Scouting/BSA/Motorboating Merit Badge

Requirement 1
Do the following:


 * A. Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while motorboating, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.


 * B. Explain first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while motorboating, including hypothermia, heat reactions, dehydration, motion sickness, bugbites, and blisters.


 * C. Identify the conditions that must exist before performing CPR on a person, and explain how such conditions are recognized. Demonstrate proper technique for performing CPR using a training device approved by your counselor.

Requirement 2
Do the following:


 * A. Before doing requirements 3 through 6, successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.


 * B. Name the different types of personal floatation devices (PFDs), and explain when each type should be use. Show how to choose and properly fit a PFD.

Requirement 3
Do the following:


 * A. Explain inboard, outboard, and inboard/outboard motors and the uses and advantages of each. |discuss the special features of a bass boat and a ski boat.


 * B. Explain the safety procedures and precautions involving handling fuel and engine servicing, and equipment storage and placement.


 * C. Explain how to winterize a boat motor and tell why this procedure is necessary.


 * D. Explain the safety procedures and precautions involving swimmers and skiers in the water, passenger positions under way, and boat wakes.

Requirement 4
Show you know safety laws for motorboating by doing the following:


 * A. Have a permit to run a motorboat, if needed.


 * B. Explain the rules or laws that apply to recreational boating in your area or state.


 * C. Discuss how the hazards of weather and heavy water conditions can affect both safety and performance in motorboating.


 * D. Promise that you will follow BSA Safety Afloat guidelines. Explain the meaning of each point.


 * E. Discuss with your counselor the nautical rules of the road and describe the national and your state's aids to navigation.


 * F. Explain and show the correct use of equipment required by both state and federal regulations to be carried aboard a motorboat.


 * G. Explain federal and state rules for a ventilation system and tell why these rules are required.

Requirement 5
Demonstrate proper boat-handling procedures and skills by doing the following:


 * A. Board and assist others in boarding.


 * B. Fuel the boat and complete a safety check.


 * C. Get under way from a dock or from a beach launch.


 * D. Run a course for at least a mile, showing procedures for overtaking and passing slower craft, yielding right-of-way, passing oncoming traffic, making turns, reversing direction, and using navigation aids.


 * E. Stop an secure the boat in position on the open water using anchors; get under way.


 * F. Land or dock; get out and assist others.


 * G. Moor the boat and secure all gear.

Requirement 6
Point out and explain the mechanical and safety features of a boat trailer.


 * A. Launch a boat from a trailer.


 * B. Remove a boat from the water using a trailer.