.    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. (Able)
        vi.    Know the proper display of boat flags and courtesy on small boats. (Ordinary)
        vii.    Give an explanation of the Sea Scout emblem and tell how and why is is used. (Ordinary)
        viii.    Prove that you have a general understanding of the customs and courtesies of the sea. (Ordinary)
        ix.    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. (Ordinary)
        x.    Quarterdeck Training (Ordinary)
    b.    Boats:
        i.    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 sailer, motor whaleboat, pram, pulling whaleboat, punt, runabout, self-bailing surfboat, skiff, trimaran. Name the principal parts of the type of craft commonly used by your ship. (Ordinary)
        ii.    Demonstrate your ability to handle a rowboat. (Ordinary)
        iii.    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. (Able)
        iv.    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. (Able)
        v.    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. (Able Elective)
        vi.    Demonstrate and teach the Motorboating merit badge. (QM)
        vii.    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. (QM)
        viii.    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. (QM)
    c.    Boat Maintenance:
        i.    Know how and why to use marine enamel, varnish, and synthetic coatings for both topsides and underbodies of boats.  (Able)
        ii.    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. (Able)
        iii.    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. (Able)
        iv.    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. (QM Elective)
    d.    Communications:
        i.    Name the three principal methods of visual signaling and explain the advantages and limitations of each method. (Ordinary)
        ii.    Name the three principal types of radiotelephone equipment in marine use and demonstrate your knowledge of correct radiotelephone procedures. (Ordinary)
        iii.    Demonstrate the correct procedures to transmit and receive radiotelephone distress (Mayday), urgency (Pan), and safety (Security) messages, as well as normal traffic. (Able Elective)
        iv.    FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit   (QM Elective)
    e.    Compass.
        i.    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. (Ordinary Elective)
    f.    Drill.
        i.    Demonstrate your ability to execute commands in close-order drill. (Ordinary Elective)
        ii.    Demonstrate your ability to give and execute commands in close-order drill. (Able Elective)
        iii.    Demonstrate the ability to handle the ship\'s company in close-order drill. Do all required maneuvers. (QM Elective)
    g.    Electricity:
        i.    Know and demonstrate the correct method of rescuing a person in contact with a live wire. Demonstrate the approved method of resuscitation. (QM Elective)
        ii.    Understand the construction of simple battery cells. Demonstrate the proper care of storage batteries. (QM Elective)
        iii.    Understand the difference between direct current and alternating current and the best uses for each. (QM Elective)
        iv.    Demonstrate that you know how to replace fuses, reset circuit breakers, and properly splice shipboard electric cable. (QM Elective)
        v.    Submit a diagram of the electrical system aboard the craft used by your ship or aboard another craft. (QM Elective)
        vi.    Understand wire tables, the current-carrying capacity of circuits, and the hazards and prevention of electrical overloading. (QM Elective)
        vii.    Understand electrolysis as applied to the deterioration of a boat\'s underwater fittings by galvanic action and its prevention. (QM Elective)
    h.    Engines.
        i.    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. (Ordinary Elective)
        ii.    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. (Able Elective)
        iii.    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. (QM Elective)
        iv.    Understand the operation of spark ignition and compression ignition for internal combustion engines used aboard small craft. (QM Elective)
        v.    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. (QM Elective)
        vi.    Be able to locate and correct minor engine troubles according to the engine manufacturer\'s troubleshooting guide. (QM Elective)
        vii.    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. (QM Elective)
    i.    First Aid:
        i.    Meet the requirements for First Aid merit badge or American Red Cross Standard First Aid.  (Able)
        ii.    Obtain CPR certification. (Able)
    j.    Galley
        i.    While on a cruise or at a camp, prepare or take charge of a breakfast, lunch and dinner, including boiled, fried, and uncooked dishes.  (Ordinary)
        ii.    Demonstrate your ability to properly use the galley equipment or personal cooking gear aboard your craft.  (Ordinary)
        iii.    Demonstrate appropriate sanitation techniques for food preparation and meal cleanup. (Ordinary)
