Tynemouth District Scouts - Groups

19th (9th Tyne) Sea Scouts

Scouts

Monday 6.30pm

Scout Headquarters
Priors Haven, Tynemouth

New Wetsuits

The 19th/9th Tyne Sea Scouts, had 15 wet suits and 2 surfboards donated by Chad Hooper, owner of Rubber Soul in Tynemouth, after they agreed to match what was raised at their race night in the Cumberland Arms. The Cumberland have also been very supportive to the group both in this instance and in the past. Rubber Soul are just a new surf shop and are located next to Barclays in front street Tynemouth.

Naval Inspection

Congratulations to the 19^th Tynemouth (9^th Tyne) Sea Scouts on successfully passing their bi-annual Naval inspection on the 15^th of June 2005. The Group was watched and supported by a number of District and County officials as well as some of their parents and their explorer unit.

Many people in the District are aware that an inspection takes place, but just how many of you know what is involved?

The Admiralty Recognition for Sea Scouts was started after World War 1 by the Royal Navy as a way of thanking the Scouts for all of the work they did during the war, this included things like manning lookout stations.

There are currently just over 400 Sea Scout Troops in the UK and the Royal Navy has a Staff Officer, holding the rank of Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cmdr), permanently assigned to carry out the inspections. The Royal Navy only give the recognition to 101 Sea Scout Groups in the country, so needless to say, the standards are high.

The inspection is split into three parts. The first part is a detailed questionnaire the Leaders must complete and submit several weeks before the inspecting officer arrives. The questionnaire asks basic things like how many members they have, and then goes into more detailed information to check the normal balanced programme is being followed, the same as every other Scout Group does. Finally it looks at what nautical training is being carried out, and to what standard.

The second and third parts of the inspection are carried out during the inspecting officers visit. First the Scouts take to the water and are watched by the Lt Cmdr and their leaders. They are watched to see how well they have been taught to use the equipment and how safely it is used.

The last part is a formal inspection which most of us would recognise. The Troop have to carry out the ceremony of Colours and are individually inspected by the Lt Cmdr during which they are not only assessed for smartness, but also asked about the badges they wear and what scouting and nautical activities they do.

Groups who pass the inspection can wear the RN Recognition badge, fly the defaced Red Ensign, visit and camp at HMS Bristol in Portsmouth and at certain other military establishments, and HM Ships (by prior arrangement). They can also apply for grants from the Admiralty Fund towards training and new equipment.

Royal Navy Recognition