Sea Scouts, BSA

Sea Scout Ship #228, Sea Dart II, Elizabeth, NJ
Chairman, Thomas Handley 908-354-0367
Boat phone (weekends only) 908-862-7328

• Built for the US Army - 1953
• 65' LOA
• 17' 8" Beam
• 8' draft
• Speed 10 knots
• Additional Specifications

Other Program Equipment:
• 12' Run about
• 17' O'Day sailboat
• 21' Bayliner Ciera
During July/August we have our annual Long Cruise (Summer Cruise) of two (2) weeks.  Our ports of call in and around the New England area are:
• Greenport
• Long Island, N.Y.
• Block Island, R.I.
• Martha's Vineyard, MA
• Newport, R.I.
• Natucket, MA
• Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT
• Bridgeport, CT
We have invited other Sea Scouts from across the United States to particapate in our Summer Cruise with us, as one crew.  During the rest of the summer we are very busy almost every weekend with the Sea Dart II,  the small boats and other activities.
 During the Winter months, we still try to be aboard our boat (weather permitting) from Friday to Sunday (yes our boat has heat) for our Ship Meetings and Work Parties.  At this time of the season we intensify our training courses and work on our vessel and other activities.
        Effected as of 6/4/99, Mr. John M. Nolan has resigned as Skipper of Ship #228 but will remain as Member of the Ship's Committee and license Captain.


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Some History About Sea Scouting

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Sea Scouting in America was founded in 1912.  Since the beginning, the Boy Scouts of America had been aware of the need for an older-boy program.  From 1912 to 1917, Sea Scouting struggled through a difficult period.  And yet, with little or no national guidance, it managed to grow.
In Oct. 1917, Mr. James Austin Wilder was secured as director of Sea Scouting, B.S.A.. His unique credentials of veteran sailor, global traveler, artist, and devoted Boy Scout volunteer gave Sea Scouting a real boost. He organized the scattered Sea Scout units into a national organization.  For many years Sea Scout program was aimed at older boys who had graduated from the Boy Scout troops. Sea Scouts units began to be called Ships.
Over the years, one of the persons most responsible for the development of Sea Scouting was Comdr. Thomas J. Keane of which I had the privilege of meeting with.
Cmdr. Keane was acting director from 1923 to Jan. 1927. In 1927 he was appointed the national director of Sea Scouting.  With a membership of more than 27,000, Sea Scouting served its country well in World War II. Cmdr. Keane was recalled to active service in the Navy and resigned his position as national director of Sea Scouting.
In May of 1949 a sweeping change was made in B.S.A for older-boy program, So, on Sept. 1, 1949, the Sea Scouts officially became Sea Explorers. The Program remained unchanged in it's tradition of teaching nautical skills and traditions. In 1998, in a second major reorganazation, the Sea Explorers were moved into the new Venturing Division of the Boy Scouts of America and returned to their traditional name, Sea Scouts.
Sea Scouts offers the challenge and excitement of the Sea-sailing, navigation, safety, communications, mechanics, weather, piloting, seamanship, and much more.  Requirements: must be 14 years of age and completed the eight grade, or am 15 years of age and not yet 21.
For more information about Sea Scouts, please visit the Sea Scouts National Website







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