Sea Scout Ship 100 Official Bylaws

V 1.0

June 30, 2016

Approved: July 25, 2016

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Contents Introduction 3 ...................................................................................................

Mission Statement 3 ............................................................................................

Charter 3 ........................................................................................................

Members 4 .......................................................................................................

Organizational Chart 4 ......................................................................................General Membership 4 ......................................................................................Members in Good Standing 5 ...............................................................................Active Scouts 5 ...............................................................................................Midshipmen 5 .................................................................................................Crews 5 ........................................................................................................Uniforms 5 ....................................................................................................

Elections 6 .......................................................................................................

Officers 6 .....................................................................................................Frequency 7 ..................................................................................................Eligibility 7 ....................................................................................................

Registered Sea Scouts 7 ..................................................................................

Midshipmen 7 ..............................................................................................

Adult Leadership 7 .............................................................................................

COR – Chartered Organization Representative. 7 .......................................................All Adult Leaders 7 ..........................................................................................

Committee 8 ...............................................................................................

Program 8 ..................................................................................................

Training 9 ...................................................................................................

Meetings 10 ......................................................................................................

Youth Meetings 10 ...........................................................................................Quarterdeck 11 ..............................................................................................Adult Meetings 11 ............................................................................................

Program 11 ......................................................................................................

Inventory 11 .....................................................................................................

Finances 12 ......................................................................................................

Modification to the Bylaws 12................................................................................

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Introduction Sea Scout Ship 100 was initially founded in October 2011 and chartered on February 28, 2012 in accordance with the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Sea Scout Program in the Boy Scouts of America. To this end, the Ship chose the number 100. The name Dominion was selected by the youth in recognition of their ties to the Commonwealth of Virginia, and their vision of the Ship’s bold future.

The following bylaws are enacted to provide governance and management to Sea Scout Ship 100 – SSS Dominion, known in these bylaws as simply “Ship 100”.

Mission Statement In keeping with the Boy Scouts of America, Ship 100 establishes the Ship’s Mission as:

“To prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law and to uphold the Sea Scout Promise.”

The Sea Scout Promise

As a SEA SCOUT I promise to do my best;

1. To guard against water accidents. 2. To know the location and proper use of the life saving devices on every boat I board. 3. To be prepared to render aid to those in need. 4. To seek to preserve the motto of the sea; Women and Children First.

Charter Ship 100 is chartered by the Freedom Museum of Manassas, Virginia. The Ship selects the name “Dominion” as their Ship’s Name.

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Members

Organizational Chart

General Membership Ship 100 follows BSA policy on membership. This is further refined per guidance from the Chesapeake Flotilla as:

1. Any youth age 14 but not yet 21.

2. Any youth age 13 and having finished the 8th grade.

3. Any youth age 13 and in a non-traditional school environment (homeschool, cooperative, etc.) where a specific grade cannot be determined, may be allowed to join pending a Skipper’s Conference to ensure the safe conduct of the scout. This is in keeping with National interpretation.

4. All members must sign the Ship 100 Code of Conduct. (Separate attachment.)

Freedom Museum Board of Directors

Institutional Head

Chartered Organization

Representative

Committee Chair Skipper

First Mate Second Mate

Third Mate

Treasurer

Secretary

Advancement

Medical

Maintenance

Boatswain

Crew Leaders

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Members in Good Standing Members of Ship 100 are considered “in good standing” if:

• They have completed the BSA Membership Application.

• They contribute to the Ship 100 Operational Budget in accordance with the annual budget and are not more than 90 days in arrears.

• Youth Members are not under any current disciplinary sanctions as defined in the Code of Conduct.

Active Scouts In accordance with Sea Scouts BSA Advancement requirements, Ship 100 defines “active member” as follows:

• Attends at least half of the scheduled meetings in a month.

• Attends at least one Tier 2, 3, 4 or 5 event per quarter.

• Is a member “in good standing”.

