Auxiliary-Sea Scout Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
The following are questions about AUXSCOUT that have been submitted by Auxiliarists and Sea Scout leaders. If you are unable to find the answer to your question, please contact Bruce Johnson, who will research the question, find the answer, and post it here.
Pilot rollout
Q: Which districts are involved in the pilot program?
A: Fifth (Southern Region) and Ninth (Eastern Region).
Q: Our flotilla is not in 5th Southern or 9th Eastern, but we want to get started now. What can we do?
A: Take BSA's Youth protection training and other Sea Scout leadership training. Be sure to save a printout of your Youth Protection Training completion certificate. Find out whether there are Sea Scout Ships in your area, and if so, reach out and contact them to start the dialog. If there is no Sea Scouting in your area, go to the Sea Scouts BSA website and let the Sea Scouts know that your flotilla is interested in organizing a Sea Scout Ship. Finally, let your District Sea Scout Coordinator know that you're interested in getting involved.
A: Another approach is to find out the training needs of your local Sea Scout Ships. Public education is a great way to get a relationship started. Providing regatta-type support for Sea Scout on-the-water events is another. Another approach is to work with the Sea Scouts to man booths together to promote safe boating and membership in the Auxiliary and Sea Scouts - it's a great experience for the Sea Scouts to share what they've learned about boater safety, and young people are much more likely to visit the booth if it has enthusiastic kids. All of these activities are already approved under the 2009 MOA. Also, ask Sea Scouts to help man our booths at boat shows, etc.
Q: What is the timeline for the pilot program?
A: There is no set timeline for the pilot program. It is hoped that the initial phase will be a very few months, after which time some or all of the remaining districts will be included in the Sea Scout initiative.
Q: Will all districts not involved in the pilot program fully implement the MOA at the same time?
A: We do not know yet.
Membership
General information about Sea Scouting
Q: I don't know much about Sea Scouts. Where can I get a good overview of the program?
A: The best two places are the Sea Scouts BSA website and Sea Scouts BSA YouTube channel. You can also request information on the Sea Scouts website.
Q: The Boy Scouts of America seems to have an odd vocabulary. Is there anywhere I can go to translate their terms into language I can understand?
A: Yes. Two places: The Language or Scouting and BSA All Terms and Style Items.
Q: How can I find Sea Scout Ships in my area?
A: Go to Find Scouting Near You. Be sure to select Sea Scouts in the left-hand box before plugging in your zip code.
Q: How can I find my local Scout council office?
A: Go to Local council locator.
Sea Scout membership in the Coast Guard Auxiliary
Q: Sea Scouts (<17) joining the Auxiliary. If a Sea Scout under 17 years old is interested in joining the Auxiliary within the purview of the MOA (at least 14 years old), how is their membership application (ANSC 7001) annotated to DIRAUX that they are able to join (while under age of 17).
A: Unknown at this time. The 2018-09-11 ALAUX message noted that the Chief Director's Office is not prepared yet to accept membership applications for Sea Scouts under the age of 17.
Q: What uniforms should Sea Scouts and Sea Scout leaders wear if they are also Auxiliarists?
A: They should wear Sea Scout uniforms at Sea Scout functions and Auxiliary uniforms at Auxiliary functions.
Auxiliary membership in the Sea Scouts
Q: What uniforms should Auxiliarists wear if they are also Sea Scouts?
A: They should wear Sea Scout uniforms at Sea Scout functions and Auxiliary uniforms at Auxiliary functions.
Training
Youth Protection Training
Q: Does an Auxiliarist have to be a BSA member to take Youth Protection Training (YPT)?
A: No. YPT is availablle to anyone working with Scouts.
Q: Does YPT need to be completed by entirety of Flotilla membership before a Sea Scout Ship's membership (+ parent/lco parentis for each Scout) could be invited to attend a Flotilla meeting?
A: No. There is no need for Auxiliarists to take Youth Protection Training for Sea Scouts to attend flotilla meetings.
Q: After completing training, is there a POC that completed training is provided to within the Auxiliary? Do FC/VFC maintain records of who within Flotilla membership has completed the training?
A: Unknown at this time. It is recommended that the Auxiliarist completing YPT make a copy of their completion certificate and give it to the FC. Alternatively, if your division has a Division Sea Scout Coordinator, s/he might be the best person to save this information. A formal procedure is forthcoming.
Sea Scout adult leadership training available to Auxiliarists
Q: What adult training is available to Auxiliarists?
A: See Sea Scout Leader Training & Education
Q: Can Auxiliarists who are not Sea Scout leaders attend Seabadge?
A: Yes. There is a schedule of upcoming Seabadge courses at www.seabadge.info.
Underway training
Q: How can I take Sea Scouts out on my OPFAC for training patrol?
A: See Providing Shoreside and Underway Training Opportunities to Sea Scouts
Q: Can a Sea Scout vessel serve as an Auxiliary platform?
A: See Chapter 1 of the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual.
Local collaboration
Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla works with a Sea Scout Ship
Q: What are some ideas for working with a Sea Scout Ship (unit) or council Sea Scout program?
A: See Sea Scouts
Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla sponsors a Sea Scout Ship
Q: What are the steps for a flotilla that wants to sponsor a Sea Scout Ship (unit)?
A: See Sponsor a Sea Scout Ship
Q: Is it necessary for a Sea Scout Ship to own a vessel?
A: No. Many Sea Scout Ships borrow vessels from private individuals or organizations. Many newer Ships are choosing to focus on Canoeing and Kayaking, which fits in well with the Auxiliary's AUXPAD program. Finally, many Ships receive offers of donated boats. Check with the local Sea Scout organization or BSA council service center to ensure that you are handling this correctly.
Hold joint training events
Q: Is there any training that my flotilla or division can provide to Sea Scouts aside from public education classes?
A: Yes. Safety at Sea Weekends are hosted annually by Coast Guard or Auxiliary units in a variety of locations. These events are popular with both the Sea Scouts and the Team Coast Guard personnel. Some areas also hold winter training weekends with the assistance of the Auxiliary. These events deliver Sea Scouts great training at times of the year when it may be too cold to get underway.
