Apprentice Requirements

Apprentice Badge

Ideals

  1. Qualify as an official member of your Sea Scout ship by taking part in the ship's admission ceremony.
  2. Repeat from memory and discuss with an adult leader the Sea Promise and Scout Oath and Law.
  3. Discuss the Venturing Code and agree to carry out the provisions of your ship's code.
    Reference: See inside front cover and "The Ship Code" on page 38.

Active Membership

  1. Provide evidence that your dues are paid up and that you are doing your fair share in helping to finance your ship's program. Note: Check with your ship's purser.
  2. Describe the Sea Scout uniform and obtain one. Tell how and when the uniform is worn and how to care for it.
    Reference: See "Sea Scout Uniforms and Insignia" on page 105.

Special Skills

  1. Seamanship: Using both large and small line, tie and explain the use of the following knots: square knot, bowline, clove hitch, sheet bend, two half hitches, figure-of-eight, and cleat hitch. Demonstrate the ability to use a heaving line.
    Reference: See "Knots" on page 127 and "Heaving a Line" on page 154.
     
  2. Safety: Know the basic safety rules for small boats. 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. Demonstrate the proper use of a personal flotation device such as a life jacket or a life buoy. Be familiar with and be able to list the standard marine distress signals, and demonstrate the procedure to send a VHF distress call.
    Reference: See "Boating Safety" on page 242, "Standard Marine Distress Signals" on page 185, and "Radiotelephone Procedures" on page 198.
     
  3. Customs: Demonstrate the proper procedure for boarding a vessel. Demonstrate normal usage of personal courtesy on board a ship.
    Reference: See "Customs and Courtesies" on page 16 and appendix K
     
  4. Swim Test: Swim 75 yards/meters in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, 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.
    Reference: See "Safe Swim Defense" on page 249 and Swimming merit badge pamphlet, No. 33352.
  5. Work: Log at least 16 hours work on ship's equipment, projects, or activities other than regular ship meetings, parties, dances, or fun events. Note: Arrange for this through the ship's petty officers.