Powerboat Sea Scouts

The U.S. Coast Guard and the National Safe Boating Council teamed up to develop the Powerboat Sea Scouts endorsement. Training young and adventurous scouts boat handling skills helps to encourage participation in the boating lifestyle with safety as a priority. A confident boater is a safer boater.

Powerboat Sea Scouts is conducted in a controlled on-water environment using the NSBC’s third-party verified Boat Control On-Water Training curriculum – which meets the American National Standards for Power. It is taught by a qualified adult instructor in a ratio of one instructor to four scouts. The program uses a progressive approach through four modules that begins with practicing maneuvers at idle speed, advances to displacement mode, then finally operating while on plane.

The Boat Control On-Water Training modules are: Introduction to Powerboating, Precision Docking and Boat Handling, Open Water Boat Handling, and Open Water Advanced Maneuvers. Each of the four modules is approximately three-hours on the water. Remember, the module sequence is intended to be taught in order. Please note that some students may need to repeat a module before progressing to open water maneuvers. A student should not progress to the next level until they can demonstrate the maneuvers at slower speeds.

These resources are for Sea Scout leaders and adult volunteers to support the local implementation of Powerboat Sea Scouts. Please read the Powerboat Sea Scouts Overview for detailed guidance.

Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Coast Guard.