By-laws

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This is a DRAFT ONLY. It has not been voted on.

Patriots Point Sea Scout Ship 510
Constitution and By-laws

Name and Purpose
1. This organization shall be known as: Patriots Point Sea Scout Ship 510.
2. The purpose of this organization is to: promote the ability of the youth of today to do things for themselves and others, and to prepare them to be the physically fit adults of good citizenship and character of tomorrow; by offering a fun program of aquatic and outdoor activities, training in aquatics and outdoorsmanship, using Sea Scouting methods and the Sea Scouting Program.
3. To fulfill this purpose, an organizational meeting was held in September 2004; and a charter was granted to this organization by the Coastal Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America in November 2004. Application shall be made annually to renew said charter, in accordance with the by-laws of the Boy Scouts of America.
4. This organization is an unincorporated not-for-profit membership association, is exempt from taxes in South Carolina, and is a qualified 501(c)3 organization under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
Objectives
1. The objectives of Ship No. 510 are:
  1. To learn
  2. To share responsibilities
  3. To have fun
Education Goals
1. To inspire teenagers to take an active interest in the marine and maritime world.
2. To inform scouts of opportunities and skills needed to participate in the marine and maritime world.
3. To recognize special interest of scouts and assist in promoting their interest.
4. To advance knowledge and skills through group and self-learning activities.
Sponsoring Institution
1. The Ship is sponsored by the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
2. The Sponsoring Institution shall annually designate a Chartered Representative to sign the charter renewal application.
  1. The Chartered Representative must be a register member of the Ship Committee, and is expected to attend the regularly scheduled Ship Committee meetings.
  2. The Chartered Representative is welcome to attend all meetings of the Ship, the Quarterdeck, or the Ship Committee.
  3. The Chartered Representative is the Ship's representative to the Sponsoring Institution; and will attend meetings of the Sponsoring Institution (when invited) to report on: advancement status, equipment and facilities needed, financial status, leadership status, membership status, and program plans and achievements.
3. The annual meeting of Ship 510 shall be held concurrently with the annual charter review meeting of the Ship Committee. No other meetings are required, but may be called by Committee Chairman as needed to fulfill the responsibilities of the sponsoring institution.
4. The Sponsoring Institution shall designate a meeting place. Leadership shall inform the Chartered Representative of meeting dates and time. Any changes shall be cleared through the Chartered Representative.
Membership
1. Sea Scouts.
  - To register as a Sea Scout and become a member of this Ship, a person must:
    1. be between 14 and 20 years old and have completed the 8th grade.
    2. agree to learn and live by the: American's Creed, Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Law, Scout Promise, Venturing Code, Sea Scout Promise, and the Ship's articles.
    3. complete the applications and pay the fees required by the by-laws of the Boy Scouts of America and by this Ship.
  - Once registered, a sea scout's membership will be renewed from year to year; provided the member lives up to the above Sea Scout Ideals, and participates regularly in Ship activities.
2. Registered Leaders.
  - The registered leaders of the Ship consist of a Skipper, and one or more Mates. Each registered leader must:
    1. be a citizen of the United States of America.
    2. be 21 years of age or older.
    3. know and understand -
      - the purpose of this organization.
      - the methods of the Sea Scouting program, and the reasons for those methods.
      - the Sea Scout Ideals, and their significance.
    4. agree to follow the Sea Scout Ideals in such a way as to set a good example for the Sea Scout members.
    5. agree to help the Skipper and support the program and Ship morale, in accordance with BSA rules and regulations and those of the Sponsoring Institution.
    6. be approved by:
      - a majority vote of the existing Skipper and any Mates.
      - a majority vote of the Ship Committee.
    7. complete the applications and pay the fees required by the by-laws of the Boy Scouts of America and by this Ship.
    8. be approved by the Sponsoring Institution.
  - Once registered, a leader's membership will be renewed from year to year; provided that the leader satisfactorily sets a good example of following the Sea Scout Ideals, and participates regularly in Ship activities.
3. Registered Committee Member.
  - Each registered committee member must:
    1. NOT be a registered leader of this Ship.
    2. be 21 years of age or older.
    3. agree to learn and understand -
      - the purpose of this organization.
      - the reasons for the methods of the Sea Scouting program.
      - the significance of the Sea Scout Ideals.
    4. agree to follow the Sea Scout Ideals in such a way as to set a good example for the Sea Scout members.
    5. agree to help the Committee Chairman provide the required support to benefit the Ship program and morale, in accordance with BSA rules and regulations and those of the Sponsoring Institution.
    6. complete the applications and pay the fees required by the by-laws of the Boy Scouts of America and by this Ship.
    7. be approved by the Sponsoring Institution and the Coastal Carolina Council.
    8. pay their own re-registration expenses annually.
4. Ship Committee
  1. The voting members of the Ship Committee are:
    - registered committee members.
    - registered leaders.
    - parents (or legal guardians) of registered Sea Scouts.
