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SCUBA ADVENTURE GUIDE

You know how to scuba dive, now we will show you some of the best places to dive, period! To aid you in your preparations, we would like to go over some highlights of the week you will spend with us this season.

When you arrive at Sea Base between 2 and 4 p.m., a member of the scuba staff will lead you through an orientation of the base. They will show you to your dormitory, where the crew will get settled and change into swimsuits for your swim review. You will then be issued the dive equipment that you will use all week for your adventure: mask, fins, snorkel, regulator, BCD, weight belt, weights, etc. If you own any or all of these pieces of equipment, you are welcome to bring them and use them. All personal equipment is subject to a safety inspection by, and approval of, the scuba commissioner. On the first night, you will meet some of the staff. There will be an opening program where we will discuss the itinerary in detail, and other opportunities your crew may wish to take advantage of during your adventure. You will view a “Peak Performance Buoyancy” video, and receive some pointers on how to become a better diver.

You will be housed in air-conditioned dormitories with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. There are hot showers and laundry facilities available. You and your crew are responsible for keeping the dormitory clean. Storage for all of your diving equipment is provided in the scuba area.

On either your arrival day or on the next day, you will participate in a “scuba review” to familiarize yourself with the equipment you have been issued, and to check it for proper fit and function. Also, this is a great opportunity for you to refresh your diving skills in case it has been a while since you have been diving.

Your itinerary for the week will depend on weather and water conditions. Most days you will be on the water from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. You will also attend several night classes. The program plans on eleven dives during your stay. Depending on conditions, crews may have less than eleven dives. At Sea Base, safety is our first concern. Dives on several coral reefs are planned during the day and at night. All Sea Base dives are conducted within the RSTC-recommended 60-foot limit. There will not be any opportunity to work on advanced certifications or participate in specialty dives. 

S.C.E.N.E.: The Florida Sea Base is the first Scouting facility in the United States to be designated as a S.C.E.N.E (Scouting Centres of Excellence for Nature and the Environment). In recognition of this, all participants in our programs will be eligible to earn a S.C.E.N.E. segment for their Sea Base participant patch. We have several projects available that you have the option of participating in to improve the aquatic environment of the Florida Keys.

At the end of your week, after cleaning and returning your gear, you will participate in your closing program with time for reflection over your week’s adventure. If you participated in the entire program, you will receive a Sea Base patch to wear on your uniform.

OF IMPORTANCE

After a scuba dive, you must not fly for at least 18 hours. To avoid any possibility of decompression sickness, your departing flight for home should be scheduled for 8 a.m. or later.

All Scuba Adventure participants MUST bring their Scuba certification cards and diver’s logbook. Florida Sea Base accepts certification from RSTC-recognized training agencies which include: IDEA, NASDS, PADI, PDIC, SSI, SDI, YMCA, and NAUI. Exceptions (additions) to this list must be approved by the Sea Base program director.

ALL SCUBA participants must send in their Sea Base Health and Medical Record no later than January 1 for spring crews, March 1 for summer crews, and October 1 for fall crews. The entire crew MUST send them in all together to the Sea Base office. ANYONE with any history of asthma needs a methacholine challenge test within the last year. A copy of the test result must be sent in to Sea Base with your medical by March 1 to be reviewed.

Schedule your medicals with your physician early. YOUR RESERVATION IS SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION IF DUE DATES ARE NOT MET. MAKE SURE YOUR CREW NUMBER IS ON ALL MEDICAL FORMS.

WHAT TO BRING FOR SCUBA ADVENTURE, CERTIFICATION, AND LIVE-ABOARD

  • 1 field or activity uniform
  • Several (4-5) T-shirts
  • Lightweight rain gear
  • Sunglasses with strap (polarized are best)
  • 16 ounces of non-oily, non-aerosol sunscreen (SPF 30+)
  • 1-2 pairs of shorts
  • Pants, long-sleeve shirt, and light jacket (December and spring only)
  • Toiletry kit
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • 2-3 pairs of socks
  • Waterproof watch for diving
  • Large-mouth water bottle with a plastic clip (add a coffee mug if desired)
  • One sheet and a warm blanket or sleeping bag and pad
  • Swimsuit (modest style)
  • 2 towels and a small pillow
  • Walking shoes (Key West day)
  • Insect repellant
  • Prescription medication
  • Proof of age/photo ID
  • Copy of medical insurance information
  • Dive logbook and certification card (Scuba Live-Aboard and Adventure)
  • Open Water Diver textbook (Scuba Certification)

DO NOT BRING

  • MP3, iPod, or video game players
  • Fireworks
  • Skateboards
  • Dive knives
  • Dive gloves

OPTIONAL ITEMS

  • Hawaiian-style shirt (for the luau)
  • Camera (waterproof if possible)
  • Personal snorkel/scuba gear
  • Wetsuit
  • Extra money ($100-$125)
  • Bonine® (for seasickness)
  • Skin So Soft lotion (non DEET bug repellant alternative)
  • Crew photo: $6 per copy
  • Padlock for crew locker
  • Rash guard

NOTE

  • Make sure you can successfully pass the BSA swim test.
  • Make sure your name is on the crew roster your leader is going to send us.
  • Don’t forget to bring a photocopy of the front and back of your insurance card.
  • Wetsuits are available for rent for $35 per week.

SHIP'S STORE

Most of the items on the “what to bring list” are carried in our Ship’s Store with the exception of watches, shoes, socks, and sleeping gear. About $100 to $125 is adequate spending money unless you want to buy a lot of souvenirs.

BEING PHYSICALLY FIT

Every participant in the Florida Sea Base High Adventure program needs to be physically fit for the strenuous demands that will be placed on their body. The Sea Base programs are PHYSICALLY CHALLENGING. Get in shape! Stay in shape! You will be in the water a great deal, so go swimming with your crew at your local pool often. Do some light exercises to increase your stamina. You will be frequently lifting your body in and out of the water to boats and docks. You have dedicated a lot of your personal time and resources to come to Sea Base. Get the most out of your experience by being ready physically and mentally.

All participants must be in good health evidenced by a Sea Base Health and Medical Record filled out and signed by your doctor within the past 12 months. A regular BSA Class I, II, or III medical is not acceptable, nor is another “sports” medical or anything other than a Sea Base Health and Medical Record. The unique tropical environment has very different requirements from most Scouting and outdoor activities. All participants should note the suggested weight-to-height guidelines, which are listed in the Sea Base Health and Medical Record. All programs involve snorkeling and entering and exiting a vessel via ladders rated to only 300 pounds. People weighing 300 pounds or more are not allowed to participate in Sea Base high adventures. Participants not meeting this requirement will be sent home at their own expense.

MAIL

Parents: Do not send mail. Sea Base offers programs to hundreds of Scouts on the sea, on the land, and on the island. We will not deliver mail from home to Scouts unless it is mail of urgency, i.e. glasses, medicine, etc., left at home.