Item Name: Seamanship 1947 - 1960

Item ID: Seaman-E1

Collector Rating: 1

Pamphlets Used to Earn this Badge

Requirements December 1940 until September 1963

1. Using at least one inch (circumference) rope, demonstrate correct (a) whipping of rope, (b) coiling, and (c) flinging. Describe the characteristics of three different types of rope commonly used by seamen.

2. Using at least one inch (circumference) rope, make: (a) at least three kinds of knots used by seamen; (b) two bends; (c) two kinds of hitches; (d) a short splice; (e) and an eye splice. (Explain practical uses in seamanship of each type of know, bend, hitch and splice demonstrated.)

3. Demonstrate on sail cloth use of palm and needle in making: (a) a herring-bone stitch and (b) both flat and round seams.

4. Demonstrate: (a) making a line fast to a cleat, ringbolt, and pile, correctly; (b) a simple whip; (c) a single block tackle; (d) a double block tackle. Describe and explain uses of: (a) a snatch block; (b) a becket.

5. Describe: (a) at least two kinds of anchors and (b) the uses and outstanding features of a lead line.

6. Box the compass to 32 points. Explain: (a) The quarter point and degree systems; (b) compass deviation; (c) compass variation. Know the importance of the North Star to seamen.

7. Have a working knowledge of: (a) weather and tides; (b) coast and geodetic survey charts. Understand buoyage system as used on coastwise harbors, rivers, and bays.

8. Know what lights and other equipment are required by law for: (a) a power-driven pleasure boat of Class 2; (b) a power-driven motor boat under 26 feet; (c) sailing vessels.

9. Understand proper flying of the ensign, jack, and two other flags commonly used on commercial or pleasure craft.

10. Name the working sails of a schooner from bow to stern. Know the name of the line used for: (a) Hoisting a sail or a flag; (b) for trimming a sail to make it set properly. Explain the following terms: starboard tack; port tack; running free; reaching; abaft; abeam.

11. Know: (a) what the danger sector is when two vessels are approaching; (b) what signals are used when a vessel is passing: (1) to left; (2) to right; (3) a sailing vessel lying at anchor in fog; (4) a power-driven vessel; (c) two types of distress signals commonly used at sea other than radio.

12. (a) Fully dressed (in shoes, trousers and jumper or coat),, jump overboard in deep water, undress and, accompanied by a boat, swim 100 yards under supervision of Counselor. (b) Demonstrate proper use of life belt and life buoy.

13. Handle correctly some type of boat or canoe, under sail on all points of sailing, getting under way, reefing, docking, and anchoring.

14. Handle a rowboat (a) with a pair of oars; (b) with a single oar (sculling).

15. (a) Launch and land a rowboat or canoe properly from and to shore. (b) Bring rowboat or canoe alongside pier, properly assist a passenger into boat, row fifty feet, pivot, come back to pier and assist passenger safely and properly from boat. (c) Make rowboat or canoe fast to pier properly, using clove hitch, two half-hitches, and bowline.