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Florida Sea Base is anxious for your arrival and participation in the Scuba Adventure program. To aid you in your preparations, we would like to go over some programmatic and physical aspects of the week you will spend with us this season.

When you arrive at the Sea Base, after 2:00 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, weight, etc. If you own any or all of these pieces of equipment, you are welcome to bring them and use them. Sometimes masks, snorkels, fins, and buoyancy compensators give a better fit if it is your own personal gear. All personal equipment is subject to a safety inspection by, and approval of, the Scuba Commissioner. You're first night you will have a welcome dinner, and meet some of the staff. Afterwards, 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.

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. The program plans on nine dives during your stay. Sometimes, because of the conditions, crews have less than nine dives during their stay. At the Sea Base, safety is our first concern. Dives on several coral reefs are planned both during the day and at night. The Sea Base is an entry-level program with a maximum depth of 60 feet. 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 world 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. Our dive crews will also assist in the construction of an artificial reef by participating in the Reef Ball program.

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 should not fly for at least 18 hours. To avoid any possibility of Decompression Sickness, your departing flight for home should be scheduled at least 18 hours after your last dive. Your last dive will be no later than 12:00 noon (your last full day).

All scuba adventure participants MUST bring their scuba certification cards and divers logbook. Florida Sea Base accepts certification from IDEA, SDI, PADI, PDIC, SSI, YMCA and NAUI.

No Dive Knives are allowed at the Florida Sea Base.

Scuba crews wishing to use wet suits may rent them from Sea Base upon arrival. Our rental rates are $30 for six days.

All participants must meet eligibility requirements.

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. You must complete the standard BSA swim test prior to your arrival. Upon your arrival to the Sea Base, you will participate in a swim review to assess your swimming skills. Get in shape! Stay in shape! You will be in the water a great deal, so go swimming often with your crew at your local pool. 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. All High Adventure Participants may not exceed the weight to height guidelines, which are listed in the Sea Base Class 3 Medical form. Persons weighing over 300 pounds are ineligible to participate in Florida Sea Base High Adventures.

The weather in the summer can be humid with high temperatures in the 90's and lows in the 70's.

WHAT TO BRING

NOTE: Make sure you can successfully pass the BSA Swim Test.

NOTE: Make sure your name is on the crew roster your leader is going to send us.

NOTE: Don't forget to bring a photocopy of front and back of insurance card.

PARENTS

Do not send mail. Sea Base offers programs to hundreds of Scouts on the sea, on the land, and on an island. We cannot deliver mail from home to Scouts unless it is mail of urgency, i.e. glasses, medicine, etc. left at home. In case of an extreme emergency, contact can be made with the following numbers: 305-664-4173 Days or 305-664-7766 Nights.