Midshipmen Midshipmen are defined as registered members of the Boy Scouts of America in good standing with their Troop, who meet the following requirements:

1. Age 12

2. Completed a Board of Review and achieved the rank of First Class.

3. Hold a valid Totin Chip.

Midshipmen may wear the activity uniform. They will be issued a “Midshipman’s Ring” to wear on the BSA Field Uniform. When authorized by the Key 3, Midshipmen may be allowed to wear Dress Whites.

Midshipmen dues shall be determined separately from the General Membership at a discounted rate as defined by the Ship 100 Committee.

Crews The ideal sized crew is 10 scouts with a Mate to mentor the Crew Leader. Crew Leaders are elected in accordance with Quarterdeck procedures and schedule. Crews should be organized by the youth with input and consent from the Skipper and Mates, with attention to a common age, interest and purpose.

Uniforms Ship 100 establishes three uniforms for use by members. Dress and Work uniforms must meet the requirements as established in the most current edition of the Sea Scout Manual.

1. Dress uniform is the “Dress White” uniform.

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2. Work uniform is the New Century Universal (NCU) uniform. The NCU is the primary uniform of the Ship.

3. Activity uniform may be decided by the Quarterdeck as needed and no specific requirements are set.

Patches and awards shall be included as part of membership dues. The Ship maintains a modest inventory of BSA and Sea Scout required or awarded emblems.

Elections

Officers Ship 100 sets as the Quarterdeck Officers in order Chain of Command:

1. Boatswain

2. Boatswains Mate for Administration

3. Boatswains Mate for Program

4. Purser

5. Yeoman

6. Storekeeper

7. Port Crew Leader (if crews are assigned)

8. Starboard Crew Leader (if crews are assigned)

9. Other Crew Leaders as assigned

If no Sea Scout or Midshipmen is available to fill a position during the election, the Boatswain may, with the approval of the Skipper, appoint a scout to fill that position. The appointee shall meet all requirements listed in the bylaws.

Each member of the Quarterdeck shall sign the Ship 100 Leadership Agreement (separate attachment) prior to taking office. In accordance with the BSA Guide to Advancement, Section 4.2.3.4.2, “When a Scout assumes a position of responsibility, something related to the desired results must happen.” The Skipper is empowered to pro-rate a Scout’s term of office for advancement if the requirements of the Leadership Agreement are not met as defined.

When the Boatswain is unavailable to lead, the second in command (Boatswain’s Mate for Administration) shall assume as Acting Boatswain in his or her absence, and so forth through the Chain of Command.

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Frequency 1. Elections are held every 6 months, at least 4 weeks but not to exceed 7 weeks prior to

change of watch.

2. Change of Watch is January 1 and July 1 of each year.

Eligibility

Registered Sea Scouts Any Scout in good standing, meaning having no current disciplinary sanctions in place and not more than 45 days in arrears on dues or other financial obligations to the Ship, may participate in elections as a voter or candidate.

All scouts in good standing may run for the General Quarterdeck.

Scouts must have achieved the rank of Ordinary to run for Boatswain. If no Ordinary Scouts are available, the Skipper may authorize exceptions. All candidates for Boatswain must meet with the Skipper prior to running for Boatswain. If the Skipper determines the candidate is not prepared for the office, he or she will notify the Scout, the Scout’s parents, and the Ship’s Committee.

Any registered Sea Scout in good standing may vote in elections.

Midshipmen Midshipmen may not vote in elections.

If no registered Sea Scouts are available to hold the office of Purser, Yeoman or Storekeeper, Midshipmen may hold these offices with the approval of the Skipper and their Scoutmaster. In accordance with the BSA Guide to Advancement, these offices may be used to meet BSA requirements for Positions of Responsibility.

Adult Leadership Adult Leadership must meet all BSA requirements and Ship 100 Training Requirements. Ship 100 requirements vary by position.

COR – Chartered Organization Representative. 1. The COR must complete BSA Venturing Youth Protection or its Sea Scout Equivalent and

remain current.

2. The COR will also complete the BSA “Training the Chartered Organization Representative” at a reasonable time as offered by the Council or District.

