Advancement Training

Sea Scout Advanced Leader Training

Adult Leader Training

Standard Youth Protection Training
—Online Certification Venturing Youth Protection Training
—Online Certification

US Coast Guard Auxilliary Traning

Ship's Quarterdeck

The Quarterdeck consists of the ship's elected Petty Officers. This includes the Boatswain, Boatswain's Mate, Yeoman, Purser and Crew Leaders. The Petty Officers are elected by the Sea Scouts. The elections are held at regular intervals as determined by the ship committee. Usually six months, but can be any interval which works best for each individual ship. This group meets monthly to plan and execute the ship's program and activities. These Quarterdeck meetings are attended by The Skipper and other adult leaders. The Boatswain presides at these meetings and sometimes invites other members, advisors, and friends to attend. He meets with the Skipper in advance of the meeting to plan the agenda. The quarterdeck meetings should be held in the first week of the month at a regular time and place.

The meeting serves and extremely important purpose in the Sea Scout program. It helps accomplish the basic objectives of Sea Scouting and the Boy Scouts of America. These objectives must be thoroughly understood by both youth and adult officers if the quarterdeck meeting is to be planned and conducted effectively.

The meeting provides the petty officers the opportunity to review the ship's program. It also affords the opportunity to plan future activities to satisfy the special interests of the members.

Equally important is that this meeting allows petty officers to practice the democratic principals of self-government. This is done with the counsel of qualified adult officers.

Quarterdeck Meeting Agenda

The suggested agenda includes every essential item. Others may be added, but none of those listed should be overlooked.

  1. CALL TO ORDER - by boatswain
  2. MINUTES OF LAST QUARTERDECK MEETING - by yeoman
    Minutes are read, corrected, and approved.
  3. REPORTS OF OFFICERS - called for by boatswain
    1. Communications - by yeoman
      Reads or summarizes all correspondence depending on its importance.
      Takes notes and plans appropriate action.
    2. Membership - by boatswain's mate
      Presents plans for future ceremonies.
      Reports progress in recruiting including a discussion of prospective members.
    3. Finances - by purser
      Reports last month's income, disbursements, and balance.
      Reports members owing dues or fees.
      Obtains authorization for payment of bills.
    4. Boats and Equipment - by storekeeper
      Reports last month's new, lost, or damaged items.
      Reports needed maintenance or repairs.
      Secures approval for items to be purchased or repaired.
    5. District and council activities - by boatswain
      Reports district and council activities and leads a discussion concerning ship's participation in them.
      Secures suggestions for future district or council activities.
    6. Past activities review - by boatswain
      A brief review of the last month's activities, complimenting those responsible for success and encouraging positive discussion of any weaknesses.
    7. Ship committee meeting report - by Skipper
      Brief summary of meeting emphasizing the committee's plans for their support of ship activities.
  4. APPROVAL OF SHIP MEETING AGENDA - by boatswain
    The boatswain presents for approval the agenda for the business part of the regular meetings to be held this month.
  5. CHECK OF THIS MONTH'S ACTIVITY PLANS - by Skipper
    A thorough check on all activity plans for this month with definite action to tie up any loose ends.
    Action concerning any necessary changes in activities or committees.
  6. PROGRAM PLANNING SESSION FOR FUTURE ACTIVITIES
    The program planning procedure is followed at this time during each quarterdeck meeting. Under the supervision of the Skipper, the officers use this practical and democratic four-step method to make final decisions concerning the activities that they feel will meet the needs and desires of the ship's membership. A summary of those steps are:
    1. Collect activity ideas.
    2. Select the activities you want.
    3. Assign committees to conduct them.
    4. Double-check all plans and enthusiastically promote - and enjoy - the activities.
  7. ADJOURNMENT - by boatswain

Quarterdeck Training

All elected petty officers should take part in quarterdeck training soon after being elected. This training is conducted by the Skipper. This seminar enables the Skipper to have a mutual understanding with his or her petty officers of the program possibilities and methods of operation of a Sea Scout Ship. It gives the Skipper a knowledge of their jobs and helps develop a high morale among the members of the ship. A six month program will develop from a well conducted seminar.

It is essential that Skippers train their own petty officers and that this training never be done on an interunit or district basis. Good morale and a smooth operation are based on a mutual understanding of all petty officers from the individual ship in regard to personnel, administration, and activities.

Newly elected petty officers should be trained by the Skipper as soon as possible. Add prestige to this training by conducting it at an interesting location — afloat or ashore.

Quarterdeck Seminar

This is an orientation and planning meeting conducted by the Skipper and boatswain working as a leadership team. This can be an overnight meeting and, while a working session, should be at a location where there are opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.

 
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Page last updated 03/29/06
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