Deep Sea Scouts
Encyclopedia
The Deep Sea Scouts were an organisation enabling young people serving on British ships to participate in Scouting
activities. It was formed in 1928, and was replaced by the Deep Sea Scout Fellowship in the 1990s as numbers dwindled.
As Scouting matured, along with its initial members, demands were made for additions to the organisation which would enable a continuing participation within the Movement.
One such addition were the Deep Sea Scouts, which came to be in 1928.
, the founder of Scouting, noted in a letter to the fledgling group, "Damn rules! I want a jolly brotherhood through which I can get in touch with pals of my own or other ships or at ports of call — especially those pals who have the same Scouty ideas as I have ...". This was the purpose of the Deep Sea Scouts.
The original aims of the Deep Sea Scouts were:
was eligible for membership of the Deep Sea Scouts if they were serving in any of the following organisations:
The Deep Sea Scout Fellowship was started in 1991, and currently has 200 members.
The Fellowship maintains the same aims and entry requirements of its predecessor, but it also allows direct relatives of eligible members to join as long as they are active within the Scout Association, too.
Scouting
Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society....
activities. It was formed in 1928, and was replaced by the Deep Sea Scout Fellowship in the 1990s as numbers dwindled.
As Scouting matured, along with its initial members, demands were made for additions to the organisation which would enable a continuing participation within the Movement.
One such addition were the Deep Sea Scouts, which came to be in 1928.
Aims and purpose
As Baden-PowellRobert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell
Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, Bt, OM, GCMG, GCVO, KCB , also known as B-P or Lord Baden-Powell, was a lieutenant-general in the British Army, writer, and founder of the Scout Movement....
, the founder of Scouting, noted in a letter to the fledgling group, "Damn rules! I want a jolly brotherhood through which I can get in touch with pals of my own or other ships or at ports of call — especially those pals who have the same Scouty ideas as I have ...". This was the purpose of the Deep Sea Scouts.
The original aims of the Deep Sea Scouts were:
- To enable Scouts afloat to get in touch with their brother/sister Scouts in ports throughout the world.
- To afford them the opportunity for continuing their Scouting activities in their sea-going profession.
- To provide an opportunity to hike and camp as Scouts, when on leave at home or abroad.
- To be of service to all, as the opportunity offers, particularly by instructing Cubs or Scouts, when in ports of call.
Eligibility for membership
Any member of The Scout AssociationThe Scout Association
The Scout Association is the World Organization of the Scout Movement recognised Scouting association in the United Kingdom. Scouting began in 1907 through the efforts of Robert Baden-Powell. The Scout Association was formed under its previous name, The Boy Scout Association, in 1910 by the grant...
was eligible for membership of the Deep Sea Scouts if they were serving in any of the following organisations:
- Royal NavyRoyal NavyThe Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
and Royal Naval ReserveRoyal Naval ReserveThe Royal Naval Reserve is the volunteer reserve force of the Royal Navy in the United Kingdom. The present Royal Naval Reserve was formed in 1958 by merging the original Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve , a reserve of civilian volunteers founded in 1903... - Merchant Navy
- Royal MarinesRoyal MarinesThe Corps of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, commonly just referred to as the Royal Marines , are the marine corps and amphibious infantry of the United Kingdom and, along with the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, form the Naval Service...
- Royal National Lifeboat InstitutionRoyal National Lifeboat InstitutionThe Royal National Lifeboat Institution is a charity that saves lives at sea around the coasts of Great Britain, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, as well as on selected inland waterways....
- Deep Sea Fishermen
- Deep Sea Rigs
- Deep Sea Yacht Crews
- Sail Training Ships
Fellowship
Due to the decrease in shipping and the reductions in the Royal Navy, the numbers of Deep Sea Scouts fell quite dramatically, and it was decided that the organisation be replaced by a Scouting Fellowship.The Deep Sea Scout Fellowship was started in 1991, and currently has 200 members.
The Fellowship maintains the same aims and entry requirements of its predecessor, but it also allows direct relatives of eligible members to join as long as they are active within the Scout Association, too.