Adult Training

REQUIRED: Safeguarding Youth Training

Safeguarding Youth training is required for all Scouting America registered volunteers and is a joining requirement. Safeguarding Youth training must be taken every year. If a volunteer’s Safeguarding Youth training is not current at the time of annual registration renewal, the volunteer will not be re-registered.

To take or retake the training, leaders must go to my.scouting.org and establish a My.Scouting account .

REQUIRED: Hazardous Weather Training

Hazardous Weather Training is mandatory for all direct-contact leaders in Scouting America and must be renewed every two years. The 30-minute, free online course equips leaders to identify, assess, and respond to dangerous conditions. Hazardous Weather Training is available at any time online as part of the Training section of My.Scouting.org.

REQUIRED: Sea Scout Adult Basic Training

Sea Scout Adult Basic Training (SSABT) is the first step in training for all Sea Scout leaders. The course is intended primarily to enhance individual knowledge of and connectivity with the strategic plan, program, and resources, while emphasizing personal skills necessary for the development of youth in the Sea Scout program.

Take SSABT online at My.Scouting.org

An Instructor Guide, slides, and the script for the slides are available for in-person training. (Updated 11/2025.)

Seabadge

Seabadge is a leadership and management training focused on the “how-to” aspects of managing a successful youth-led Sea Scout program. The driving theme for the training is to “Focus on Youth,” which makes the course especially valuable for any Scout volunteer dealing with older youth. 

While Seabadge was developed as an advanced leadership training program for experienced Sea Scout advisors, the course is open to all adult scouting volunteers.

Wood Badge

Wood Badge is designed for all adult Scout leaders. Its focus is on leadership, not outdoor skills. The course content and leadership principles introduced apply to Scouters in all leadership positions and provide a common foundation of leadership skills to be used throughout all program areas.

Introduction to On-the-Water Leader Skills (I-OWLS) Training

I-OWLS gives adult leaders an introduction to resources and on-the-water skills they need to assist Sea Scouts in achieving Ordinary rank. The material and training presented in Introduction to On-the-Water Leader Skills (IOWLS) closely follows the Sea Scout Manual, the Guide to Safe Scouting, and the ANSI (Approved American National Standard) standards for on-water vessel activities and are meant to serve as an adult training outline. In addition, participants will be given access to lesson plans and support materials that will enable them or their youth to teach Apprentice and Ordinary advancement requirements.

Advanced On-the-Water Leader Skills (A-OWLS) Training

A-OWLS models how adult leaders can step back from the helm, set performance expectations for the youth in their unit, and safely conduct an effective Sea Scout program underway. A-OWLS also aims to teach adult leaders how to support youth as they advance in rank and plan and participate in long cruises.

Sea Scouting for Commissioners

This training is intended to be used at a College of Commissioner Science, or a University of Scouting. Both a script and a slide presentation are available for download.

America’s Boating Club (formerly known as US Power Squadron) Courses

America’s Boating Club is one of Sea Scouting’s partners. Sea Scout adults and youth can take ABC courses to improve their on-the-water skill set. Below is a partial list of available courses.

• America’s Boating Course: Meets the requirements for adult Scouting America’s Training Code-P47 and Sea Scouter Training Award requirement #3, and for youth Ordinary Rank Requirement #5.
• Seamanship: Meets the requirements for adult Scouting America’s Training Code-P45, and for youth, serves as an elective requirement
• Piloting: Meets the requirements for adult Scouting America’s Training Code-P45, and for youth, serves as an elective requirement.

American Canoe Association

The American Canoe Association is a valued Sea Scout partner. Through the efforts of the ACA National Office and the Safety Education & Instruction Council (SEIC), course curricula and educational resources are developed and made available to the general public, instructors, partners, and the outdoor industry.

NauticEd

NauticEd provides comprehensive online and on-the-water education for sailing and powerboating. With a modern, standards-aligned curriculum and a global learner community, NauticEd helps boaters build true competence and confidence on the water. Learn more at www.nauticed.org.

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

Sea Scouts are the official youth leadership program of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. This alliance seamlessly connects youth (ages 14 to 20) with Coast Guard seamanship, vocational training, and STEM education, offering a natural pathway to careers in the maritime industry or military.

Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas and divisions can officially charter or sponsor local Sea Scout Ships, blending youth enthusiasm with Auxiliarist experience, and Sea Scouts and their adult leaders are eligible to apply for Auxiliary membership. Once enrolled, they enjoy the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as regular Auxiliarists. Scouts gain access to the Auxiliary’s extensive seamanship, leadership, and boating safety curricula. They participate in hands-on activities like vessel safety checks, navigation, and emergency preparedness.