1. Instructors: George Crowl
QM-3
Quartermaster
Leadership
This PowerPoint is provided for those who may not have appropriate training aids available in a ship or location. This generally follows a companion lesson plan available at I expect you to modify it to fit your situation and teaching style. I am more concerned that Scouts learn than this fit a specific style. I am, however, a fan of the Effective Teaching model. Teaching EDGE is somewhat simplistic in its approach, but that has some advantages.
Note: These lesson plans may also be used for teaching in the ship. For administrative convenience, they cover the entire specific numbered requirement (except one, where Galley is covered separately!). Individual Sea Scout Academy lessons may only cover part of the requirements. Similarly, ships may find that even just a portion of a subrequirement is all that can be done during a particular ship meeting. Adapt these lessons as needed to fit your youth and your situation. Share these plans with your youth who are teaching.
Philosophy: Sea Scout Academy’s primary purpose is to teach the material to the Sea Scout. If the Sea Scout demonstrates mastery of parts of the subject, then the instructor should annotate on the class roster what has been passed, in the instructor’s opinion. Skippers have the right to re-examine any Sea Scout in any requirement. (Knots are not a good subject to give a pass in.) SSA may schedule only portions of ORD-8.
Instructors: George Crowl

2. Course Outline a. Quartermaster Project
b. Officer: Serve as a ship officer for at least six months.
Requirements: This course will not address the Quartermaster Project. Insure the candidate is using the CURRENT Quartermaster Service Project Workbook.
Reference:

3. Course Outline (2)
c. Quartermaster Cruise: Take command of a vessel with a crew of not less than four Sea Scouts for at least 40 consecutive hours, including two nights. You must delegate and supervise all duties. During the cruise complete the following: Inspect the vessel for required equipment; supervise all menu preparation; prepare the boat to get underway with a proper checklist approved by the adult leaders; anchor, dock, and maintain course by commands to the helmsman; remain underway for an extended period during darkness; and discuss appropriate nighttime running procedures. While underway, perform the following drills: man overboard, damage control, abandon ship, fire, collision, and any other drills used by your ship. During this cruise no substantial errors may be committed. or
Requirements:
Reference:

4. Course Outline (3)
Plan and lead a paddlecraft cruise with at least four paddlecraft for at least two days. You must delegate and supervise all duties. During the cruise complete the following: inspect the vessels and members of the group for required equipment; plan for provisions; supervise allmenu preparations; prepare the boats to get underway with a proper checklist approved by the adult leaders; file a float plan. If on open water, prepare a navigation chart including at least three legs and/or course corrections. I on inland rivers, identify river access points and coordinate transportation at both ends of the trip. With an adult leader, inspect all vessels and evaluate whether they are adequately secured for transportation. During this cruise no substantial errors may be committed. or
Successfully complete SEAL (Sea Scout Advanced Leadership) training.
Requirements:
Reference:

5. Course Outline (4)
d. Organize and help conduct the BSA's Introduction to Leadership Skils for Ships (ILSS) for your ship, or serve as a NYLT staff advisor.
Requirements: This course will not address the Quartermaster Project. Insure the candidate is using the CURRENT Quartermaster Service Project Workbook.
Reference:

6. QM-3b
Officer: Serve as a ship officer for at least six months. D

7. Elected Officer Fulfill the responsibilities – what does that mean?
For how long?
What we will talk about applies to leadership responsibilities
In most cases, we would expect for a person to serve a term as an elected officer. However, some ships elect officers for a year, and some for six months. It may be wise for the Skipper and quarterdeck to specify the expectations for the first half of this requirement.
A ship officer has responsibilities specific to that office, and general to being a member of the quarterdeck. All members of the quarterdeck represent the remainder of the ship when making decisions. It is not what you want to do, it is what you believe the majority of the members of the ship want to do! You are there to represent and provide for the greatest good for the greatest number, while trying to preserve the interests of the minority.
Some of the common responsibilities of all the officers are provided in the list below. It is not comprehensive, but provides a start.
Share responsibilities of leading with your ship's officers.
Know the needs and interests of your ship members.
Set an example for ship members.
Consult with individual ship members who have problems, questions, or concerns.
Each officer has a set of responsibilities listed in the Sea Scout Manual. Refer to those as your starting point. However, each ship is unique in its culture, so discuss with your Skipper and Boatswain what is specifically needed as you execute your responsibilities.

