Motorboating Merit Badge

Motorboating and the Trail to Eagle

Motorboating Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 5 main requirements for Motorboating. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

1. 1

   Do the following:

   1. a.Discuss motorboating hazards (fuel, carbon monoxide, propellers, collisions, falls overboard, capsize, grounding) and how to anticipate, prevent, and respond to them.
   2. b.Explain first aid for hypothermia, heat reactions, dehydration, motion sickness, bug bites, and blisters.
   3. c.Identify when CPR is needed and demonstrate proper CPR technique on a training device.
2. 2

   Do the following:

   1. a.Before requirement 5, successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.
   2. b.Name the types of PFDs, explain when each is used, and show how to choose and fit one.
3. 3

   Do the following:

   1. a.Explain inboard, outboard, and inboard/outboard motors and the advantages of each.
   2. b.Explain safety procedures for handling fuel, servicing engines, and storing equipment.
   3. c.Explain how to winterize a boat motor and why it is necessary.
   4. d.Explain safety precautions around swimmers and skiers, passenger positions, and boat wakes.
4. 4

   Show you know motorboating safety guidelines by doing the following:

   1. a.Review how each part of BSA Safety Afloat applies, including weather checks, equipment checks, and float plans.
   2. b.Explain your state's recreational boating laws and hold an operator permit if required.
   3. c.Discuss how weather and heavy water conditions affect safety and performance.
   4. d.Discuss the nautical rules of the road and national and state aids to navigation.
   5. e.Explain and show the correct use of required onboard safety equipment.
   6. f.Explain ventilation system rules and why they exist.
   7. g.Explain the use of lights and sound signals on motorboats.
   8. h.Discuss common anchor types, when each is preferred, and proper anchoring technique.
5. 5

   With your counselor or other adults aboard, demonstrate boat-handling skills:

   1. a.Board and help others board; confirm everyone is wearing a properly fitted life jacket.
   2. b.Fuel the boat and complete a safety check.
   3. c.Attach the engine cut-off link, start the motor safely, and get under way from a dock or beach.
   4. d.Run a course of at least a mile showing passing, yielding, turning, reversing, and using navigation aids.
   5. e.Stop and anchor on open water, then raise and stow the anchor and get under way.
   6. f.Land or dock the boat, disembark, and help others do the same.
   7. g.Moor, dock, or beach the boat and secure all gear.
   8. h.Demonstrate the cleat hitch, bowline, clove hitch, anchor bend, and sheet bend.

Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.

How to Earn the Motorboating Merit Badge

Motorboating Merit Badge FAQ

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