Scouting/BSA/Motorboating Merit Badge

The requirements to this merit badge are copyrighted by the Boy Scouts of America. They are reproduced in part here under fair use as a resource for Scouts and Scouters to use in the earning and teaching of merit badges. The requirements published by the Boy Scouts of America should always be used over the list here. If in doubt about the accuracy of a requirement, consult your Merit Badge Counselor.

Reading this page does not satisfy any requirement for any merit badge. Per National regulations, the only person who may sign off on requirements is a Merit Badge Counselor, duly registered and authorized by the local Council. To obtain a list of registered Merit Badge Counselors, or to begin a Merit Badge, please contact your Scoutmaster or Council Service Center.

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.

External links

• Motorboating Merit Badge with Workbook PDF, current requirements, and resources.
• Abbreviated Quick Guide to Rules of the Road