Sea Scouting () has existed in Ireland since 1912 and is a programme framework within Scouting Ireland.
Sea Scouting Groups in Ireland operate the same as every other Scout Group in the Country. Some say Sea Scouts are just a little more magic than the rest but the only real difference is Sea Scouting Groups have a stronger commitment to water safety, seamanship training and activities on the water.
The programme is designed to foster a love of adventure on the water alongside building technical activity skills and leadership afloat.
Typical activities may include; dinghy sailing, rowing, rafting, swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, powerboating, canoeing, marine science & oceanography, keelboat sailing, engine maintenance, chartwork & navigation, preservation of maritime heritage, water safety and seamanship; ropework, line-handling, meteorology, boat maintenance, communications.
Ireland and Sea Scouting is rich in maritime culture so you will often find Sea Scouting Groups emphasising a nautical framework and tradition in their activities.
Patrols are called Watches.
A Section Leader is called Skipper.
Most Sea Scouting Scouts, Ventures, Rovers & Scouters will wear the Navy-Knit Sea Scout Jumper, belt and duck (hat) as their uniform.
Most Sea Scouting Beavers & Cubs will wear the Navy-Knit Sea Scout Jumper.
Many Groups are known by their Port Number. e.g. 1st Port of Dublin (Ringsend).
Blessing of the Boats/ Launch Day is an annual feature to formally start the summer boating season.
Laying-Up Supper is a celebration of a successful year afloat.
Bravo-Zulu (BZ) means a job well done.
Sea Scouting Groups offer a balanced programme of land and water activities to their members by encompassing all aspects of the ONE Programme. Sea Scouts will find themselves just as comfortable on the mountains and hills as they are at sea level. Camping under canvas, campcraft and hiking expeditions are a normal part of the programme.
Sea Scouting is a nautical framework accessible to Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Ventures & Rovers.
Anyone can become a Sea Scout, regardless if you are located by the sea, a river, a lake, inland waterways or even your closest puddle; we are sometimes affectionately known as puddle-pirates! – The important thing is a commitment to safety, seamanship and adventure afloat.
History of Sea Scouting (Ireland)
After Baden-Powell’s book “Scouting for Boys” appeared in 1908, Scout Groups started spontaneously throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Some Groups, including 1st Dublin Troop, Boy Scouts (founded 15th February 1908 by Capt.Richard P. Fourtune RNR) included boating in their programmes from the beginning, and B-P soon recognised that this was an excellent variation of the Scout programme.
Sea Scouting was officially recognised in 1910, and B-P wrote the first introductory pamphlet “Sea Scouting for Boys”. Later B-P asked his brother Warrington, a well known yachtsman, to write a handbook for the new section, and “Sea Scouting and Seamanship for Boys” was published in 1912.
The first Sea Scout Troops in Ireland were registered in 1912, in Bray and in Ringsend (1st Dublin Troop mentioned above), where B-P then appointed Lieut. Henry J.Rundle RN, Officer-Charge, HM Coastguard Malahide, as the 1st Commissioner for Sea Scouting.
Other Troops developed in Dublin in the succeeding years, in most cases alongside HM Coastguard Stations. In 1914 the first inter-Troop rowing race for the Wood-Latimer Cup was held. This event was the start of the Annual Sea Scout Regatta and continues to this day, making it one of the oldest Scouting events in the World.
With the outbreak of World War One, many Sea Scouts and their leaders joined the Royal Navy, often as Signallers or Coast Watch.
In 1915 the Dublin Sea Scout Troops were grouped together in the Port of Dublin Sea Scout Local Association, and they were allocated “Port of Dublin” numbers, a custom that still continues. The annual Seamanship Competition for the Fry Cup started in 1918 with the presentation of a handsome silver cup from Major-General Sir William Fry to the Port of Dublin Sea Scouts. The event continues to the present day and is regarded as Sea Scoutings most prestigious cup to claim.
29 Dublin Sea Scouts attended the 1st World Scout Jamboree in London and were accommodated onboard HMS Sharpshooter.