SeaBase Scuba Recap

This is a recap of Jeff and Ian's SCUBA trip last week. I have also asked Ian if he will write something up, he said that he will give me some of his dive reports, so stay tuned! Ian loved diving and now thinks he wants his career path to involve some sort of diving. Photos also to come!

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to send an email trip report out to the Sea Base crew.  I have to say it was a fantastic trip.  The scouts were amazing. Doing more than expected. They offered to do flag ceremony more than just once.  They attended chapel service and lead grace far beyond the minimum amount required to earn the Duty to God award.  This behavior was not only due to the character of the scouts but also due to the fine leadership of their crew leader Ryan.  He really took charge.  Lynn and I had very little leading to do with Ryan at the helm.  Great job Ryan!  Out divemaster even commented that he would take a crew leader like Ryan any day.  The boys really worked and played together as a crew.  Parents, you should all be very proud.

Here is a recap of the week:

Sunday 6/24 – We arrived at Sea Base at 5:05pm and upon checking in we met our divemaster Scott Patton.  They took our picture in front of the Sea Base Sign and then showed us to the scuba dorm and then we quickly went to the evening flag ceremony and ate dinner. That evening Scott showed us around Sea Base.  He regretted to tell us that the weather outlook was not good for diving.  High winds generated by hurricane Debbie was causing large waves and poor underwater visibility.  He also told us that for the last two years, Sea Base had not done the mid-week road trip to Key West due to insurance reasons.  The scouts did not complain once (at least not to me!)  and kept a positive attitude.

Monday 6/25 – We were informed in the morning that conditions were not good for diving.  Despite this news we still had a full day of activities.  Since we checked in later in the day Sunday, we completed our BSA swim test, were issued our scuba gear and completed our required scuba review in the pool.  After lunch we did some snorkeling drills in the pool and then wend across the street to “Ann’s Beach” to do some snorkeling and found a variety of fish swimming in the sea grass.  During this, all the scouts earned their BSA snorkeling patch.  That evening we attended a Coral Reef presentation and afterwards the scouts played volleyball and later on played cards. “Golf” seemed to be the game of choice.  We discussed trying to arrange a trip to Key West on our own.  I made a call to my wife Jill back home to help me look up van rental options online since there is no internet access and weak cell access on the island.

Tuesday 6/26 – After morning chapel our Crew did opening flag ceremony.  We found that Sea Base was making exceptions to their Key West trip ban, however, there were only a limited number of Sea Base vans and there were all spoken for.  Scott arranged for a sailboat ride for us on one of the bigger sail boats that morning, but we found out a few minutes later that a van became available and Scott could drive us to Key West!  I’ll let the scouts tell you the details about Key West, but be sure to ask them about Hard Rock Café, Conch Train, key lime pie on a stick and the cat man.

Wednesday 6/27 – Attended morning chapel. We finally got to dive!  We did two dives.  Waves were high and visibility was only about 15 to 20 feet, but lots of cool fish were seen!   Some of the boat got a little sea sick due to the rough seas but this only attracts more fish to the side of the boat which is good. Over all a good day.  Our crew did evening flag ceremony. Everyone was very hungry at dinner.

Thursday 6/28 – After morning chapel the scouts once again did opening flag ceremony.  After Breakfast we loaded the boats and did 3 dives. It was our divemaster Scott’s day off so divermaster Reed was with us for the day.  Waves were much smaller and visibility was much better.  Later that evening, we reviewed the pictures and video that Ian G and I had captured on our underwater cameras.  All 6 scouts played cards.

Friday 6/29 – After morning chapel and breakfast we headed out for two more dives.  Later that evening we did a night dive which was a lot of fun.  I noticed the scouts were writing narratives for their dive logs so they would remember the details of the dives.  Our crew once again did evening flags.

Saturday 6/30 –  After chapel we did two dives and then that was it for us since our flight was at 5:00pm the next day and you cannot fly within 24 hours if diving.  For dinner, since it was out last evening, Sea Base hosted a luau for us with a big meal and games.  The crew performed a skit and did great.  The barrel game was a big hit.

Sunday 7/1 – After chapel and breakfast, the scouts did a 1 hour service project picking up garbage at Ann’s beach as one of the requirements for the BSA S.C.E.N.E award.  Then we went accros the street to Habano’s for Lunch and then took our shuttle to the airport.  We had a good fling home and were greeted by family when we arrived. 

I’ll say it again.  This was a fantastic trip with fantastic scouts.  Thank you for the privilege of being a leader on this trek.

-Jeff Stanton.