The Marlinespike Conference consists of a standard set of education modules and optional education modules used by councils to develop a resource identification and skill introduction education course that is relevant to their local yachting environment.
The Southern Region Yachting Initiative is the midst of developing the Marlinespike Conference. Several modules have been developed and are available for review.
If you have comments, questions, suggestions, or ideas about any or all of the Marlinespike modules please contact the Southern Region Yachting Initiative at sryi@srventuring-bsa.org.
Yachting Initiative and Marlinespike Resources
Numerous yachting and boating resources are available to Yachting Initiative and Marlinespike Initiative participants.
Yachting Initiative and Marlinespike Resources
Boat Language
As a result of this session the participant should be able to use and understand the special language associated with boats and boating, be familiar with the materials used in boat construction; recognize the various types of boat hulls and styles available in recreational boats; be acquainted with types of power systems that move boats through the water; recognize the various parts of a sailboat’s rigging; and understand the factors in boat design that make a boat seaworthy .
 Boat Language Module
Federal Regulations
After participating in this module, a participant should know the requirements of boat registration; know the required equipment needed onboard; recognize that the required equipment is not enough for safe boating; be familiar with U.S. Coast Guard safety standards; be informed of laws enforced by the US Coast Guard and other law-enforcement agencies; be aware of the existence of State and Local Regulations
Federal Regulations Module
Boat Trailering
As a result of this session the participant should become aware of trailer selection components and their characteristics, become familiar with the Float Plan and its purpose, become familiar with Departure, Launch and Retrieval procedures, understand land storage and theft prevention measures, and become familiar with towing and backing up with a trailer.
Boat Trailering Module
Boat Handling
As a result of this session the participant should befamiliar with built-in and portable tank fueling operations, understand the effects of single and twin screw maneuvering, become aware of loading and departure procedures, become familiar with getting underway techniques, become familiar with maneuvering underway techniques, become familiar with docking techniques and mooring to a buoy and understand the types of anchors and their applications.
Boat Handling Module
Aids to Navigation
As a result of this session the participant should: understand the principal buoyage systems in the United States; become aware of the characteristics of the buoy and waterway marking systems; understand the use and meaning of lights associated with Aids to Navigation; become aware of the electronic aids and navigation publication available.
Aids to Navigation Module
Navigation Rules
As a result of this session the participant should understand the classes of rules and their applicability to all navigable waters; become familiar with the Steering and Sailing Rules; become familiar with the Lights and Shapes Rules; become familiar with the Sound and Light Signals Rules; be aware of the technical details for Lights, Shapes, and Sound Signal Appliances.
Navigation Rules Module
Piloting Essentials
As a result of this session the participant should be familiar with the characteristics of a Nautical Chart; be aware of the functionality of the Magnetic Compass; be familiar with Piloting Instruments; understand the basic Piloting techniques; be familiar with position determination and Dead Reckoning; have and experience of plotting positions (fixes) in a laboratory environment.
Piloting Essentials Module
Boat Engine Essentials
As a result of this session the participant should be able to become familiar with the various types of boat engines; be aware of the effect of propeller selection on boat performance; be aware of boat engine induction, ignition, cooling systems; be aware of electrical and battery operations; become familiar with routine maintenance and Winterizing/De-winterizing procedures.
Boat Engine Essentials Module
Marlinespike Essentials
As a result of this session the participant should; become familiar with the materials and types of rope; become familiar with the selection, care and use of rope for boating and sailing; be aware of the operational uses of line in boating and sailing; become familiar with fundamental knots used in boating and sailing; be aware of splicing and splicing techniques for rope.
Marlinespike Essentials Module
Understanding Weather
As a result of this session the participant should become familiar with the types of clouds and fog; understand the effects of air masses fronts and pressure have on weather; be aware of storms and their effects and impacts; be familiar with the various sources of weather information.
Understanding Weather Module
Marine Radio Communications
As a result of this session the participant should be aware of voice radio communication capabilities; be aware of the various licensing requirements and operator permits; be aware of the VHF-FM and other radio communication equipment; be familiar with using a marine radio properly under routine circumstances; be familiar with using a marine radio correctly and expeditiously in an emergency
Marine Radio Communications Module
Inland Piloting
As a result of this session the participant should be familiar with River Piloting and its attributes; be familiar with Canal Boating and its attributes and concerns; be familiar with Lake Boating and its attributes
Inland Piloting Module
Personal Watercraft Awareness
As a result of this session the participant should become aware of the controls used to operate Personal Watercraft; become aware of Personal Watercraft underway and on-water operations; become aware of the Federal, State and Local regulations affecting Personal Watercraft operations.
Personal Watercraft Awareness Module
Coast Guard Auxiliary Potpourri
As a result of this session the participant should become familiar with safety concerns regarding small boats; be aware of the symptoms and effects of hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning; be introduced to sailing and its relationship to motorboats
Coast Guard Auxiliary Potpourri Module
Good Mate Program
The Ocean Conservancy Good Mate program helps boaters and marinas develop environmentally sound practices to reduce pollution, keep fish thriving and make boating pleasant and safe. Good Mate is designed to raise awareness and promote environmentally responsible boating and marina operations. Even small day-to-day changes in the way we maintain and operate our boats make a big difference to our aquatic environments.
 Find Out More About the Good Mate Program
Boat Ownership
In this module, a participant will become knowledgeable of the boat acquisition process; become aware of the required paperwork for boat ownership; be acquainted the functions of boating clubs and associations; become familiar with the contents of a boat operator’s manual; and understand boat operation responsibility.
Boat Ownership Module
First Aid
Electronic Navigation
Emergencies Underway
Boat Maintenance
Sailboat Handling
BSA - Aquatics Safety
Working with Venturing Youth
This module is designed to assist participants in gaining a better feeling for why teens react the way they do; to understand various stages that young adults go through during their teen years; to reaffirm the purposes and methods of the BSA; and to be able to interact more effectively with Venturing youth.
Working With Venturing Age Youth Module
Government Regulations - State
Cooking Afloat
BSA - Super Activity
SCUBA
Coastal Piloting
Physical Oceanography
Ornamental Rope-work
Aquatics Activities - BSA Achievement
Aquatics Activities - Flat Water
Aquatics Activities - Flowing Water
Boat Camping
Medical Emergencies Afloat
Racing Rules of Sailing
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