Motorboating

Motorboating merit badge requirements

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The official source for the information shown in this article or section is: 2018 Boy Scout Requirements, 2018 Edition (BSA Supply SKU #641568)

A FREE workbook for Motorboating is available here! with the maps, charts, links, diagrams, and checklists you need! Or click here to print just the Motorboating requirements.

meritbadge.org has PDF and DOC versions of Boy Scout merit badge workbooks, Webelos workbooks, Cub Scout workbooks, and Nova Award workbooks.

• Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." Pamphlets (books) are at local Scout Shops and online at ScoutShop.org.
• "Get a signed Merit Badge application from your Scoutmaster." An online, printable Word doc file version is available.

• Cub Scouts
  • Tiger Elective Adventure: Floats and Boats
  • Bear Elective Adventure: Salmon Run
  • Wolf Elective Adventure: Spirit of the Water
  • Webelos/Arrow of Light Elective Adventure: Aquanaut
• Boy Scouts/Venturers/Sea Scouts:
  • Awards for everyone older than Cub Scouts (Boy Scouts/Venturers/Sea Scouts): Boardsailing BSA - BSA Lifeguard - BSA Stand Up Paddleboarding - BSA Swim Test - Kayaking BSA - Mile Swim BSA - Scuba BSA - Snorkeling BSA - Whitewater Rafting BSA - National Outdoor Award for Aquatics
  • Boy Scout Merit Badges: Canoeing - Kayaking - Lifesaving - Motorboating - Rowing - Scuba Diving - Small-Boat Sailing - Swimming - Water Sports - Whitewater
  • Boy Scout Awards: BSA Complete Angler
  • Boy Scout ranks: Second Class - First Class
  • Venturer: Ranger Award electives: Lifesaving - Scuba - Watercraft
  • Sea Scout Ranks: Apprentice - Ordinary - Able - Quartermaster
  • Sea Scout Awards: Small Boat Handler - Qualified Seaman - Long Cruise Award

• An Introduction to Merit Badges – how to get started, who chooses the counselor, etc.
• Merit Badge revision dates – latest revision dates of each merit badge pamphlet.
• Merit Badge Worksheets & Requirements – with the revision dates, diagrams, charts, checklists, logs, and links you need.
• Merit Badge Application – offers online resources to let you print "Blue Cards," etc.
• Merit Badge FAQ – answers dozens of questions like: Who can be a counselor? Can requirements be added or removed?
• Merit Badges Requiring Prior Approval – Certain requirements need prior approval. Most do not. Here is the list.
• Also see: List of how many boys have earned each Merit Badge – Merit Badge policies – Merit badges required for the Eagle Scout rank – Merit Badge Days
• Additionally: List of Merit Badges by Field of Study – Merit Badge Pamphlets & Libraries
• Merit Badge Counselors must complete Youth Protection Training, file an Adult Application (and Merit Badge Counselor Information Form); and be approved by the local council. (See the Guide for Merit Badge Counselors for additional details.)
• See Submitting New Merit Badge Ideas for guidance on how to submit suggestions for new merit badges to BSA.