8. Planning Who? - Normally all ship members
What? - Ship event? Council event?
Why? - Advancement? Fun? Service?
Where? - Driven by council or equipment
When? - Driven by council or youth availability
How? - Which boats, what equipment, cars, etc?
Planning: who, what, why, where, when, how?
Who? Normally all the Sea Scouts in the ship.
What? This may be a council event, or just a ship's weekend sail.
Why? If this is a council event, we need to know what is expected of us. If just a ship event, what do we want to accomplish by doing it?
Where? If a council event, that is settled. If a ship event, it will be driven by which vessels we are using. Need to get into details here, transportation, drivers, vehicles, etc.
When? Friday evening to Sunday afternoon? Sunday to Saturday long cruise? Details, details.
How? Which boats? What equipment? Which cars? Etc. etc.
One of the major tasks of the ship quarterdeck is planning. It may be for a single day event, or it may be the entire year’s operational plan.
Planning: who, what, why, where, when, how?
Who? Normally all the Sea Scouts in the ship.
What? This may be a council event, or just a ship's weekend sail.
Why? If this is a council event, we need to know what is expected of us. If just a ship event, what do we want to accomplish by doing it?
Where? If a council event, that is settled. If a ship event, it will be driven by which vessels we are using. Need to get into details here, transportation, drivers, vehicles, etc.
When? Friday evening to Sunday afternoon? Sunday to Saturday long cruise? Details, details.
How? Which boats? What equipment? Which cars? Etc. etc.

9. Directing Follow your plan Adjust your plan as needed
Use other people to help – Boatswain, Skipper, experts
Think ahead to possible problems
Delegate authority to those who know what they are doing
Supervise critical tasks closely. Use your authority when you have to.
Give credit where it is due
Directing: Ya gotta have a plan! The Boatswain might just turn it all over to you. Or, you might ask the Boatswain to execute your plan if you think that may be more effective. Present your plan to the Skipper for approval.
Then, think ahead. Know what the next thing to do is, and who is executing that part of the plan. Remind them. Supervise them closely if they need it. Delegate to those with the right skills. Be prepared for the inevitable changes, they will occur, and you will need to deal with them.
Don't be afraid to exert the necessary authority to get the job done, after all, you are in charge for the event. Ask the Boatswain and the Skipper for their help if needed.
Give credit where it is due, and don't forget to thank people for doing what they are supposed to do.
Directing: Ya gotta have a plan! The Boatswain might just turn it all over to you. Or, you might ask the Boatswain to execute your plan if you think that may be more effective. Present your plan to the Skipper for approval.
Then, think ahead. Know what the next thing to do is, and who is executing that part of the plan. Remind them. Supervise them closely if they need it. Delegate to those with the right skills. Be prepared for the inevitable changes, they will occur, and you will need to deal with them.
Don't be afraid to exert the necessary authority to get the job done, after all, you are in charge for the event. Ask the Boatswain and the Skipper for their help if needed.
Give credit where it is due, and don't forget to thank people for doing what they are supposed to do.

10. Evaluating – Start, Stop, Continue
Jot down your own evaluation first
Start – What should we start doing?
Stop – What should we stop doing?
Continue – What is working well and should be continued?
Work with Boatswain and Skipper to implement any changes that have support
Evaluating: There are many ways to evaluate, and if your ship has a preferred method, use it. First, do you own evaluation, of your own leadership effectiveness, and of the ship's execution of your plan.
Sit the group down in a quiet place and start the evaluation by asking for their input. We recommend the Start, Stop, Continue method. Ask what we should Start doing to help improve our ship's performance during the event. Write the comments down. When they run dry, you might add your own at that point. Ask the Boatswain and the Skipper for their comments if they have not made them.
Then ask what we should Stop doing to help improve our ship's performance. Follow the same pattern. This has the potential for negative comments, try to have them phrased in such a way that they do not criticize individuals.
Finally, ask for things we should Continue that are helping the ship's performance. These are usually complimentary comments, and are good things to identify to individuals when appropriate.
Discuss your evaluation with the Skipper and Boatswain so that they can implement some of those items in future activities.
Evaluating: There are many ways to evaluate, and if your ship has a preferred method, use it. First, do you own evaluation, of your own leadership effectiveness, and of the ship's execution of your plan.
Sit the group down in a quiet place and start the evaluation by asking for their input. We recommend the Start, Stop, Continue method. Ask what we should Start doing to help improve our ship's performance during the event. Write the comments down. When they run dry, you might add your own at that point. Ask the Boatswain and the Skipper for their comments if they have not made them.
Then ask what we should Stop doing to help improve our ship's performance. Follow the same pattern. This has the potential for negative comments, try to have them phrased in such a way that they do not criticize individuals.
Finally, ask for things we should Continue that are helping the ship's performance. These are usually complimentary comments, and are good things to identify to individuals when appropriate.
Discuss your evaluation with the Skipper and Boatswain so that they can implement some of those items in future activities.

