All cadets of the Jupiter / Langley Squadron receive basic seamanship training in addition to aviation training. This make our program uniquely different from other youth programs such as scouting or venturing. No other program in Palm Beach County offers training and experience in both marine and aviation skills. Cadets must pass specific performance standards outlined by the National Headquarters to be eligible for advanced rates.
Boating Safety
In the state of Florida, a Boating Safety Education Identification Card is required to operate any motorboat of at least ten horsepower for anyone born on or after January 1, 1988. To acquire that card, you need to pass a a Florida-approved boating safety course. Cadets must complete the course and pass the exam before being eligible for advancement to Petty Officer Third Class (PO3).
All cadets, officers and staff are required to take the course, pass the test and obtain the Florida Boating Safety ID. This is offered at no cost to our cadets through our Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. In north Palm Beach County, USCG/Aux Flotilla 5-2 administers the program for our cadets.
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Seamanship Skills
Along with Boating Safety, cadets must learn the basics of seamanship. A brief but not all inclusive listing of some of the skills cadets will learn are:
Watches
In civilian companies that have 24 hour operations, they divide the workforce in to “shifts”. In the Navy, these shifts are called “watches”. On board a ship, sailors are assigned to jobs such as keeping up the ship’s compartments, decks, deck machinery and other equipment, external structures, and lines and rigging. They also are standing deck watches, such as helmsman, lookout, and messenger watches underway and in port, standing sentry, fire, security, anchor and other special watches; manning and operating small boats, booms, cranes and winches, and acting as a member of gun crews and damage control parties. Cadets learn the types of watches, watch times and the importance of staying alert, being responsible and how to report problems concisely and with clarity. Back to Top
Watchstander’s Equipment
What tools do you need? When do you need them and how do you use them? Cadets learn what tool for what job. These may include anything from a flashlight to a compass or from a set of binoculars to Man Overboard flags and signals. Back to Top
Watchstanding
Cadets will learn about the basic shipboard watch organization. You will learn about a typical watch, quarter, and station bill; the terms used during watches; and some typical watches, both ashore and afloat. You will also learn about procedures for reporting bearings and using binoculars. Back to Top
Marlinspike Seamanship
Marlinespike Seamanship is the art of handling and working all kinds of fiber and wire rope. It includes every variety of knotting, splicing, serving, and fancywork. Cadets learn the basic knots needed to address the majority of situations and can advanced if desired. Back to Top
Deck Seamanship
Cadets learn the basics of rigging and anchors. Back to Top
Boat Seamanship
Some of the techniques to be mastered require considerable practice and experience before a boat crew member can become accomplished in this work. Included in these skills are the following: Hoisting, lowering, and securing methods. Operating boats properly under a variety of conditions, including a knowledge of the Rules of the Road, Knowledge of buoy systems and Boat etiquette. Cadets learn the different sections of a boat, how to maneuver in and around the boat and the types of boats that exist. Back to Top
Ammunition and Gunnery
Cadets learn about the different types of ship based weapons the Navy and Coast Guard use and the types of ammunition they require. Back to Top
Communications
Cadets learn the Phonetic Alphabet, semaphores and the types of devices on a ship and what to say and how to say it. Back to Top
Naval History
Naval history is the story of the life of the Navy. Since this is the biography of the life of the United States Navy, the logical place to start is with the birth of the Navy. Cadets learn how the Navy began and an accounting of the maritime services including the Coast Guard, Marines and Merchant Marines. Back to Top
Naval Organization
This section introduces the cadet to naval organization, including the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, a typical unit organization, and the chain of command. Back to Top
Basic Seamanship
How does a ship operate? What is it called? What is the difference between a gangway and a ladder? What is a service craft vs. a combatant craft? These are some of the items every cadet must know. Back to Top
Ship Characteristics
How to recognize different ships of the Navy and Coast Guard. What is the difference between a Cutter and a Cruiser? A more advanced look into ship terminology and the superstructure of a ship. Back to Top
Surface Preservation
Cadets learn how to maintain the exterior and deck areas of a ship. Back to Top