FAQ
When do we submit a crew roster?
You must submit your crew roster to Sea Base at least 30 days prior to arrival. The advance rosters are important so that we may more effectively prepare for your crew’s arrival and provide quality program delivery. It is also vital in the event we need to make contact prior to your arrival. Crews should submit their roster electronically through their Sea Base reservation account.
What about weather cancellations and delays?
Occasionally, weather can force the cancellation of some of our scheduled activities for safety reasons. For example, we do not scuba dive in a thunderstorm. The staff will always try to “make up” missed program time, but unfortunately that doesn’t always happen. The Sea Base does not provide any sort of refund for these types of events.
What about hurricanes?
Even though Sea Base’s summer season operates during hurricane season (hurricane season is June 1 to November 1), program interruption due to hurricanes is very rare . If our area is under evacuation orders (which are generally given 24-36 hours before a potential landfall), we cancel our program operations and evacuate participants and staff. We recommend you purchase trip insurance to cover your travel expenses if you are attending a Sea Base adventure during hurricane season.
What is our itinerary?
Because our programs are often driven by weather and tide conditions, we do not have a set itinerary for any of our adventures. We can tell you the days you’ll start and end your adventure, but with so many variables in the schedule, we are unable to give you a detailed itinerary for your adventure.
Should we travel in our uniform?
We have found that traveling in uniform not only helps identify you to others, but will help keep your group together while you travel. We strongly recommend wearing your uniform for travel to and from Sea Base and crews travelling from the Bahamas must arrive in uniform.
Do we really need a tour plan?
Yes, you must present a properly completed and approved tour plan (original or copy). Your crew will not be allowed to begin their adventure without an approved tour plan. Contact your local council for assistance in obtaining a tour plan.
What time should we arrive?
For Coral Reef crews, as close to 1 p.m. as possible on your arrival day. For all other adventures, as close to 2 p.m. as possible on your arrival day. We also understand that due to travel challenges this is not always possible; we will work with you to accommodate your arrival without your crew losing out on too much program time.
Can I use my cell phone?
Coverage by cell phone varies in the Keys by area and by service provider. While cell phones are great for emergencies, plan to have them off during program time. Cell phones are not allowed on Munson Island.
Is there storage on base?
Each sailing and Out Island crew is provided a 2’x3’x4’ storage accommodation. You must bring a lock for your crew’s locker. Personal vehicles are another way to store equipment. If you are arriving by other modes of transportation, plan your “what to bring” items very carefully, and only bring what is necessary. (Sea Exploring crews have two lockers.)
How much stuff should I bring?
Pack only what you will need. Space is very limited, especially on sailboats. For crews on sailboats, you will have a shakedown of your gear and repack your items into a 24”x12” mesh bag that will be issued to you at Sea Base. Out Island and Keys Adventure crews will be issued 12”x24” dry bags.
What is the lodging like at Sea Base?
The Sea Base sleeping quarters consist of a large sleeping room area with individual showers. Your crew will be sharing this barracks-style room with several other crews. Sea Base insists that each crew member clean up around his/her own bunk daily and that the cleaning of the bathroom be performed by the crews. (A Scout is Clean.) For your comfort during the warm summer months, the rooms are air-conditioned.
What does the food menu consist of?
Sea Base prides itself on serving high-quality, nutritious meals that are considerably better than average “camp food”. Those on sailing adventures will also get to fix many of their meals themselves. Out Island food is a mixture of canned and prepackaged food with limited fresh food due to the lack of refrigeration. Fresh fish, caught and cooked by your crew, is always a popular addition to the week’s menu. A provisions list is available on our website. The Florida National High Adventure Sea Base regularly deals with a wide array of food allergies, vegetarian and religious diet requirements and stocks items necessary for a fun, safe high adventure experience. If you or a member of your Crew has a food allergy, vegetarian or religious diet requirement please inform the Florida Sea Base Galley Manager (1) week prior to your arrival. Upon arrival at Sea Base or Brinton Center personally meet with the Galley Manager to ensure that your needs are properly met.
NOTE: Sea Base does NOT provide a complete Vegan option. If you choose a Vegan Lifestyle please bring supplemental food items.
What should I pack for my adventure?
In this guide we have included a description of each adventure, giving a list of suggested items to bring for your adventure.
How old do you have to be to participate?
Participants must be thirteen (13) years old and completed the eighth grade or fourteen (14) years old to participate in any Sea Base Adventure. Note: Any participant who meets these eligibility requirements for a summer adventure qualifies to attend a spring adventure.
Do I have to be able to swim well?
Yes, all participants (youth and adults) are required to pass the standard BSA swim test before arriving at Sea Base: Jump feetfirst into water over your head, swim 75 yards in a strong manner using a forward stroke, turn over, swim 25 yards on your back using a resting back stroke, and float motionless on your back. All participants must take a BSA swim review upon arrival to ensure swimming ability.
Can I use a medical form other than a current BSA Health and Medical Record?
No, Sea Base can only accept a current BSA Health and Medical Record properly signed by parents and physician within a year of attendance. Note: old Sea Base Health and Medical Records are no longer accepted.
Are there medical restrictions for participation?
Yes, and there are different restrictions for different adventures. Make sure you look at the Sea Base Risk Advisory to make sure you have the medical qualifications for participation on your adventure. Specifically, scuba programs have unique requirements that you need to be aware of that exclude a number of people every year. Also, regardless of height and condition, no participant may exceed 295 pounds.
Should I rent a vehicle or use an airport shuttle service to get to the base?
For crews that are taking a trip to Sea Base only, we usually recommend a shuttle or airport shuttle service to keep things simple and cost-effective. There are several good charter services available that can add side trips to see South Florida attractions if you have the time.
If we’re on an adventure other than scuba, can we still scuba dive as part of our own adventure?
No. If you are on an adventure other than scuba, you may not dive as part of your adventure. If you wish to dive, you need to arrive early or stay after your adventure and dive on your own.
What scuba certification Agencies do you recognize?
Divers from one of the following BSA-recognized agencies will be permitted to participate in the Sea Base Scuba Adventure programs: NAUI, NASDS, PADI, SSI, YMCA, IDEA, PDIC, or SDI. Exceptions to the above list must be approved by the Sea Base program director.
Do I need a passport?
If you are participating in a Bahamas-based adventure, you must have a valid U.S. passport to travel to and from the Bahamas. If you are participating in a Florida-based adventure, you must have photo ID with proof of age to check in for your adventure; a passport works great for this.
If a child is traveling without a parent or legal guardian, what paperwork should the adult have to indicate permission or legal authority to have that child in their care?
Adults traveling out of the United States with children under the age of 18 should be aware that because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, the accompanying adult have a note from both of the child’s parents stating: “I acknowledge that (leader’s name) is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter. He/she has my permission to do so.” CBP also suggests that this be notarized.
Any other tips you can pass on?
Sure. We have found that wearing a lightweight shirt while snorkeling can prevent a painful sunburn on your back. Drink lots of water while on your adventure and we love Scouts with positive attitudes. And remember, during a High Adventure is a terrible time to take a Medication Vacation.