Sea
Explorers (1949-65)
Program
Apart from minor changes to the uniform and unit structure, no changes
were made in the basic program at this time. Sea Explorers continued
with the tradition Sea Scout program from 1924.
Uniform
Sea Explorers continued to use their naval inspired blue and white
uniforms. However, the shirt strips would now read "Sea Explorers
BSA" instead of "Sea Scouts, BSA", and the locations of some insignia was
changed to more conform to other programs in the BSA. To save space,
only the white on blue insignia will be shown for the most part.
Advancement Program
Sea Explorers would continue to use their advancement program of Apprentice-Ordinary-Able-Quartermaster.
However, they could no longer earn advancement in the other Explorer programs.
The alternative path to Eagle for Sea Explorers continued, but it consisted
only of allowing those who had earned Ordinary to go on to earn Star, Life,
and Eagle. Star and Life badges continued to be made available on
blue and white cloth.
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Unit Organization
It appears that in 1949, the organization of Sea Explorer Ships were
brought in line with other BSA units. The positions of Coxswain,
Boatswain's Mate, and Boatswain were changed. No longer were they
used to denote Crew Leaders of certain rank. The position of Coxswain's
Mate (Assistant Crew Leader), was also created, so the position patches
changed a little.
| Boy Scout Troop | Sea Explorer Ship |
| Scoutmaster | Skipper |
| Assistant Scoutmaster | Mate |
| Senior Patrol Leader | Boatswain [Bo's'n] |
| Assistant Senior Patrol Leader | Boatswain's Mate [Bo's'n's Mate] |
| Patrol Leader | Coxswain (Crew Leader) [Coxs'n] |
| Assistant Patrol Leader | Coxswain's Mate (Assistant Crew Leader) |
| Scribe | Purser |
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Council/Regional/National Organization
The structure of committees developed at the Council, Regional, and
National Levels continued. See the Sea Scout page for 1924 for pictures
of their office insignia.
Miscellaneous
National would continue the use of "Standard Explorer Unit" awards
from the previous "Standard Senior Scout Unit" awards. These awards
were given to any Explorer unit (Post, Ship, Squadron) which meet certain
criteria at the local, regional, or national levels. To see the requirements,
go here.
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Sea Explorers would continue to have the "Long Cruise". This was
for a shipboard trip of at least a week in duration. Special patches
were issues, along with arcs for additional Long Cruises. Red arcs
for additional Long Cruises, white for 5 additional Long Cruises.
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Arcs
NO PICTURE |
Literature
During this period, the Seventh edition of what was now called the
Sea
Explorer Manual was produced.
While no new printings or editions of the Skippers Handbook was produced,
there must have been enough left over from the previous edition, as they
were listed as available with other Explorer literature of the time.
No new Crew Leader Handbook was produced, and it was not listed as available.
| Sea Explorer Manual (7th Edition) (#3229)
1 1950,Oct 30000 2 1952,Sep 3 1954,Sep 20000 4 1956,Dec 15000 5 1958,Aug 20000 6 1960,Mar 15000 7 1961,Aug 15000 8 1963 paperpack, 640p |
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Statistics taken from BSA Annual Reports to Congress
Updated: 04/30/2001mrb