        iv.    Submit a menu, list of provisions, and estimated costs before meeting the above requirement. (Ordinary)
        v.    Explain the use of charcoal, pressurized alcohol, propane, and compressed natural gas stoves including safety precautions for each. (Ordinary)
    k.    Ground Tackle:
        i.    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. (Ordinary)
        ii.    Name the parts of a stock and stockless anchor. (Ordinary)
        iii.    Demonstrate the ability to weigh and set anchor. (Ordinary)
        iv.    Identify a capstan or windlass and explain its use in handling line, wire rope, or chain.  (Able)
        v.    Identify and explain the fittings used to handle chain.  (Able)
        vi.    Describe the various kinds of anchor rope and the advantages of each type. (Able)
        vii.    Describe the methods of marking chain.  (Able)
        viii.    Understand and execute the commands used in handling ground tackle. (Able)
        ix.    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. (Able)
        x.    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.  (QM)
        xi.    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. (QM)
        xii.    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. (QM)   
    l.    Marlinspike Seamanship:
        i.    Knots I. Using both large and small line, tie and explain the use of the following knots:
            (1)    square/reef knot (Apprentice)
            (2)    bowline (Apprentice)
            (3)    clove hitch (Apprentice)
            (4)    sheet bend (Apprentice)
            (5)    two half hitches (Apprentice)
            (6)    figure eight (Apprentice)
            (7)    cleat hitch (Apprentice)
        ii.    Knots II. Using line appropriate to the craft you normally use, tie the following knots and explain the use of each:
            (1)    overhand knot (Ordinary)
            (2)    stevedore\'s knot (Ordinary)
            (3)    bowline on a bight (Ordinary)
            (4)    timber hitch (Ordinary)
            (5)    rolling hitch (Ordinary)
            (6)    marline hitch (Ordinary)
            (7)    midshipman\'s hitch (Ordinary)
            (8)    double bowline (French bowline) (Ordinary)
        iii.    Rope & Lines.
            (1)    Demonstrate the ability to use a heaving line. (Apprentice)
            (2)    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. (Ordinary)
            (3)    Demonstrate the ability to secure a line to pilings, bitts and rings, and to coil, flake, and flemish a line. (Ordinary)
            (4)    Know how rope is sized and measured.  (Ordinary)
            (5)    Demonstrate how to cut and heat seal a synthetic line. (Ordinary)
            (6)    Submit an eye splice, short splice, and a palm-and-needle whipping.  (Able)
            (7)    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. (Able)
        iv.    Hoisting:
            (1)    Describe the parts of a block and how blocks are sized. (Able)
        v.        Demonstrate the various types of tackle used by your ship. (Able)
        vi.    Sails:
            (1)    Submit a flat seam, round seam, and grommet eye sewn in canvas or Dacron. Describe how each is used in the care of sails. (Able)
        vii.    Rigging:
            (1)    Demonstrate your ability to splice and handle wire rope, attach wire rope fittings, and complete a safety and tuning inspection of a ship vessel. (QM Elective)
    m.    Navigation:
        i.    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. (Able)
        ii.    Demonstrate your ability to fix your position by the following methods: lines of positions on two known objects, running fix, and estimated position. (Able)
        iii.    Discuss the method for establishing a radar fix. Lay a course and execute it using dead reckoning. (Able)
        iv.    Establish distance from a known object using "double the angle on the bow" and explain how to set a danger angle. (Able)
        v.    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. (Able)
        vi.    Understand how the sextant works. Show how to use it and demonstrate measuring horizontal angles and altitudes. Understand the navigator\'s day\'s work. (QM Elective)
        vii.    Demonstrate finding latitude by the altitude of Polaris or by the sun\'s altitude at local apparent noon. Demonstrate how longitude is determined. (QM Elective)
        viii.    Demonstrate finding error in the boat\'s compass by the sun\'s azimuth. (QM Elective)
    n.    Ornamental Ropework
        i.    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. (Ordinary Elective)
    o.    Piloting:
        i.    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. (Ordinary)
        ii.    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. (Ordinary)
        iii.    Name three kinds of devices used aboard ship for measuring speed and/or distance traveled and, if possible, demonstrate their use. (Ordinary)
        iv.    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. (Ordinary) 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.