11. QM-3c
c. Quartermaster Cruise: Take command of a vessel with a crew of not less than four Sea Scouts for at least 40 consecutive hours, including two nights. You must delegate and supervise all duties. During the cruise complete the following: Inspect the vessel for required equipment; supervise all menu preparation; prepare the boat to get underway with a proper checklist approved by the adult leaders; anchor, dock, and maintain course by commands to the helmsman; remain underway for an extended period during darkness; and discuss appropriate nighttime running procedures. While underway, perform the following drills: man overboard, damage control, abandon ship, fire, collision, and any other drills used by your ship. During this cruise no substantial errors may be committed. or T

12. Course Outline (3)
Plan and lead a paddlecraft cruise with at least four paddlecraft for at least two days. You must delegate and supervise all duties. During the cruise complete the following: inspect the vessels and members of the group for required equipment; plan for provisions; supervise allmenu preparations; prepare the boats to get underway with a proper checklist approved by the adult leaders; file a float plan. If on open water, prepare a navigation chart including at least three legs and/or course corrections. I on inland rivers, identify river access points and coordinate transportation at both ends of the trip. With an adult leader, inspect all vessels and evaluate whether they are adequately secured for transportation. During this cruise no substantial errors may be committed. or
Successfully complete SEAL (Sea Scout Advanced Leadership) training.
Requirements:
Reference:

13. SEAL Highly recommended! Must be Ordinary Recommend Able Piloting also
Be a good seaman, BUT this is a course in leadership
You will rotate through every crew position
It is stressful
It is rewarding!
Let's discuss SEAL first. You must be Ordinary to go to SEAL, and you should have completed Able piloting as well. Some people can go to SEAL at the end of their sophomore year. Many active Sea Scouts can and should go after their junior year. It can be worthwhile to go to SEAL after high school graduation, particularly if you are staying with your home ship. SEAL prepares you to take a key leadership role in your home ship, often boatswain or boatswain's mate. That is why it is better done as soon as you are competent to do so. You need to be a competent sailor, including navigation skills, but the course is all about leadership. We strongly recommend you take this option if it is available to you.
Let's discuss SEAL first. You must be Ordinary to go to SEAL, and you should have completed Able piloting as well. Some people can go to SEAL at the end of their sophomore year. Many active Sea Scouts can and should go after their junior year. It can be worthwhile to go to SEAL after high school graduation, particularly if you are staying with your home ship. SEAL prepares you to take a key leadership role in your home ship, often boatswain or boatswain's mate. That is why it is better done as soon as you are competent to do so. You need to be a competent sailor, including navigation skills, but the course is all about leadership. We strongly recommend you take this option if it is available to you.

14. SEAL (2) Must commit by about March 1st
Must read and outline all of Chapter 4
Must take practice Seamanship and Navigation exams (and become good enough to pass them with 90% on the practice exam)
During the course you will write an operations plan for your home ship's next year
You are asked to take the skills you learn home and use them the coming year A

15. Quartermaster Sail
Test of candidate's seamanship and leadership ability
Need to be “current” as a sailor and in the boat for best results
No particular vessel specified, can do it in the ship's vessel on the ship's waters
Evaluator and candidate must go over ground rules and expectations together so there is no possible misunderstanding
The Quartermaster Cruise is a test of the Scout's leadership and training capability. It has been accomplished in an open boat by camping on land, when that is the equipment of the ship. Perhaps better is the “nominal 30 foot sloop” or motor vessel. It is essential that the candidate be “current” in the boat to be used and the skills to be demonstrated. Our experience is that problems have arisen when the candidate has not sailed that vessel, or has not sailed in a long time. Do not set them up for failure.
It is essential that the adult evaluator and the candidate go over the cruise to insure there are no misunderstandings. Two separate documents have been developed in the Houston area to assist in this process.
The Quartermaster Cruise (either kind) is a test of the Scout's leadership and training capability. It has been accomplished in an open boat by camping on land, when that is the equipment of the ship. Perhaps better is the “nominal 30-foot sloop” or motor vessel. It is essential that the candidate be “current” in the boat to be used and the skills to be demonstrated. Our experience is that problems have arisen when the candidate has not sailed that vessel, or has not sailed in a long time. Do not set them up for failure.
It is essential that the adult evaluator and the candidate go over the cruise to insure there are no misunderstandings. Two separate documents have been developed in the Houston area to assist in this process.

