Nautical Skills

Nautical Skills Scout Badge post 2002

The Scout Activity badges from post 2002 are circular with the Activity image on a blue background with a red border. The Badge is worn on the left sleeve starting from the shoulder and going down in order of achievement.

To earn the Nautical Skills Scout badge they must achieve the following

1.       In two water-based activities develop your skills to show competency and technique in the following:

·         Launching and recovering your craft

·         Manoeuvring your craft

·         Communicating with the group

·         Demonstrating a knowledge of safety 

2.       Take part in a capsize and recovery drill for the two craft used in requirement 1.

3.       Use a throw bag or line to reach a person in the water 6 metres away.

4.       Know and use the steering rules which apply to your chosen craft, and recognise the main channel markers where appropriate.

5.       Use a correct knot (either a round turn and two half hitches or a bowline), or a correct use of a cleat, to moor a boat with a painter or mooring line and describe what you need to be aware of when using these to moor.

6.       Complete one of the following:

·         Pipe the 'still' and 'carry on' or a Bosun's call.

·         Make a sail maker's whipping and one other type of whipping, and safely heat-seal the end of a rope. Describe the correct use of these whippings.

·         Make an eye splice or a back splice, and safely heat-seal the end of a rope. Describe the correct use of these splices.

Name the parts of a different type of craft to that used in Scout Basic Nautical Skills. 

8.       Take part in a challenging three-hour expedition or exercise afloat.

9.       Take part in a competition or crew-based activity in your chosen craft.