Motorboating — Merit Badge

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Scout Progress

Scout	AWARD	Req 1			Req 2		Req 3				Req 4								Req 5
Scout		1a	1b	1c	2a	2b	3a	3b	3c	3d	4a	4b	4c	4d	4e	4f	4g	4h	5a	5b	5c	5d	5e	5f	5g	5h
Hazel S.Star	★	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□
Lucy L.Tenderfoot	★	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□
Oliver K.First Class	★	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□
Quinn B.Second Class	★	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□
Veronica K.Star	★	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□

Requirements

From the official BSA merit badge pamphlet — wording is paraphrased here. Confirm against the current pamphlet for sign-off.

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For the whole badge

Discuss motorboating hazards (fuel, CO, propellers, collisions, capsize, grounding) and responses

Explain first aid for hypothermia, heat reactions, dehydration, motion sickness, bites, blisters

Discuss Safety Afloat policy and how it applies to motorboating

Complete the Scouting America swimmer test before requirement 5

Name PFD types and when each is used; show how to choose and fit one

Explain inboard, outboard, and inboard/outboard motors and their advantages

Explain safety for fuel handling, engine servicing, and equipment storage

Explain how to winterize a boat motor and why

Explain safety around swimmers/skiers, passenger positions underway, and boat wakes

Review Safety Afloat items: weather checks, equipment check, float plan

Explain your state's boating laws; hold an operator permit if required

Discuss how weather and heavy water conditions affect safety and performance

Promise to follow Safety Afloat; explain each point

Explain and show required state/federal onboard equipment

Explain ventilation system rules and why they exist

Explain lights (sight signals) and sound signals on motorboats

Discuss common anchor types and proper anchoring techniques

Board and assist others; confirm all passengers wear fitted life jackets

Fuel the boat and complete a safety check

Attach engine cut-off link, start motor, get underway from dock or beach

Run a course of at least a mile: passing, right-of-way, turns, reversing, navigation aids

Anchor on open water; raise and stow anchor and get underway

Land or dock the boat, disembark, and assist others

Moor, dock, or beach the boat and secure all gear

Demonstrate boating knots: cleating hitch, bowline, clove hitch, anchor bend, sheet bend