All Adult Leaders Ship 100 establishes a Committee and a Program Deck. The Committee and Program are kept separate for reasons of accountability and in accordance with BSA guidelines supporting advancement. The Adult Leaders are established as:

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Committee BSA requires a minimum of 3 adults on the Unit Committee. These are defined as listed below. With the exception of the Chartered Organization Representative (COR) and Committee Chair, other positions may be combined based on the size and need of the Ship.

1. Chartered Organization Representative (COR) (Required)

2. Committee Chair (Required)

3. Treasurer

4. Secretary

5. Other Positions At-Large for specific responsibilities including but not limited to:

a) Medical Form Administration

b) Advancement Administration

c) Maintenance Administration

d) Training Administration

e) Membership Chair

The Skipper and Boatswain sit on Committee in an Ex-Officio capacity. Neither meets BSA requirements for minimum committee membership.

Program Ship 100 sets a Chain of Command among adult leaders similar to the Youth Chain of Command

1. Skipper

2. First Mate (Port Crew if crews are established)

3. Second Mate (Starboard Crew if crews are established)

4. Third Mate and so forth as needed.

The number and selection of mates is not unlimited. This determination is based on the size and need of the Ship.

• 0-10 Scouts – 2 mates

• 11-20 – 3 Mates

• 21-30 – 4 Mates

A specific Mate for Troop Liaison is established to assist Sea Scouts who are also working on traditional Boy Scout rank and may require program outside the normal Sea Scout curriculum such as camping, hiking, etc.

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Ship 100 respects the Youth-Led nature of the BSA. Where a Scout can lead, he/she should lead. Where possible, legal and safe, the adults should defer to the youth to set their own program.

Training All Adult Leaders must complete, prior to submitting their BSA Adult Leader Application:

1. BSA Fast Start

2. BSA Youth Protection

3. Sea Scout Adult Leader Basic Training (SSABLT)

All Program Adults (Skipper and Mates) must meet additional training requirements:

1. NASBLA Boater Safety Training

2. BSA approved First Aid and CPR certification

3. BSA Safety Afloat

4. BSA Safe Swim Defense

5. BSA Weather Hazards

For adults who wish to captain a boat (meaning provide required adult oversight of the boat’s operation in accordance with BSA and NASBLA guidelines) additional training is required:

1. BSA Youth Protection

2. NASBLA Boater Safety Training

3. BSA Safety Afloat

4. Specific certification on the boat to be captained unless the boat is personally owned by the individual in question, in which situation ownership assumes the individual knows the boat well enough to safely operate that specific boat. Because of the age and differentiation in boat design, each boat in the Ship 100 capital inventory requires separate training.

5. Being a Boat Captain does not convey automatic assignment as a Mate of the Ship. Captains must meet BSA 2-deep leadership and have another registered Ship’s adult on board with them. Assignment as a Boat Captain is a separate assignment from being a Skipper, Mate or Committee Member. Nor is assignment as a Skipper, Mate or Committee member required to be a Boat Captain. Boat Captains are established in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard COMDTPUB P16672.2, Rule of Responsibility. Failure to have both a Ship 100 Registered Adult and an approved Boat Captain absolves Ship 100 of any and all responsibility and the persons aboard that specific boat for that cruise are considered individual participants outside the BSA and Ship 100 authority.

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Certification on a boat requires at a minimum:

Demonstrated ability to:

1. Where applicable, ability to tow, launch from a trailer and safely return the boat to a trailer.

a) Ability to safely raise and step a mast.

2. Complete any pre-launch checks on the boat including fuel mixes, oil, transmission fluids, coolant needs and safety needs such as ventilation, bilge and other needs.

a) Ability to fuel the engine.

b) Ability to pump out the boat (as applicable).

c) Ability to anchor the boat.

3. Ability to start the engine.

4. Ability to steer the boat confidently in a confined area such as a marina or narrow channel.

5. Ability to raise sails, tack, jibe, get in and out of irons.

6. Ability to give commands in accordance with the Sea Scout Manual.

7. Ability to safely dock or trailer the boat at the end of the event.

8. Ability to utilize a radio for emergencies.

9. Proof of insurance (all boats).

10. Proof of towing coverage (fixed keels).

For an Adult Leader who is appointed as Captain of a boat for Long Cruise, additional training requirements are needed:

1. Wilderness First Aid (BSA Approved)

Meetings

Youth Meetings Ship 100 meets weekly on a weeknight established by a majority vote at a time when the Skipper is available. Every effort should be made to ensure a majority of the Program and Committee Members are available to attend meetings.

