The Quartermaster Award is the highest award in Sea Scouts and is as important as the Eagle Scout Award. It stands for excellence and is a reminder that as a ship needs a rudder, a compass, and a moving force to reach its destination, so an individual must be physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight to achieve worthwhile goals in life. It results from a young adult’s determination to reach goals that he or she has set and achieved.
The award is rich in symbolism. The blue ribbon stands for loyalty and country. The compass suggests the importance of carefully chosen direction in life. The wheel reminds us that we are the guide of our own future and that we must persevere with self-discipline. The Scout badge shows Sea Scouts are an important part of the Scouting tradition. The anchor reminds us that a truly worthy life must be anchored in duty to God.
Requirements
- Demonstrate that you live by the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law in your daily life. List the names of individuals who know you personally and would be willing to provide a recommendation on your behalf.
- Meet your unit’s bylaws requirement for active participation in your unit’s meetings and activities for six months.
- While an Able Sea Scout, plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project that is helpful to any religious institution, school, or your community. (The project must benefit an organization other than the Boy Scouts of America.) A project proposal must be approved by the organization benefiting from the effort, your unit leader and unit committee, and the council or district before you start. You must use the Quartermaster Service Project Workbook, No. 420-015, in meeting this requirement.
- Serve actively in your unit for a period of six months in one or more of the following positions of responsibility: Boatswain, boatswain’s mate, purser, yeoman, storekeeper, crew leader, media specialist, specialist, den chief, or chaplain aide.
- Demonstrate leadership through one of the following:
- Take command of a vessel with a crew of not less than four Sea Scouts for at least 40 consecutive hours, including two nights.
- Plan and lead a paddlecraft cruise with at least four paddlecraft for at least two days.
- Complete SEAL training.
- Complete all required tasks in the following strands: Ideals, Active Membership, Leadership, Swimming, Safety, Marlinspike Seamanship, Boat Handling, Ground Tackle, Navigation Rules, Piloting and Navigation, Weather, Environment and Electives.
- While an Able Sea Scout, participate in a Skipper conference.
- Successfully complete a Quartermaster Bridge of Review.
Leadership Service Project
While an Able Sea Scout, plan, develop, and demonstrate leadership to others in a service project that is helpful to any religious institution, school, or your community. The project plan must be approved by your Skipper and ship committee, and approved by the council or district advancement committee before you start. This service project should involve your ship and at least one other group. To schedule a review of the Quartermaster Leadership Service Project by the Blue Elk District, contact the Blue Elk District Advancement Chair.
Resource: Quartermaster Leadership Service Project Workbook
Procedure
- Request recommendation letters from: Parents/Guardians, Religious, Educational, Employer (if any) and two other references.
- Fill out and sign the Quartermaster Application.
- Secure signatures from your boatswain, Skipper and Committee Chair.
- Secure BSA local council verification.
- Schedule a Quartermaster Bridge of Review with the district or council advancement committee.
- Submit the completed application and recommendation letters to the BSA local council.
The Quartermaster Application is submitted by the BSA local council via email to the National Service Center at advancement.team@scouting.org where the certificate is produced and returned to the local council service center. The Quartermaster rank is then reported through the BSA system by the local council. The Quartermaster medal may be purchased from the local Scout shop.
Scheduling Bridge of Review
To schedule a Quartermaster Bridge of Review, please contact the Blue Elk District Advancement Chair. The Advancement Chair will review the Quartermaster Application and schedule the Bridge of Review. Parents, relatives, and Ship Leaders are encouraged to attend the Quartermaster Bridge of Review to support the Sea Scout and for photos after the conclusion of the Bridge of Review. The Bridge of Review MUST be conducted by the Blue Elk District.
Bridge of Honor
A bridge of honor is the ideal setting for presenting and celebrating the Quartermaster Award, however, the award may be presented in an alternative venue determined by the family of the youth receiving the award.
Supply Information
The Quartermaster Award medal is available only through the national Supply Group for those candidates who have qualified. Councils (only) may order these pieces from the BSA National Distribution Center.
- Quartermaster Award med, No. 14119
- Quartermaster pocket certificate card, No. 33645
- Embroidered emblem, No. 616989
- Square knot, No. 633337
- Quartermaster lapel pin, No. 4051.
Items available for Quartermaster from the National Council through the Advancement Team are:
- Quartermaster pendant charm, $20
Councils must contact Advancement.Team@scouting.org or call 972-580-2489 and request the pendant charm for the approved recipient. Make checks payable to the Boy Scouts of America and send payment to: Boy Scouts of America, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079. Mark envelope “personal and confidential.”
Quartermaster Resources