Apprentice Requirement #7 - Customs

1. Using both large and small line, tie and explain the use of the following knots:
   
   
• Demonstrate the proper procedure for boarding a vessel.
  
  
• Demonstrate normal usage of personal courtesy on board a ship.
  
  

• On all formal occasions and official occasions, whenever Sea Scouts come aboard a Sea Scout Ship, the perform two salutes.
  
  

• This is a old custom of the sea that began centuries ago.
  
  
• In the early days of Christianity, it was the custom to place on the mainmast of large vessels a statue of the Blessed Virgin, the patron saint of the ship, or a crucifix.
  
  
• Every seaman, upon coming aboard the ship, took of his hat or made the sign of the cross as a form of salute in the the direction of the mainmast.
  
  
• National flags became prominent in the 14th and 15th centuries.
  
  
• Ships of maritime nations soon began to fly their national ensign and requested that it be recognized also by the seamen.
  
  

• Immediately upon stepping aboard, salute the center of the ship.
  
  
• This is the traditional salute to God.
  
  
• Then turn and salute the ensign at the stern of the ship.
  
  Note: This is the reverse of the Navy tradition of saluting the ensign and then the officer of the deck.
  
  

• Upon going ashore or leaving a landship, each person gives the double salute in reverse, first to the national ensign and then to the mainmast.
  
  
• The salute is the traditional military salute with all fingers extended.
  
  
• The salute is executed from the position of attention.

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• Out of respect of young for old:
  
  
• The senior officer always enters the boat first – working down to the junior officer
  
  
• The junior officer always leaves the boat first – working up to the senior officer.
  
  
• At the table it is customary for the junior to remain standing until the senior is seated or orders are given to take seats.
  
  

• No one ever hears a Sea Scout say “yes” or “no” to a leader.
  
  
• Out of traditional courtesy it should always be:
  
  
• “Yes, sir” or “No, sir”
  
  
• “Yes, ma’am” or “No, ma’am”
  
  
• “Aye, aye sir” or “Aye, aye ma’am”
  
  

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