Organization

Written by Teka England
Sea Scout Ships are organized under the same principals of a Venturing crew, a youth led group willing to explore new things, take on responsibilities, and have fun. There are normally 5 youth leadership positions, called Petty Officers.

Boatswain:
Equivalent to the President of a Venturing Crew, the Boatswain organizes the other crew members and runs the meetings.
[Learn more about the Boatswain's Responsibilities]

Boatswain's Mate, Administration
Equivalent to the Administration Vice President of a venturing Crew, this Boatswain's Mate is in charge of taking care of new members and any administrative paperwork.
[Learn more about the Boatswain's Mate - Administration Responsibilities]

Boatswain's Mate, Program
Equivalent to the Program Vice President of a Venturing Crew, this Boatswain's Mate is in charge of activities that the ship participates in or organizes.
[Learn more about the Boatswain's Mate - Program Responsibilities]

Yeoman
Equivalent to the Secretary of a Venturing Crew, the Yeoman is in charge of documenting ship activities in the Logbook, for future use towards achieving flagship.
[Learn more about the Yeoman's Responsibilities]

Purser
Equivalent to the Treasurer of a Venturing Crew, the Purser is in charge of money issues within the ship.
[Learn more about the Purser's Responsibilities]

Storekeeper
Equivalent to the Quartermaster of a Boy Scout Troop, the Storekeeper handles gear belonging to the ship.
[Learn more about the Storekeeper's Responsibilities]

Beyond these Petty Officer positions, the crew usually has what is called a Crew Chief, or Coxswain. The Coxswain is in charge of supervising the ship's crew and assisting where needed.

• Deja Vu Petty Officers

Adults in Sea Scouts are there to assist with activities and also be in a supervisory position. Most often, adults connected to a ship will have some experience on the water, or in dealing with different types of boats. There's a way to use almost everyone.

Skipper
Equivalent to the Advisor of a Venturing Crew. This adult is normally "in charge" of the ship, and is the "spokesperson" for the crew to the other adults.
[Learn more about the Skipper's Responsibilities]

Skipper's Mate
Equivalent to the Associate Advisor of a venturing Crew. There can be more than one Mate per ship. These adults back up the Skipper and usually assist in working on the boat.
[Learn more about the Mates' Responsibilities]

Ship's Committee
Equivalent to the Crew Committee in a Venturing Crew. These adults regularly attend meetings and assist on the ship, but are not Skipper's Mates. Usually, these adults are considered to be outside experts.
[Learn more about the Committee's Responsibilities]

• Deja Vu Adults

Each ship usually also has a maritime-based sponsor organization that helps support the ship, both financially and by giving them opportunities for experience. The Deja Vu's sponsor is the Fort Vancouver Power Squadron.

Each Sea Base has numerous ships, some all-male, some all-female, and some coed. Each base has a Commodore, and it's own Fleet Staff. THe Commodore is in charge of the entire base, mediating between the ships, and making sure everyone has the equipment they need. Fleet staff includes all of the adults registered on the base.