Ordinary Rank: Emblem and Customs

Requirement 1:

• Give an explanation of the Sea Scout emblem and tell how and why is is used.
  
  
• Prove that you have a general understanding of the customs and courtesies of the sea.
  
  

• The Anchor represents the specialized seagoing nature of Sea Scouting.
  
  
• The Eagle & Shield are the national scouting emblem (first class).
  
  
• The Stars represent truth and knowledge.
  
  
• "Be Prepared" is the Scout Motto.
  
  
• The Motto’s banner is smiling as we do our duty.
  
  
• The knot reminds us to do a good turn daily.
  
  

Uses of the Sea Scout Emblem

• The main use of the Sea Scout Emblem is on badges of rank.
  
  

Apprentice

Ordinary

Able

Quartermaster

• It is also used on badges of office and on Sea Scout flags.
  
  

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Customs and Courtesies of the Sea

Several customs were covered during the Apprentice section of this course:

• The Double Salute
  
  
• Ship Board Personal Courtesies
  
  

There are many other Customs. For example:

• Piping the Side
  
  
• Ship’s Bells
  
  

Piping the Side

• This is a old custom handed down from European navies.
  
  
• Centuries ago, when ships were under the command of dandies of the court rather than practical seamen, these worthies considered themselves to good to walk aboard the ship.
  
  
• A boatswain and detail were assigned to hoist them on board in a chair.
  
  
• The motions of the chair were controlled by the boatswain’s pipe with the calls:
  
  
• "hoist away"
  
  
• "lower away"
  
  
• "secure"
  
  

Piping is done as part of an official boarding ceremony. It is done using an instrument called the Boatwain's Pipe.

The following rules are observed using side boys:

• A Side Boy - (Click on the Boatswain's Pipe to hear a single side boy)
  
  
• 2 Side Boys
  
  
• Ship’s Officers
  
  
• Visiting Ship’s Officers
  
  
• Ship Committee Members
  
  
• 4 Side Boys:
  
  
• District or Council (squadron) officers
  
  
• 6 Side Boys:
  
  
• Officers related to the area or regional office
  
  
• 8 Side Boys:
  
  
• Officers related to the National Council
  
  
• HINT: It is 2x their stars on their position patch.
  
  

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