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Sea Base Policies

Damage Deposit

We no longer collect a damage deposit for crews participating in our Florida Adventures. Damage repairs to Sea Base property or equipment due to willful, malicious or irresponsible behaviour will be the responsibility of the crew to pay for. A $100 damage deposit is still collected for crews going on a Bahamas Adventure. It will be returned at check-out, less any damages.

Alcoholic Beverages and Illegal Substances

There is no place in the program of the Boy Scouts of America for the possession or use of these substances. Anyone, youth or adult, violating this policy will be asked to leave Sea Base immediately without refund. This policy applies while in Key West.

Smoking

Smoking is confined to designated areas at Sea Base. The minimum age for smoking is 18 years of age. SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED ON ANY VESSEL OR IN ANY BUILDING.

Things to leave at home

Portable stereos, MP3s, iPods, skateboards, etc. distract from the Sea Base experience. Leave them at home.

Fireworks and Firearms

Boy Scouts of America policy prohibits possession and discharge of fireworks or possession of firearms not used in the Scout program. Fireworks or firearms found on Sea Base property will be confiscated and destroyed.

Leaving Base

All participants are expected to remain on the base. This includes all adult leaders as well as youth members. Sea Base may sponsor some trips off the base as part of the regular program.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is permitted only on the Scuba Certification, Scuba Adventure, and Scuba Live-Aboard Adventure programs. If you are a certified diver wishing to dive and are not in one of these programs, it is suggested that you arrive in the area a few days early, rent a motel room, and dive with a local charter diving firm.

Swimsuits

ALL SWIMMING ATTIRE MUST BE MODEST . For men, Speedo-type swimsuits are not appropriate; swimsuits should have liners in them. For women, bikinis are not appropriate; one-piece swimsuits and modest tankini suits are considered appropriate.

Parking

There is limited secured parking on the grounds for cars, vans, and buses.

Money

Since your fees cover all of your program expenses, theoretically, you could attend Sea Base with no need of further finances. However, there are several opportunities requiring cash:

  1. Snack bar items
  2. Ship’s Store, as described below
  3. Coin operated laundry machines
  4. Crew photograph
  5. T-Shirts/Souvenirs

Ship’s Store

In case you have forgotten any personal items, the Sea Base has a well-stocked store with a wide range of items, from personal articles to souvenirs. Visa, MasterCard, and Discover cards are welcome. For ordering special souvenirs, literature, clothing, etc. in advance of your Sea Base arrival, shop our online catalog at http://www.bsaseabase.org/store/index.html, or call 305-664-5628.

Underwater Cameras

Cameras provide you the opportunity to record your experiences within the underwater wilderness, gliding by massive coral formations in clear blue water abounding with tropical fish. Disposable underwater cameras are available in the Ship’s Store. For scuba crews: Please, no cameras on your first dive, or on the first half of your night dive.

Crew Photo

During your stay at Sea Base, a Sea Base photographer will take your crew picture. Even if you do not plan to purchase the photograph, we would like you to take the picture. This color 8x10 photograph is available for purchase through the Ship’s Store for $6. If your whole crew purchases a printed photo, you will also receive the photo on disk free of charge. This digital copy is $15 if purchased by itself.

Mail

Parents: Do not send mail. Most mail will arrive after your crew has left for home; service is slow in the Keys. Sea Base offers programs to hundreds of Scouts on the sea, on the land, and on the island. We are not able to deliver mail to Scouts unless it is mail of urgency, i.e. glasses, medicine, etc.

Telephone Contact

Contact with participants in Sea Base programs is nearly impossible except by Sea Base staff. Please do not attempt to contact a program participant. Pay phones are available for participants to contact home. The Sea Base business telephone lines are for use only in extreme emergency.

Religious Services

Sea Base encourages all Scouts and Scouters to comply with the twelfth point of the Scout Law: “A Scout is Reverent”. During the summer a Sea Base Chaplain will offer an interfaith program every day during the week. Additionally, an interfaith worship service will be offered on Sundays each week. Participation with local faith groups is also available.

Sea Base Equipment

Sea Base prides itself on providing quality equipment and facilities. This equipment belongs to the entire Scouting community. You are entrusted with the proper care and use of this equipment. (A Scout is Trustworthy.) Sea Base provides each participant snorkeling equipment for their adventure. This includes a mask, fins, snorkel, and gear bag. The equipment is top quality, however, Sea Base advises those who have their own snorkel gear to bring it.

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season begins June 1 and continues through November 30. In the event of extreme weather conditions, the Sea Base general manager will make the final decision regarding whether to continue with the adventure or seek shelter on the mainland. In the unlikely event that conditions beyond our control prevent your scheduled trip, an alternative program may be offered. In the case of cancellation due to extreme weather conditions, fees will be refunded based on the percent of the programs cancelled. Crews that did not participate in any part of their program will be refunded 100% of their fees paid.

The Florida Sea Base is not able to refund any fees related to meals, lodging, or transportation incurred as a result of an evacuation. These expenses remain the responsibility of the crew. SEA BASE STRONGLY RECOMMENDS YOU PURCHASE TRIP INSURANCE TO COVER YOUR TRAVEL EXPENSES.