New updates to the advancement requirements were approved by the National Sea Scout Committee on 10/24/2026 and by the National Program Development Committee (PDC). The effective date for these changes is 11/3/2026. The expiration date for the previous version is 12/31/2026. Users can begin using the new version of advancement now. The changes have been updated and are now live in Scoutbook Plus as of 11/3/2026.
Advancement Details by Rank
Apprentice
- 1.c was deleted. A Scout is courteous.
- 3.b was deleted. We no longer have bars and stars. You can read who is what. The chain of command is discussed in 3.a when you learn the organization of the ship
- 6.a – The words “Using both large and small lines” was deleted.
Ordinary
- 5.b – Know and demonstrate basic hand, paddle, and whistle signals commonly used on paddle trips was deleted. It is identical to Apprentice 5.b.
- 6.b – The words “Using both large and small lines” was deleted.
Able
- 10.a – The word deck was changed to cruise.
- 14. – A sentence has been added after Earn the Long Cruise badge – Days and nights begin accumulating from the day you join Sea Scouts.
Quartermaster
- 3. While an Ordinary or Able Sea Scout, plan, develop, and demonstrate leadership to others in a service project that is helpful to any religious institution or school or to your community. The project plan must be approved by your Skipper and ship committee and approved by the council or district advancement committee before you start. This service project should involve your ship and at least one other group. You must use the Quartermaster Leadership Service Project Workbook, No. 420-011, to document your work. The project may be completed while working on Able or Quartermaster rank requirements. Note: The Quartermaster project is separate and distinct from a youth’s Eagle Scout service project.
