ABOUT US
Our Roots
For over 100 years Sea Scouting has promoted better citizenship and improved members’ boating skills through instruction and practice in water safety, boating skills, outdoor, social, service experiences, and knowledge of our maritime heritage.
OLYMPIC VENTURE
Our Main Training Platform
The Olympic Venture is our main vessel. A 95 foot ex-U.S. Coast Guard Cape Class Cutter formerly known as the "Cape Wash" WPB 95310
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From 1954 to 1964, the Cape Wash was stationed at Alameda, CA. She was used for law enforcement (LE) and SAR. On 30 May 1960, she sustained an engine-room fire in Oakland, CA. On 25 October 1960, she towed wreckage of Leaky Teaky to Yerba Buena Island. On 26-27 October 1961, she assisted M/Vs Hoegh Cape and Waitermata following a collision 13 miles west of Bodega Bay. On 19 November 1962, she assisted the grounded F/V Pelican at Half Moon Bay. From 1964 to 1967, she was homeported at San Francisco, CA, and was used for LE and SAR. From 1968 to 1981, she was stationed at Monterey, CA, and was used for LE and SAR. In April 1980, she assisted the disabled tanker Austin off Morro Bay; commercial vessels were also assisting. From 1982 to 1987, she was stationed at Morro Bay, CA, and was used for LE and SAR. On 22 February 1983, she assisted in the rescue of students from the capsized charter boat San Mateo outside Morro Bay. On 18 May 1983, she helped transfer oil from a leaking barge 30 miles west of Lopez, CA.
She was decommissioned on 1 January 1987 and transferred to the U.S. Navy. She was based at Submarine Base Bangor and saw service as a "Personnel Transfer Boat" (PTB) and given the hull number 951 (95-footer, boat #1).
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In 2012 Ship 51 found the need for a new training vessel and was able to acquire the Olympic Venture from the navy after being listed as government surplus. Read the full article in Palo Alto Online.
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SEAMANSHIP
The best part of Sea Scouts is cruising and mastering the skills you learn with your shipmates. On board a vessel you share hands-on experiences as helmsman and navigator, lookout and cook, sail handler and engineer. You and your shipmates will plan and conduct your annual cruise – summer camp underway. Imagine Cruising the San Francisco Bay, fishing, swimming, diving, snorkeling or anything else your ship wants to do!
SCOUTING
Sea Scouts is youth led and adult mentored. You and your shipmates lead your Sea Scout program. Elected youth leaders plan and conduct the program and adult leaders guide and support your efforts as you learn important leadership and life skills. As you gain experience you will have the opportunity to contribute as a leader in your ship. Sea Scouts are recognized and rewarded for the things they learn and do. You can earn valuable certification in SCUBA, boating safety, lifesaving, and CPR, as well as advance in rank from Apprentice to Quartermaster. Each certification and level of advancement marks your growth as a sailor and a leader.
SERVICE
Sea Scouts take service very seriously. Sea Scouts perform various kinds of service from service to their ship, to community service. They participate service such as river or beach clean-up efforts, food drives, and youth programs. Sea Scouts also participate in flag ceremonies, and serve as honor guards at various community events.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Though Sea Scouts is a co-ed program, the Intrepid is an all male crew, if you are female and interested in Sea Scouts, check out the MSS Tradewind. Our program is open to all young men ages 12-21. If you’re interested in joining feel free to contact us with any questions!
Sea Promise