BoatUS National Flagship

In honor of the 90th anniversary of Sea Scouts in 2002, BoatUS, the nation’s largest recreational boating organization, instituted the annual Sea Scout National Flagship Award.

The BoatUS National Flagship Application is available in October and is due March 31. The application follows the Scouting America Journey to Excellence Scorecard and is designed to recognize Sea Scout Ships excelling in all areas of Sea Scouting.

Some areas of focus include:

• Special Celebrations and Activities
• Sea Scout Advancement and Training
• Sea Scout Recognition
• On Water Activities
• Sea Scout Activities
• Color Guard Activities
• Community Service
• Recruiting Activities
• Sea Scout Leader Professional Development

Sea Scout Ships with outstanding programs who are not selected to be the BoatUS National Flagship may be selected as a member of the National Flagship Fleet so all ships are encouraged to apply for the National Flagship.

The National Flagship is recognized with a special ship flag with 4 stars affixed. In addition, the Flagship is presented a trophy, as well as individual mementos of the achievement for each Sea Scout member of the Ship. Additionally, the Ship name is added to a perpetual Sea Scout Flagship plaque to be kept on display at BSA National Headquarters in Irving, Texas.

A ship must meet the minimal national standards in all areas for a calendar year starting January 1 and ending December 31. The application is due by March 31, for consideration in being selected for the National Flagship Award. You must use the online application process described below – do not send your application via email or postal mail, applications received by email or postal mail will not be considered.

We have moved to an online application process which should simplify the application handling and assessment process. The online application is here – but before you submit, you’ll need to prepare a few things, including a signed copy of your JTE form for 2024, a good quality photograph of your ship in The Official Sea Scout Uniform (formerly called the New Century Universal Uniform), and a signed authorization from your Council’s Scout Executive. You’ll find more detailed instructions and the Scout Executive authorization in the flagship instructions and council approval form. You may also find this sample registration helpful – it will show you all the questions you’ll be asked during the online application process so that you can prepare your answers in advance.