16. Evaluator Briefing to Crew
Candidate to “do no work.”
Candidate directs the crew. Crew follows directions. Evaluator stays silent.
Candidate directs operation and navigation of the vessel. Crew helps by keeping him informed.
Follow instructions. If there is a problem, tell candidate. Advise candidate, if appropriate.
First is the Quartermaster Sail Briefing. This is conducted by the evaluator, and is briefed to all the crew. It is shown below. As you can see, this briefing assumes that some of the crew may not be from the home ship of the candidate. It also assumes that some of the crew may have their own needs on this cruise. Finally, it assumes that there is a chase boat, and the evaluator is the only adult on the vessel (because adults tend to interfere with QM cruises). If no chase boat is available, then a second adult on the vessel is needed, but should be briefed to be passive and uncommunicative regarding the conduct of the sail.
First is the Quartermaster Sail Briefing. This is conducted by the evaluator, and is briefed to all the crew. It is shown below. As you can see, this briefing assumes that some of the crew may not be from the home ship of the candidate. It also assumes that some of the crew may have their own needs on this cruise. Finally, it assumes that there is a chase boat, and the evaluator is the only adult on the vessel (because adults tend to interfere with QM cruises). If no chase boat is available, then a second adult on the vessel is needed, but should be briefed to be passive and uncommunicative regarding the conduct of the sail.

17. Evaluator Briefing to Crew (2)
Help each other out. Cooperate.
Teach each other as needed.
Keep a good navigation log. Teach that to others.
Quartermaster Sail Briefing
The QM candidate is “to do no work.” S/He is not to steer the boat, pull on a sheet or halyard, cook a meal, or navigate, etc.
He is to direct you in what to do. You all are to do what he says, unless I countermand it. My job is to sit here and be quiet, and let him do his job. Your job is to sail and navigate the boat to the best of your ability. You keep him informed. That means cooperate to graduate.
If you see a problem, tell ___________ right away. If he tells you to do something, and you think he ought to know some additional information, start doing what he says, but tell him so he is fully informed.
Help each other out. Teach each other, about how the boat works, or how to do a skill. I want a good navigation log. The person in charge of that should share that work and teach as well as do, so everyone can have some practice.
In the event of an emergency, the QM candidate is still in charge until relieved. I’ll advise him. In all circumstances, the QM candidate and you may ask for my advice and instructions. I may not give it, but you may ask!
We must run some emergency drills. The candidate should brief those drills before we depart.
Our chase boat is captained by (AVO) ____________. He is responsible for that boat, and I will keep in contact with him. However, the QM candidate is responsible for keeping him informed over the VHF radio.
If you want to pass a test toward a rank, or get credit for something we are doing, please see me and we will do our best to accommodate you. I can contact your skipper to relay information.
Remember, you want to work together as a team to accomplish the sail.

18. Emergencies Candidate is required to do several drills
Either candidate or evaluator can call the drills
Make sure they get done
In the event of a real emergency, candidate is still in charge unless relieved
You may ask the evaluator any questions you want. They may not be answered. ;-) A
Second is the Quartermaster Cruise Checklist. This must be gone over with the candidate well in advance of the cruise, so that there is a mutual expectation of what will happen. Starred items are critical actions. The candidate should have a copy, I encourage s/he use it. The evaluator should check off the items as they are accomplished.
In the event of a major error on the part of the candidate, or an incomplete due to circumstances beyond the control of the candidate, complete all that you can. In councils that have a commodore to consult, do so. In our council, we have re-sailed partially complete Quartermaster Cruises in one day rather than another full 40-hour replay. Where appropriate, retraining has taken place, or just a missed event is accomplished.

19. Other Items Crew may work on their own advancement, make arrangements
Chase boat information (where applicable)
Keep chase boat informed A

20. Grading Criteria
Candidate can have no major failures in key areas, such as seamanship, navigation, etc.
Grading checklist will be shown A

21. Paddlecraft Cruise Principles are the same, details are different
Most aspects are the same
The crew briefing will be somewhat different
The checklist for grading will be different
The Paddlecraft Cruise is different in detail than the traditional cruise, but the purposes and general approach are the same. The information above about currency is still valid. Conduct the briefing, it will be different in detail, but just as important. Develop a checklist for the trip (and send me a copy, so I can share it!), brief it, and use it.
The Paddlecraft Cruise is different in detail than the traditional cruise, but the purposes and general approach are the same. The information above about currency is still valid. Conduct the briefing, it will be different in detail, but just as important. Develop a checklist for the trip (and send me a copy, so I can share it!), brief it, and use it.