        v.    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. (Able)
        vi.    Describe the deck log kept aboard your ship\'s principal craft. Keep a complete log for three cruises. (Able)
        vii.    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. (Able)
        viii.    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. (QM)
        ix.    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. (QM Elective)
    p.    Rules of the Road:
        i.    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.  (Able)
        ii.    Explain and demonstrate ship\'s lights, rules in limited visibility, whistle signals, and right of way, including exceptions vessels.  (Able)
        iii.    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. (Able)
        iv.    Demonstrate a working knowledge of both international and inland navigation rules. (QM)
    q.    Safety:
        i.    Know the basic safety rules for small boats.  (Apprentice)
        ii.    Know the safety rules that apply to the floating equipment used by your ship, and safety standards in the use of power tools, machinery, lifting heavy objects, and other safety devices used by your ship.  (Apprentice)
        iii.    Demonstrate the proper use of a personal flotation device such as a life jacket or a life buoy.  (Apprentice)
        iv.    Be familiar with and be able to list the standard marine distress signals, and demonstrate the procedure to send a VHF distress call. (Apprentice)
        v.    Drills:
            (1)    Man overboard (Ordinary)
            (2)    Fire (Ordinary)
            (3)    Abandon ship (Ordinary)
            (4)    other drills used by your ship: (Ordinary)
        vi.    List the equipment that should be contained in an abandon ship bag, and list the duties to be performed before abandoning ship. (Ordinary)
        vii.    List safety equipment required by law for your ship\'s main vessel. (Ordinary)
        viii.    Discuss BSA Safety Afloat with a ship\'s officer.  (Ordinary)
        ix.    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. (Able)
        x.    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. (Able)
        xi.    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.  (QM)
    r.    Sailing
        i.    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. (Ordinary)
        ii.    Describe the identifying characteristics of a sloop, ketch, yawl, cutter, and schooner. (Ordinary)
        iii.    In a cat-rigged or similar small boat, demonstrate the ability to sail singlehandedly a triangular course (leeward, windward, and reaching marks). Demonstrate beating, reaching, and running. A qualified instructor must observe this. (Ordinary Elective)
        iv.    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. (Able Elective)
        v.    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. (QM Elective)
    s.    Signaling. 
        i.    Send and receive semaphore messages using proper procedures at a rate of at least 30 letters a minute. (Ordinary Elective)
        ii.    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. (QM)
    t.    Swimming:
        i.    BSA Swim Test (Apprentice)
        ii.    Meet the requirements for the Swimming merit badge. (Ordinary)
        iii.    Meet the requirements for the Lifesaving merit badge. (Able)
        iv.    BSA or Red Cross Lifesaving certification (QM)
    u.    Timekeeping:
        i.    Understand Universal coordinated time (UTC or Greenwich mean time) and zone time, and demonstrate the ability to convert from one to the other for your local area. (Ordinary)
        ii.    Name the seven watches and bell time.  (Ordinary)
        iii.    Understand the 24-hour system of telling time. (Ordinary)
    v.    Weather:
        i.    Demonstrate your ability to read a barometer, thermometer, anemometer, psychrometer, and weather vane. Be familiar with the Beaufort scale of winds and seas. (QM)
        ii.    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. (QM)
        iii.    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. (QM)
    w.    Yacht Racing.
        i.    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. (Ordinary Elective)
        ii.    Take charge of a crew in a race using current ISAF racing rules. (QM Elective)
    x.    End compendium

2.    Youth Training
    a.    Venturing Crew Orientation
    b.    Venturing Youth Protection Training
    c.    Safe Swim Defense
    d.    Safety Afloat
    e.    Drugs: A Deadly Game
    f.    Venturing Out: Keys to Safe Driving
    g.    NYLT/IMPEEZA
    h.    SEAL (Sea Scout Advanced Leadership) Training
    i.    Der PeLiKan – flotilla training vessel (46\' Morgan Ketch)
3.    Specialized Adult Leader Training
    a.    Venturing Youth Protection Training
    b.    Safe Swim Defense
    c.    Safety Afloat
    d.    New Leader Essentials
    e.    Venturing Leader Fast Start Training
    f.    Sea Scout Leader Specialized Training
    g.    Sea Badge
4.    Specialized Certification Training
    a.    PADI Open Water Dive Certification
    b.    Marine radiotelephone FCC operator license.
    c.    BSA/Red Cross Lifesaving Certification
    d.    Sailing (Keelboat) Certifications (http://www.sailingcertification.com/site/)
    e.    Powerboat Certifications (http://www.ussailing.org/training/powerboat/PowerboatStudentLvls.asp)
    f.    U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary courses
    g.    U.S. Power Squadrons courses