Sea Scouts (The Scout Association)

Infobox WorldScouting
name =Sea Scouts


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caption =Ensign of the Royal Navy Recognised Sea Scouts
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owner =The Scout Association
age =10–14
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f-date = 1910
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next =Explorer Sea Scouts
prev = ScoutsInfobox WorldScouting
name =Explorer Sea Scouts


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age =14–18
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next =Scout Network
prev = Sea Scouts

Sea Scouts were first formed in the United Kingdom in 1910 as a branch of The Scout Association,cite web | title = The Passing Years | work = | publisher = The Scout Association | date = Dec 2004| url = http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/pdfs/fs295306.pdf | format = pdf 96kb | accessdate = 2006-12-12] and have been a feature of the Scouting programme ever since.

Sea Scouts are aged 10 to 14, and Explorer Sea Scouts 14 to 18. Sea Scout Groups often have younger members in Cub Scout and Beaver Scout sections, although they are not counted in Sea Scout numbers.

Royal Navy Recognition

In the United Kingdom there are approximately 400 Sea Scout Groups and 100 of these are recognised by the Royal Navy.cite web | title = Scouting Afloat | work = | publisher = The Scout Association | date = Nov 2004| url = http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/pdfs/fs295108.pdf | format = pdf 96kb | accessdate = 2006-12-12]

Royal Navy Recognition began in 1919 following the efforts of Scouts during World War I in support of the armed forces, through service as coast watchers, first aiders, fire fighters and messengers.cite web | title = Scouting Afloat | work = | publisher = The Scout Association | date = Nov 2004| url = http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/pdfs/fs295108.pdf | format = pdf 96kb | accessdate = 2006-12-12]

Groups that apply for Recognition are inspected by a Royal Navy officer. Providing there is a vacant position, Groups that pass the inspection and meet the exacting standards of the Royal Navy are awarded Recognition on behalf of the Admiralty Board.

Recognised Groups are entitled to fly a Red Ensign and blue pennant, both defaced with a Scout Arrowhead and Admiralty Crown. Members may also wear the Royal Navy Recognition badge on uniform.cite web | title = Royal Navy Recognition Scheme | work = | publisher = The Scout Association | date = Mar 2003 | url = http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/pdfs/fs120628.pdf | format = pdf 96kb | accessdate = 2006-12-12] Sea Scouts may go to sea with the Royal Navy, visit military establishments and use facilities at HMS "Excellent", such as the Royal Navy Sailing Centre and the Youth Training Ship, HMS "Bristol".

Three events occur annually for Royal Navy Recognised Sea Scouts, a swimming gala at HMS "Raleigh", a football competition at HMS "Excellent", and a summer "camp" aboard HMS "Bristol". Another camp is held for Sea Explorers in October of each year.

Uniform

The official uniform of a Sea Scout is as follows:cite web | title = Rule 10.8: Sea Scout Uniform | work = Policy, Organisation and Rules | publisher = The Scout Association | date = 2005 | url = http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/por/2006/10_7.htm | format = html | accessdate = 2006-12-12]

*Dark blue woollen Sea Scout jersey or a light blue long sleeve shirt or blouse
*Smart black/navy blue trousers or skirt
*Group scarf
*Leather Scout belt and buckle (optional)
*Seaman's Class II white cap with 'Sea Scouts' tallyband
*White lanyard with bosun's call (optional)

ee also

*RRS Discovery - the ship of Scott's first expedition to the antarctic, later used as a Sea Scout training ship
*Sea Scout - article on international Sea Scouting

References

External links

* [http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/6to25/scout/seascout/index.htm Sea Scout pages on ScoutBase UK]