Sea Scout (UK)

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Royal Navy Recognised Sea Scout Ensign

Sea Scouts were first formed in the United Kingdom in 1910 as a branch of The Scout Association,^[1] and have been a feature of the Scouting programme ever since.

In the United Kingdom there are approximately 400 Sea Scout Groups. Of these, there are just over a hundred Sea Scout Groups whose activities are recognised by the Royal Navy.

1 Organisation
2 Uniform
3 HMS Bristol & HMS Raleigh
4 See also
5 References
6 External links

[edit] Organisation

In the United Kingdom there are approximately 400 Sea Scout Groups. Of these, there are just over a hundred Sea Scout Groups whose activities are recognised by the Royal Navy.^[2]

Royal Navy Recognition began in 1919 following the efforts of British Scouts during World War I in support of the armed forces, including activities such as coastwatching.^[2]

Those who apply for Recognition, and who are fortunate to meet the exacting standards of the Royal Navy, are entitled to wear the defaced sea scout ensign and RN recognition badge.^[3] These sea scouts may also go to sea with the Royal Navy, visit certain military establishments and camp onboard HMS Bristol. The most northerly RN recognised Sea Scout Group is the 18th Inverness based on the Caledonian Canal.

Ordinarily, Sea Scouts are only in the age range of 10-14, but Cub Scout and Beaver Scout Sections can also be a part of the Group. There are also a small, but growing, number of Units for 14-18 year olds taking the epithet Explorer Sea Scouts.

[edit] Uniform

The official uniform of a British Sea Scout is as follows:^[4]

dark blue jersey
light blue long sleeve shirt or blouse
smart navy blue trousers
smart navy blue skirt
Group scarf
leather Scout belt and buckle
Seaman's Class 2 round cap with 'Sea Scout' tallyband.

[edit] HMS Bristol & HMS Raleigh

Royal Navy Recognised troops have the privilege of being allowed to make trips to HMS Bristol, for Camps and the annual Sea Scout summer camp.

A 7000 ton, Type 82 Destroyer and the seventh ship to bear the name, Bristol was the first of her class, designed to escort the replacement carriers planned in the 60's, she was the only one built after the carriers were cancelled. Commissioned in 1973, she was finally withdrawn from service in 1991 and configured for her current role in 1993; now based in Portsmouth harbour, moored alongside Whale Island (HMS Excellent).

HMS Bristol is the latest in a succession of warships to be employed as the Royal Navy Harbour Training and Accommodation Ship.

They are also entitled to take part in the annual Sea Scout swimming galas held on board HMS Raleigh. A land base, HMS Raleigh is located at the South East corner of Cornwall on the outskirts of the town of Torpoint. Each Year, since 1910 over 200 Sea Scouts and 60 Leaders from over 24 Groups make the trek to Cornwall to compete for the Otter Trophy, along with other section trophys.

[edit] See also

Scouting Portal

Sea Scout - article on international Sea Scouting

[edit] References

^ The Passing Years (pdf 96kb). The Scout Association (Dec 2004). Retrieved on 2006-12-12.
^ ^a ^b Scouting Afloat (pdf 96kb). The Scout Association (Nov 2004). Retrieved on 2006-12-12.
^ Royal Navy Recognition Scheme (pdf 96kb). The Scout Association (Mar 2003). Retrieved on 2006-12-12.
^ Rule 10.8: Sea Scout Uniform (html). Policy, Organisation and Rules. The Scout Association (2005). Retrieved on 2006-12-12.