The BSA and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary announced a new agreement to make Sea Scouts the official youth program of the Auxiliary, the uniformed volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard.

The new agreement, which is an enhancement of the longtime friendship between these two organizations, will benefit both parties. Sea Scouts will get access to state-of-the-art Coast Guard training, Auxiliary vessels and a broader pool of adult leaders. The Auxiliary will extend its message about safe boating and maritime careers to more young people.

For Sea Scouts, the Coast Guard Auxiliary will lower its entry age from 17 to 14.

“The BSA is proud to continue our partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary as we continually strive to improve leadership development, real-life skill-building and unique STEM training through the Sea Scout program,” said Mike Surbaugh, BSA Chief Scout Executive.

This new partnership will begin in Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and portions of New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania before a nationwide rollout.

How Sea Scouts benefit

Access to training at Auxiliary or Coast Guard facilities, including advanced training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM

Free safety checks on Sea Scouts vessels

An invitation to Auxiliary unit meetings as guests of the Auxiliary

Access to Auxiliary flotillas as chartered organizations

A broader pool of adult leaders with seamanship skills and training

Access to vessels for training

“Working with the Coast Guard Auxiliary will give Sea Scouts an opportunity to benefit from Coast Guard seamanship and vocational training, while giving Sea Scouts a unique introduction to the Coast Guard,” said Admiral Wurster, Sea Scout National Commodore.

How the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary benefits

Introducing young people to the benefits of Auxiliary membership and the joys of recreational boating

Potential Coast Guard Academy candidates

Promotion of the Auxiliary’s message of safe boating and service to the nation to future leaders

“With this cooperative effort we will reach out to the emerging population of young adults who share the Auxiliary’s commitment to safe boating, service to the nation, and Coast Guard and maritime careers,” said Rick Washburn, Auxiliary National Commodore.

For more information

For more information about Sea Scouts, check out seascout.org. Questions about the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s support of Sea Scouting should be directed to Bruce Johnson at bruce.johnson@cgauxnet.us