Scuba Live Aboard Guide
Welcome to our newest Scuba adventure, the Scuba Live- Aboard Adventure. When you arrive at the Sea Base, between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., your Dive master/Dive Instructor 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. Your 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 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.
On the first and last nights of your adventure, you will be housed in airconditioned 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. You board your boat and set sail the next morning. Your itinerary for the week will depend on weather and water conditions. The program plans on 15 dives during your stay. Depending on conditions, crews may have less than 15 dives during their adventure. At Sea Base, safety is our first concern. Dives are planned both during the day and at night. All Sea Base dives are conducted within the RSTC recommended 60-foot limit.
NOTE: Your crew will be on either one 55’ boat, or two 41’ boats.
WHAT TO BRING FOR SCUBA ADVENTURE, CERTIFICATION, AND LIVE-ABOARD BRING
- 1 Set Field or Activity uniforms
- Several (4-5) T-shirts
- Lightweight rain gear
- Sunglasses with strap (Polarized are best)
- 16 oz of SPF 50+ sunscreen lotion (no sprays)
- 1-2 pairs of shorts
- Pants, long-sleeve shirt & light jacket (December & Spring only)
- Toiletry kit
- Wide brimmed hat
- 2 – 3 pair of Socks
- Waterproof watch for diving
- Large-mouth water bottle with plastic clip, (If you like coffee, a mug in addition is good)
- One sheet and warm blanket or a sleeping bag
- Swimsuit (modest style)
- 2 towels and a small pillow
- Walking shoes
- 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 Cert)
- Sleeping pad (Scuba Live Aboard only)
- Padlock for crew locker (Scuba Live Aboard only)
- Two passport-sized photos (Scuba Cert)
DO NOT BRING
- MP3/iPod/video game player
- Fireworks
- Skateboards
- Dive Knives
- Gloves for diving
OPTIONAL ITEMS
- Hawaiian style shirt (Luau)
- Camera (waterproof if possible)
- Personal snorkel/Scuba gear
- Wetsuit
- Extra money ($100-$125
- Bonine® (for seasickness)
- (crew photo - $6 per copy)
- 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 BSA Health and Medical Record filled out and signed by your doctor within the past 12 months. The unique tropical environment has very different requirement from most Scouting and outdoor activities. All participants should note the suggested weight to height guidelines, which are listed in the BSA Health and Medical Record. All programs involve snorkeling and entering and exiting a vessel via ladders rated to only 295 pounds. People weighing 295 pounds or over are not allowed to participate in Sea Base High Adventure. 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.