  2. The guest members of the Ship Committee are:
    - any other persons invited by the Skipper or the Committee Chairman.
    - The guest members may be invited to attend any meeting except where disciplinary action is being considered; and may be invited to participate in any discussion (but are not automatically entitled to participate in any discussion), but are not entitled to vote.
Responsibilities
1. Skipper and Mates.
  1. The Skipper must be a registered BSA member, selected by and approved by a majority vote of the Ship Committee.
  2. The Skipper is responsible for knowing and understanding the policies of the Boy Scouts of America, the rules and regulations established by the U.S. Coast Guard, and by the State having jurisdiction over any waters navigated by the Ship; and providing this information to the Ship Committee as needed.
  3. The Skipper is responsible for planning and providing a program for the Sea Scouts of this Ship, in accordance with the policies of the Boy Scouts of America, the Sponsoring Institution, and of this Ship.
  4. The Skipper may delegate such authority and responsibility to his or her Mates or the Ship Committee as may be needed to carry out the program.
2. Committee Chairman.
  1. The Committee Chairman must be a registered BSA member, selected by and approved by a majority vote of the Ship Committee.
  2. The Committee Chairman is responsible for coordinating the overall functions of the Ship Committee.
  3. The Committee Chairman may delegate authority and responsibility for the various support functions, which include: Advancement, Communications, Equipment, Finance, Leadership, Membership, Publicity, Records, Transportation, and Treasury.
  4. The Committee Chairman may delegate these support functions to: registered committee members, parents (or legal guardians) of Sea Scouts, or registered leaders; or with the approval of a majority vote of the Ship Committee may appoint any person with an interest in helping the Ship.
  5. The Committee Chairman may delegate the same person to fill more than one of these support functions, and may adjust the specific responsibilities of the individuals providing these support functions as necessary to get the job done.
Meetings
1. Sea Scout Meetings.
  1. Ship meetings will generally be held twice a month during the public school year. Ship activities will usually be held monthly from September through May. Ship service projects, fund raising projects, and other events, will be held as planned by the elected Ship's Officers.
  2. The elected Ship's Officers will meet as needed to plan the above meetings and other activities, and as necessary for leadership training.
  3. Crew activities will be held as planned by the crew, and approved by the Skipper.
  4. Ship meetings will have three parts:
    - education, activities session.
    - crew activity, planning session.
    - Skipper's comments, limited to five minutes. (The BSA policy is one minute.)
  5. No adult speaker shall present at more than 2 successive meetings.
  6. At least two recruitment meetings will be held during the year. The meeting should have a wide interest appeal.
  7. Scouts are responsible for finding speakers and implementing activities. Committee members are to help when asked.
2. Ship Committee Meetings.
  1. An annual meeting will be held during the month of October, to:
    - review the membership status of the Ship,
    - register new registered leaders and committee members,
    - review the program conducted during the past year,
    - review the program planned for the coming year,
    - review the budget and the actual incomes and expenses from the past year,
    - review the budget proposed for the coming year,
    - review any policy changes made by the Boy Scouts of America,
    - review and revise established Ship policies,
    - and to obtain commitments to support the planned program and proposed budget.
  2. Regular meetings of the Ship Committee will be held monthly, to:
    - review current plans,
    - review the budgetary needs of the ship,
    - and obtain commitments for any necessary program support.
  3. Special meetings of the Ship Committee may be called by the Committee Chairman as needed to obtain the necessary program support. The notice of the special meeting must describe the business to be conducted. No other business can be conducted.
  4. "Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised" will be used as the parliamentary reference. The number needed for a quorum is three (3) voting members. Voting by proxy is not permitted; however, voting by signed absentee ballot is allowed.
3. Changing Meetings Frequency, Dates and Time.
  1. Meeting frequency, dates and time may be amended by a majority vote of the Ship Committee and Scout Leaders at a regular scout meeting; provided that notice of the proposed amendment is distributed to all registered leaders, all registered committee members, all parents (or legal guardians) of registered Sea Scouts, and the Sponsoring Institution at least 3 weeks in advance of the proposed meeting.
Advancement
1. Scouts can advance through self-study programs and be reviewed by committee members.
Formal Training
1. Formal training will be an independent activity from the regular scout meetings.
2. Formal training activities are topics that:
  - require more than an hour to complete.
  - require testing.
  - have limited interest.
3. Training is to be scheduled at a time and place convent to participants.
Weekend Activities
1. Overnight activities will usually be from:
  - Friday PM to Sunday PM.
  - Time will be arranged in the weekend program for members to attend off-site religious services if desired. Note that unless all members attend, at least one vehicle and driver must remain on-site.
Dues and Fees
1. Dues will be asset when there is a clear benefit to the scout. (Boat ownership and maintenance by the ship would be a benefit to a scout.)
2. Dues and collection of dues must be approved by the committee. Approval is based on what the money will be used for.
3. Maximum dues will be $5.00 per month, payable at the first meeting of every month, from September through May. Two months of delinquent dues make the member ineligible to participate in activities.
