Boatswain Scout Interest Badge

The Boatswain Scout Interest Badge is all about learning the hands-on skills needed to keep boats in top shape. From knots and splicing to hull repairs and sail care, you’ll build practical knowledge that’s useful both on and off the water. Whether you're fixing gear, maintaining safety equipment, or learning traditional maritime skills like piping, this badge helps you become a confident and capable crew member.

Badge Requirements

Boatswain

1. Hull Repair Techniques
   Complete ONE of the following repair tasks, ensuring a buoyancy integrity inspection before completion:
   1. Repair a small hole in a pulling boat, OR
   2. Patch a canvas or rubber hull, OR
   3. Repair a small hole in a fibre-glass hull.
2. Advanced Maritime Ropework
   Demonstrate proficiency in the following knots, hitches, and splices:
   1. Back splice,
   2. Eye splice
   3. Marlinspike hitch.
   4. Double carrick bend.
   5. Catspaw.
   6. Mouse a hook.
   7. Turk's head.
   8. Hunter's bend (using synthetic rope).
   9. Jury masthead knot.
3. Traditional Boatswain's Lanyard
   Create a Boatswain's lanyard incorporating at least six different sennits (e.g. boatswain's weave, rolling boatswain, half hitches, diamond knot, grapevine, three-corner crownings, flat sennit, Turk's head).
4. Rope Care, Finishing and Preservation
   Demonstrate proper rope care and finishing:
   1. Make a sailmaker's whipping.
   2. Secure the ends of a nylon or plastic rope using heat.
5. Boat Fender Construction
   Make a fender suitable for a pulling boat using recyclable materials. The fender must be enclosed in a strong sewn canvas bag to prevent loss of contents if damaged.
6. Caring for and Storing Sails
   Demonstrate the following aspects of proper sail care:
   1. Clean and remove stains from sails using only mild detergents and water.
   2. Explain and demonstrate correct temporary and long-term sail storage methods.
7. Understanding Modern Marine Fibres
   Identify three different synthetic fibres used in both cloth and lines, and explain their properties and applications.
8. Naval Signals with a Boatswain's Call
   Explain the purpose and traditional use of the Boatswain's Call in maritime signalling. Demonstrate proficiency in piping commands by performing the following pipes:
   1. The Still.
   2. Carry on.
   3. Pipe the side.
   4. General Call
9. Rigging Maintenance and Modern Fibre Line Applications
   Lead a session for your Patrol or Troop on the following:
   1. Maintenance and care of standing rigging and running rigging, including proper storage of spare rigging.
   2. Discuss modern applications of Dyneema and Spectra fibre lines and the precautions required to prevent chafing and wear of soft synthetic materials.
10. Marine Repairs
    1. List and explain the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for using hand tools, power tools, and repair materials, including resins, solvents, grinding and sanding consumables, and paints.
    2. Demonstrate surface preparation techniques for various substrate materials when performing repairs or maintenance on boats, dollies, or trailers. This should include the use of fillers, corrosion treatment/prevention solutions, undercoats, and topcoats.
    3. Participate in painting and/or varnishing a boat, demonstrating proper preparation and finishing techniques.
11. Equipping and Packing a Practical Boat Bag
    A well-equipped boat bag should contain essential tools and supplies for routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and safety.
    1. Make a durable boat bag from canvas, PVC, or synthetic cloth and compile a list of essential contents.
    2. Identify and list hand tools and power tools used in boat maintenance, explaining or demonstrating their correct use and safety precautions.

Badge Examiner Requirement: Training and examination for this badge must be conducted by a suitably qualified individual who has relevant experience or formal training in the specific field of expertise being assessed.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

• Boatswain Scout Interest Badge (PDF)

Last Update

June 2025

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