Our Charter
Sea Scouts is a uniformed, co-ed Venture/Explorer crew organized through Boy Scouts of America, open to young men and women ages 14 though 20. Sea Scout Ship 11, the SSS-Spartan, was originally chartered in 2001, to serve the Antelope Valley District cities of Palmdale and Lancaster, and the surrounding unincorporated communities of north Los Angeles and southeastern Kern counties.

Goals and Objectives
Some crew members join for the experience, camaraderie and fun. Other members are preparing for careers in the service or at sea, or for higher education in the marine sciences. In either case, the training and experience will benefit them all.

For those that choose to, their rank advancement can make them eligible for advanced enlistment pay in the service, or qualify for preferred admissions to a Maritime Academy.

Program and Training
The goal of Sea Scouts is to develop ethics and leadership skills in young adults in a nautical environment. What better way to have fun at the same time! We accomplish this through a program of organized meetings and training sessions, field trips and outings, and participation in regional, national, and international competitive events, or regattas.

Routine training focuses on developing skills necessary for the safe operation of our vessels. Certification as a Small Boat Handler and as Qualified Seaman earns the member the right to wear that bar on their uniforms. Other program sources include the US Coast Guard, the Fire Department, California Department of Boating and Waterways, yacht clubs, and other qualified resources.

Training topics include Rules of The Road, Compass and Navigation, Firefighting and Damage Control, Ground Tackle and Anchoring, Aids to Navigation, Radio and other Communications, First Aid, Knots and Marlinspike skills, and others.

Crew members join as Seaman Recuits, and advance through the ranks of Apprentice, Ordinary, and Able Seaman through program of self paced study, with guidance from the Ship's Officers, Advisors, and Petty Officers. A select few will achieve the distinguished rank of Quartermaster, Sea Scouts highest honor.

Specialized advanced leadership skills programs are available to those members that have acheived the rank of Ordinary Seaman, and upon application and recommendation of the Skipper.

Crew members compete in local regattas, and twice each year travel to compete in the international competitions, the Ancient Mariner Regatta and the Southwestern Rendezvous. For more info and photos, check out our Albums.

Our Fleet
The Ship's fleet consists of several trailerable power and sail boats, as well as our flagship, the Skipper's personal sailboat, a 27' Catalina, docked at King Harbor Marina, in Redondo Beach. Our powerboats include an 18' Seafair Sedan outboard, and a 22' Starcraft I/O runabout. Our sailboat fleet consists of a 14' Holder (a Lido look alike), 16' Neptune (undergoing hull and trailer repairs), a 16' Hobie Cat (being refurbished and getting new paint), an 18' Sole Cat, and a 19' sloop. We also have offer on a 30' sailboat. Click here for photos of our fleet.

Petty Officers and Crew
The Ship's crew elects their leadership, the Petty Officers, from within their ranks. The Chief Petty Officer is the Ship's Boatswain (Bosun, the President) Apprentice Seaman Chris Hofbauer; followed by the Boatsain's Mate (Bosun's Mate, the Vice President), Apprentice Seaman Brandon Chapman; the Yoeman (Secretary) and Purser (Treasurer), Angela LePage; and Storekeeper (Equipment and Supply Officer).

As the Ship's membership grows, Crew Leaders and Assistant Crew Leaders will be appointed as necessary. In addition, those seeking highly technical or specialized areas of interest, i.e. engineering, etc, can be appointed to the Specialist position.

Ship's Officers
The Ship's Officers (adult leadership and advisors) consist of the Skipper and his Mates. Our Skipper is Steve Hofbauer, overall in charge of records and crew advancement. Steve is also a BSA small boat sailing and motor boating merit badge counselor, and Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat instructor, and as a licensed Paramedic, the Ship's Medical and Safety Officer.

Mr. Anthony Kugler as our Training Advisor. Tony is a former member of the US Coast Guard, and brings that real life experience to our Ship through his training sessions.

Click here to meet the Ship's Officers.

Meeting Schedule
Ship's meetings are normally held on Thursdays at 7pm at the Methodist Church on Ave J at 10th St West across from the DoublZ restaurant in Lancaster. These focus on rank advancement, and specialized training or drills.

Normally, one outing is scheduled each month. During the summer, and as needed during the year, we may meet at our Boat Yard in Quartz Hill. The use of this large lot is donated in exchange for lot maintenance and weed abatement. It works quite well, as the boats are available for vessel maintenance and drills.

Finance and Support
A Recruit's initiation is about $100 to cover uniforms, manual, and registration. Other gear and travel fees may occaisionally be required. Dues are $10/month.

Ship 11 is sponsored by Sea Scout Ship 11 Committee, Inc., a state and federally qualified 501 C-3 non-profit organization. Our non-profit status allows us to accept tax deductible donations of cash, equipment, and vessels to offset the operational expenses and equip the unit. We are supported by an adult advisory committee, chaired by Diane Hoey, and assisted by committee secretary Angela LePage Kugler. Click here for info on how to support our program.

Recruit Info
For additional information, click here.
Read the AV Press Story about us.