22. Cruise Preparation Cruise Preparation: ___Crew and backup selection
___Additional purposes of cruise, if any? Integrated into cruise?
___Assignment of cook(s)
___ *Menus prepared, equipment listed
___Food and supplies bought
___Assignment of navigator(s)
___Routes for three days planned
___Deck Log planning lines completed
___Tour Permit (adult task? Youth check it is done)
___Cruise Plan (filed with committee member)
___Watch plan, if needed
Cruise Preparation:
___Crew and backup selection
___Additional purposes of cruise, if any? Integrated into cruise?
___Assignment of cook(s)
___ *Menus prepared, equipment listed
___ Food and supplies bought
___Assignment of navigator(s)
___ Routes for three days planned
___ Deck Log planning lines completed
___Tour Permit (adult task? Youth check it is done)
___Cruise Plan (filed with committee member)
___Watch plan, if needed
Print out the checklists in the lesson plan.

23. Vessel Preparation
Vessel Preparation (probably three times, night and two days)
___Adult in charge briefs candidate and crew on expectations
___Candidate briefs crew on that day’s sail
___*Safety inspection for required equipment
___*Preparation to get underway, using vessel checklist
___Stow food, equipment, and personal supplies A

24. Night Sail Night Sail (normally done the first night)
___Candidate directs crew, does not physically help the crew
___Appropriate lights are checked and displayed
___*Get underway from slip
___Maintain planned channel
___*At “Marker 2” (or other appropriate point), follow a triangular course back to Marker 2. (Note: Sailing is not required. If you do sail, recommend main sail only due to visibility problems with the jib.) (Extended period, i.e. get there, 30 minutes triangular course, return home)
___Candidate consults with navigator, maintains positional awareness
___Lookout posted at bow for all night sailing. Lookout is properly monitored/coached.
___*Discuss appropriate nighttime running procedures.
___RTB (return to berth), *berth vessel using only commands. A

25. Day Sail(s) Day Sail(s)
___Candidate directs crew, does not physically help the crew
___*Get underway from slip
___Maintain planned channel
___*Follow planned vessel route to the extent possible. Make appropriate modifications as needed.
___Candidate consults with navigator, maintains positional awareness
___Lookout posted at bow where appropriate. Lookout is properly monitored / coached.
___*Anchor and weigh anchor
___*Man overboard drill (able to maneuver to pickup the floater).
___*Damage control drill (if you use it)
___*Abandon ship drill (drills may be called by the candidate or the adult)
___*Fire fighting drill
___*Collision drill
___RTB, *berth vessel using only commands. A

26. General Seamanship
General Seamanship (*No substantial errors must be committed)
___Appropriate wear of life jackets by crew
___Situational awareness (i.e. thinks before tacking or jibing or performing other maneuvers)
___Doesn’t run aground where you would not have run aground.
___Observe appropriate dangers and cautions. A

27. General Comments
It is very hard not to help as an adult or as the candidate. It may take some reminding, but it should be working before the end of the second day.
40 hours is often difficult for some of the crew. If the candidate is there by 1800 Friday and some are a little later getting there, I didn’t worry about it. We stay until 1200 on Sunday, but that includes our cleanup time, so we are back in the slip by pretty close to 1000.
In the winter we have had to make adjustments several times. For instance, if we have low water or bad weather on Friday night, we push the night sail to Saturday night. No use running unnecessary risks.
It is necessary to share this checklist with the candidate. Youth and adults should have the same expectations, lists help everyone. A

28. QM-3d
d. Organize and help conduct the BSA's Introduction to Leadership Skills for ships (ILSS) for your ship, or serve as a NYLT staff advisor.
d. Organize and help conduct the BSA’s Introduction to Leadership Skills for Ships (ILSS) for your ship, or serve as a NYLT staff advisor.

29. ILSS ILSS should be done every year in every Sea Scout ship
ILSS is normally run by Sea Scouts with adult advice
Refer to the ILSS syllabus (on line) for more information
See the ILSS syllabus and consult your Skipper to conduct this training. It probably should be conducted annually in most Sea Scout ships. If your council conducts NYLT and you have attended it, apply to be on staff, it is a worthwhile experience.
See the ILSS syllabus and consult your Skipper to conduct this training. It probably should be conducted annually in most Sea Scout ships. If your council conducts NYLT and you have attended it, apply to be on staff, it is a worthwhile experience.

30. NYLT
NYLT is a week-long leadership experience for Sea Scouts and other Scouting youth of their age
It teaches specific leadership skills that are useful in the ship
We recommend each youth consider attending
After attendance, ask to be put on staff, you will learn a lot more!
See the ILSS syllabus and consult your Skipper to conduct this training. It probably should be conducted annually in most Sea Scout ships. If your council conducts NYLT and you have attended it, apply to be on staff, it is a worthwhile experience.

31. Questions? R