Power Boating Scout Interest Badge

(Previously Motorboatsman Scout Interest Badge)

Badge requirements

Power Boating

Note: This badge can be carried out in a boat with outboard motors or inboard petrol or diesel motors, whichever is appropriate to the waters and conditions in which the Scout will normally operate. Not all the requirements are necessarily appropriate to all power boats. To assist the examiner, alternative requirements are listed for boats that are not permanently moored on the water, i.e. single or twin-engine outboard motor-powered boats.

1. Be at least 16 years of age and have passed the Swimming Scoutcraft Badge or complete all the requirements for it.
2. Examine and report on the condition and use of the following equipment which must be on-board the boat: personal floatation devices for each person on board, fire extinguisher, oars or paddles, tool kit, emergency spare parts, horn or whistle or other sound signals, compass, anchor and line, first aid kit, bilge pump or bailer. Alternative test for small outboard powered boats Life-saving device for each person on board. (These must be donned before boarding and worn at all times whilst the boat is on the water.) Fire extinguisher, oars or paddles, tool kit including shear pin where applicable, patches, fresh adhesive and air pump for rubber-hulled boats, device for making sound signals, anchor, and line, first aid kit, spare fresh water and its quality, bailer.
   1. Fuel and check the engine/s before starting. Demonstrate the correct fuelling procedures, including safety, for the appropriate engine.
   2. Carry out the following through the appropriate commands to your crew:
      1. Start engines and get underway from a buoy or jetty.
      2. Run a straight course for half a kilometre. Make right-angled turns port and starboard. Make a "U" turn.
      3. Stop the boat, drop anchor, weigh anchor, and get underway.
      4. Demonstrate "man-overboard" drill. Pick up a man overboard using methods appropriate to the boat being used.
      5. Come alongside a jetty or buoy and moor.
      6. Moor boat at jetty or buoy for extended stay. Bear in mind prevailing winds, tides, and water levels. Use appropriate stern and bow lines, springs, and breast lines.
      7. Demonstrate the correct use of a boat hook. Alternative test for small outboard powered boats: all of (c) excluding (vi) and (vii) but including the following:
      8. Explain the steps to be taken to secure a small power boat and its equipment overnight on shore.
      9. Launch the boat from a trailer and replace the boat on a trailer, fit chevron board, secure boat on trailer, hitch trailer to tow vehicle, fit all electrical connections and check that all lights and indicators work. Carry out safety check on trailer hitch and brakes.
3. Know the rules of the road for all craft and know local regulations affecting power boats in your area. Show that you are familiar with the rules relating to power boating.
4. Have a working knowledge of an internal combustion engine. Demonstrate that you have the ability to carry out the following, appropriate to the craft you normally use:
   1. Identify the type of combustion cycle in your motor.
   2. Change and clean spark plugs
   3. If applicable, check oil levels of autolube canister
   4. Mix oil with fuel for two-stroke motor
   5. On a four-stroke engine, point out oil filler and drain plugs. Draw dipstick and evaluate level and condition of oil. Be aware of the grade of oil required for your engine
   6. Check to ensure cooling water flow (exhaust or tell-tale)
   7. Show how to flush and store motor for prolonged lay-up.
5. Show that you have a knowledge of the principles of the action of the propeller in the water, both single and twin screws. Know and demonstrate how the position of a rudder affects the control of a craft when moving ahead or astern. Alternatively demonstrate going astern or turning with single or twin outboard motors.
6. Conduct prelaunch checks on the craft you normally use:
   1. Confirm the steering system is operational and turns fully to either side. Explain how the steering system operates on your craft.
   2. Confirm prop is free of nicks, chips, pitting or bent edges. Explain why this is important
   3. Check the fuel system for leaks
7. Provide a log signed by your Scouter, or person in charge, showing that you have completed at least 15 hours as skipper or crew in the motorboat of your choice performing rescue duty, chart making or ecological study.

Requirements in PDF

• Power Boating (PDF)

See also

• Scout Interest Badges
• Swimmer Scout Interest Badge