Sea Base Requirements

Florida Sea Base is a high-adventure program with specific eligibility, health, swimming, training, and safety requirements. All participants must meet the requirements of Florida Sea Base and Scouting America for the assigned adventure. Requirements in effect for the 2028 expedition will govern participation.

Participants must:

• Meet applicable Sea Base and Scouting America age, registration, health, and eligibility requirements.

  • Ages 12-20 is considered a youth participant for this adventure.

• Meet the required swimming standard and successfully complete the applicable Scouting America swimmer classification and any Sea Base swim review required upon arrival.

• Be physically prepared for swimming, snorkeling, boating, paddling, and other activities associated with the adventure.

• Complete required preparation meetings, training, swim checks, and other activities established by the troop or Sea Base.

• Follow applicable Scouting America safety requirements, including Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, buddy-system and other adventure-specific requirements.

• Follow the Scout Oath and Scout Law and the directions of troop leaders, Sea Base staff, guides, and other authorized adults.

• Follow applicable airline, transportation, lodging, Sea Base, and local rules.

Participants and families should begin preparing well in advance. Regular swimming, cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and general physical conditioning are strongly encouraged. Preparation may include swimming and water confidence, snorkeling and boating skills, teamwork and communication, emergency procedures, environmental stewardship, and appropriate conduct while traveling and participating in the expedition.

Adult participation is subject to crew space, troop needs, Sea Base requirements, Scouting America requirements, and final crew composition. Each crew must meet applicable youth-to-adult requirements; current Sea Base guidance requires at least 50% youth participants. Adult participants will pay the same trip cost as Scouts, subject to the final trip cost. Interested adults should notify the Scout's leader as early as possible.

Adults must meet applicable Scouting America and Sea Base requirements, which include:

• Required Scouting America registration and Safeguarding Youth Training.

• Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, and Hazardous Weather Training.

• Required swimming, health, and medical standards.

• Any additional Sea Base training or documentation.

• First Aid/CPR and Wilderness First Aid required for one member of the crew.

• Applicable adult leadership and supervision requirements.

• Follow all Scouting America policies.

Current Sea Base guidance for a Scouts BSA crew calls for at least two adult leaders and establishes additional age and qualification requirements. The troop will confirm the final adult roster and qualifications before the expedition. The final Sea Base and Scouting America requirements in effect for the 2028 expedition will take precedence.

Adults participate as members of the crew and are expected to support the entire crew rather than serve solely as a personal chaperone for an individual Scout.