The Nawiliwili Yacht Club is about to launch the first Sea Scout “ship” on the island of Kaua‘i. Sea Scout units — called ships, rather than troops or crews — focus on sailing and cruising either sailboats or power vessels.
The Nawiliwili Yacht Club is about to launch the first Sea Scout “ship” on the island of Kaua‘i.
Sea Scout units — called ships, rather than troops or crews — focus on sailing and cruising either sailboats or power vessels. During the boating season, Sea Scouts learn to maintain and operate vessels, with a focus on learning the safe and proper methods of handling boats.
Dick Olsen, commodore of the Nawiliwili Yacht Club, has issued an open invitation to high school youth to join the inaugural ship on Kaua‘i.
Sea Scouting is a Boy Scouts of America coed outdoor program for youth 14 to 20 years old and their adult advisors — a specialized segment organized to address members’ boating skills and promote knowledge of maritime heritage.
“Scouting is based on life skills education, leadership development, citizenship and values training,” Olsen states in the release. “The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout oath and law.”
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.
Most ships hold formal meetings conducted in either full dress or work uniforms. Swimming, lifesaving, first aid, Coast Guard Auxiliary Sailing and Seamanship, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses are taught to the ship by its officers.
Those interested in sea-based careers or hobbies will find a forum for their interest in this program, Olsen states. “If you love boats and the water, want to learn the skills of the sailor, and can work as a team, (Sea Scouts help) set personal goals, while having fun doing it,” the release states.
Sea Scout ships can use a variety of boats, from outboard motorboats to large sailing yachts. The program explores boat handling under power and sail, piloting and rules-of-the-road navigation, and how to read the water.
Absorbing the history and traditions of the sea, learning knots, splicing, and fancy rope work are also part of the program. In the midst of all this, scouts develop skills in boat maintenance, engine service, marine electronics and how to plan a long cruise.
Part of the challenge is being able to take a vessel from point A to point B, while being ready for whatever is encountered along the way.
• Opportunity for cruising: Cruising takes those involved beyond any experience on a typical day’s outing. Living on a boat involves sharing the duties of helmsman, navigator, lookout, cook, sail handler and engineer.
• Opportunity for fellowship: Sea Scouting gives the opportunity to share experiences with others who share the same interests. Knowledge of boats is not necessary, as “you will learn,” Olsen states. There will also be opportunities to meet other Sea Scouts at council, regional, and national events. Ships can join in sailing regattas, rowing races and canoe- paddling contests, providing a chance to swap stories and compare notes.
• Opportunity for leadership: Sea Scout programs are run by youth members. Elected leaders plan and conduct the program. Being part of a boat’s crew teaches teamwork.
• Opportunity for advancement: The Sea Scout advancement program rewards the work put into it. From apprentice to quartermaster — the pinnacle of the advancement system — participants are able to earn valuable certifications like scuba diving, boat safety, marine radio, lifesaving and CPR.
• Sea Scouting’s traditions: Sea Scouting has adapted centuries-old traditions as its own. Uniforms, ceremonies, and officer titles in Sea Scouting are unique.
To join, Scouts must be 14 years of age, have graduated from the eighth grade, or be 15 regardless of grade.
Young adults between 14 to 20 years old interested in finding out more about sea scouting are invited to the open house of Kaua‘i’s first Sea Scout Ship.
Adults interested in advising the group as well as parents are invited to the open house, which will be held at the Nawiliwili Yacht Club clubhouse at 7 p.m., Tuesday. The clubhouse is located at the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor.
The Nawiliwili Yacht Club will be the chartering organization for Kaua‘i’s first Sea Scout Ship.
For more information, call Olsen at 822-5092.
