Page | 9
Policies and Procedures
Adult to Youth Ratios: Sea Base Crews must
have more or an equal number of youth to
adult participants. Individuals under the age of
21 may be counted as youth participants.
Special Needs Scouts are counted as youth
participants regardless of age.
Buddy System: Adult and youth participants
must adhere to the buddy system. While
snorkeling, dive buddies must remain within
arms distance. While onshore, participants
must travel in groups of two or more. Buddy
pairs cannot be coed.
Unit Leader Responsibilities: Prior to arrival,
unit leaders are responsible to ensure that all
paperwork and trainings are up to date and
complete. This includes inputting the crew
roster 90 days prior to arrival. 2024 roster
instructions linked here. Upon arrival, Unit
Leaders are responsible to act as the first line of
treatment when medical issues arise, fulfill Safe
Swim and Safety Afloat responsibilities, follow
and enforce BSA Youth Protection Policies,
ensure that youth participants follow Sea Base
policies and direction from captains and staff
members. Unit Leaders must also actively
participate in the adventure; Sea Base is not a
passive experience.
Youth Crew Leader Responsibilities: Sea Base
should be a youth led adventure. Crews must
elect a seasoned youth crew leader prior to
onsite arrival. Sea Base should not be the
youth’s first leadership experience. Youth will
make duty assignments for both youth and
adults, and ensure that those duties are
completed, following up with the crew when
they are not.
Scout Oath, Scout Law, Outdoor Code:
Participants are expected to act in accordance
with the Scout Oath, Scout Law and Outdoor
Code.
Alcoholic Beverages or Illegal Substances:
There is no place in Scouting for the possession
or use of alcohol or illegal substances. Anyone
found in violation of this policy will be
required to vacate their adventure and may be
reported to local law enforcement and their
local council. If the unit is unable to provide
proper leadership to satisfy BSA YPT, the entire
crew will be required to vacate their adventure.
Smoking, Vaping, Smokeless Tobacco: Use of
tobacco products and vaping is only permitted
in designated areas.
Scout Appropriate Language: Sexual
conversations of any nature including “jokes”
are prohibited. Racial, ethnic, religious, sexist,
and sexual orientation slurs are prohibited.
Uniform: All participants are expected to arrive
in either field or activity uniform.
Attire: Clothing worn by participants must not
promote illegal drugs, alcohol, violence, sexual
activity, racism, sexism or bigotry.
Swimming Attire: Swimsuits must be modest.
For males, tight fitting swim briefs or swim
bottoms short enough to allow exposure are
not allowed. For females, bikinis are not
allowed. Modest tankinis or one-piece
swimsuits are appropriate.
Footwear: Footwear is required by all
participants while onshore. Footwear
requirements vary by program. Please review
the provided Packing List for your chosen
adventure under Program Overview in this
guide. While on base, most participants choose
to wear flip-flops or sandals.