A minimum of 3 Scouts is required to hold a meeting. Parents should not leave until this minimum has been met and the Skipper or Acting Skipper has approved the meeting to begin.

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Quarterdeck The Quarterdeck shall meet once monthly at the beginning of the month to review the monthly plans.

Adult Meetings The Committee shall meet monthly to ensure adequate logistical and administrative support to Ship’s Program. An Agenda will be suggested 7 days prior to the meeting and a final version sent to all Committee Members 24 hours prior to the meeting.

Quorum is defined as 50% of registered Committee Members in good standing. If Quorum is not met, an information meeting may be held but no budgetary decisions or changes to the bylaws may be made.

Program Ship 100 maintains a 5-Tier Program as defined:

• Tier 1 – Regular Meetings.

• Tier 2 – Day Cruises where program begins after sunrise and all boaters are off the water by the NOAA defined sunset for that location.

• Tier 3 – Short Cruises where program extends overnight not to exceed 72 hours.

• Tier 4 – Long Cruises where program extends over night and in excess of 72 hours.

• Tier 5 – High Adventure Program such as rock climbing, flight program or other activity not directly water-dependent but approved within the BSA Guide to Safe Scouting.

Ship 100 maintains a 3-Level Sailing Program:

• Level 1 – Small Boats. These are typically trailered boats with no cabins for overnight use and no built-in heads.

• Level 2 – Day Cruisers. These are larger boats for river or other extended program. They typically have a cabin and limited-use head.

• Level 3 – Open Water Sailing. These are large boats for sailing on bays or ocean areas. They have a built-in head and sleeping berths.

Inventory Ship 100 maintains a Capital Inventory consisting of any item with a value over $500. This includes boats, motors, trailers and safety gear.

Members in good standing may request and operate Ship 100 Capital Inventory for personal use if

• they meet the certification requirements listed above;

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• no other Ship’s events are scheduled for that day;

• they have Ship 100 approved boater insurance;

• they have an unlimited towing coverage plan (for fixed keels);

• and they assume full responsibility for any damage to the boat while in their personal use.

Finances The Ship 100 Fiscal Year begins January 1 through December 31 of each year.

The Skipper will submit a Ship’s Budget to the Treasurer and Committee Chair each October for review, adjustment and approval by the Committee. The Committee shall approve a budget at the December Committee Meeting. The Budget is a one-year budget to address all key expenses and income excepting individual expenses to support Tier 2 Program and above as defined.

Operational Fees (“Dues”) are set by dividing the projected number of scouts for the upcoming year’s recharter. Midshipmen and auxiliary members are not counted in these projections. Any dues received from Auxiliary members and Midshipmen are supplemental income.

The Treasurer will report monthly on the Month-to-Date and Year-to-Date status of the Budget at each Committee Meeting.

In the absence of a Treasurer, Financial Oversight falls to the Committee Chair.

In the event of a Budget Deficit, the Committee will be responsible for determining a course of action that ensures ongoing program.

In the event of a Budget Surplus as of the close of the fiscal year, the surplus amount shall be set aside in a Capital Reserve Fund. The Capital Reserve Fund shall grow until it meets an amount equal to the depreciated value of the Capital Inventory. Capital Inventory shall be valued in accordance with NADA (National Auto Dealers Association) or BoatUS (Boat Owners Association of the United States) values for third-party sale. Where these values do not exist, the value is set as the initial purchase price minus 10% for each year of use up to 50%.

Modification to the Bylaws A vote of two-thirds of the scout families in good standing shall be required to amend these bylaws. Each Scout is assigned one vote to be cast on their behalf by their legal parent or guardian. Quorum is defined as two-thirds of the Ship’s membership. Notification of a published change shall be made 3 weeks prior to the vote to all members. Final passage requires a minimum of 45% of all eligible voters.

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