4. Fees would be assigned for special activities.
Money Earning
1. Dues will be supplemented by money-earning activities involving the participation of all members. Members not participating will not be entitled to the benefits of the money derived from the activities. All money-earning activities must be approved by the Skipper and meet the requirements listed on the BSA Unit Money Earning Application, No. 34427.
Uniforms
1. We have no uniform code at this time.
Elections
1. Skipper
  1. The Skipper must be a registered BSA member, qualified as a BSA Scoutmaster and approved by a majority vote of the Ship's Committee.
  2. The Skipper must be approved by the Chartered Representative.
  3. The normal term of office shall be for 1 year starting July 1. Selection shall be held in May.
  4. The Skipper's tenure will be renewed every year by majority vote of the Ship's Committee. All committee members must be contacted for the vote.
2. Committee Chairman
  1. The Committee Chairman must be a registered committee member, selected and approved by a majority vote of the Ship's Committee.
  2. The Committee Chairman must be approved by the Chartered Representative.
3. Sea Scouts Officers
  1. The elected officers shall be boatswain, 2 boatswain's mates, yeoman, purser. The duties of the officers are prescribed in the Sea Exploring Manual.
  2. The normal term of office shall be for 5 months. Elections shall be held on the first meeting of the new school year and the first meeting in January.
  3. No member shall serve more than 2 successive terms in the same office.
  4. The boatswain shall appoint a nominating committee which shall consist of three members. The committee shall present a complete slate of candidates who have agreed, if elected, to serve to the best of their abilities.
  5. On the night of the elections, nominations may be presented from the floor by any member. If the nomination is seconded and the candidate agrees to serve, he or she must be included on the ballot.
  6. All contested ballots shall be secret.
  7. Nominees must be willing and able to serve in the position elected for the full term of the office.
  8. Officers who do not carry out their duties may be removed from office by a vote at any two consecutive meetings, and a special election will be held to elect a replacement to serve the remainder of the term. No prior notice is required before the first vote, and a simple majority is sufficient. Before the next meeting, notice must be given to all members of the action to be voted upon, and a 2/3 vote is required. If present, the officer being impeached must have an opportunity to speak on his or her own behalf before the second vote.
Conflicts
1. Unresolved conflicts will be heard by the committee.
2. Majority vote by the committee will be the final decision.
Termination
1. Severance.
  1. When a member leaves the Ship, and does not transfer to another unit (pack, troop, post, or ship), then any money paid by that member to be applied to any specific purpose (Long Cruise fees, training fees, etc.) will be returned to that member (except any money which has been used to pay a nonrefundable deposit). Individual fund raising commissions earned by that member will be forfeited. Dues paid ahead will be returned to the member, back dues must be paid by the member or will be withheld from the above amounts.
  2. When a member transfers to another unit (pack, troop, post, or ship), then any money paid by that member to be applied to a specific purpose (as above) will also be returned to the member. In addition, any individual fund raising commissions earned by that member via a Ship sponsored fund raising project and held by the Ship to be applied to a specific purpose (as above) will be paid to the unit to which the member transfers. Dues paid ahead will be returned to the member, back dues must be paid by the member or will be withheld from the above amounts.
2. Dissolution.
  1. Upon annual expiration of the Charter, issued by the Coastal Carolina Council of the BSA; the Ship must reregister at least 5 sea scouts, 2 registered leaders, 3 registered committee members, and 1 Chartered Representative. If these minimum registration requirements can not be met within 30 days after the expiration of the old Charter, then the Ship shall be dissolved.
  2. Upon dissolution of the Ship, all funds and equipment must be properly disposed of. Funds paid in by members to be applied to a specific purpose (as above) will be returned to that member. Funds earned by a member and held for a specific purpose (as above) will be paid to any Scout unit to which the member transfers. All other financial obligations of the Ship will be met.
  3. All funds owed to the Ship will be collected. All cash on hand or other funds held by the Ship will be deposited in the Ship's bank accounts. These accounts, and all equipment owned by the Ship, will be held in trust by the Coastal Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America for a period of one year. If the Ship is re-chartered within that period, either at the same Sponsoring Institution or with another Sponsor in the same general area, then the accounts and property will be returned to the Ship. Otherwise, all funds and equipment will become the property of the Coastal Carolina Council, for use as it shall see fit.
Priorities
1. This Constitution, Ship Policies, Articles, Procedures, and Programs must comply with: the Constitution of the United States of America and all laws made thereunder, the Constitution of the State of South Carolina and all laws made thereunder, the Charter and By-laws of the Boy Scouts of America and all Rules and Regulations made thereunder, the rules and regulations established by the Coastal Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and any rules and regulations established by the Sponsoring Institution.
2. If any provision of the Constitution, Ship Policies, Articles, Procedures, or Programs is found to be in violation of any of the controlling documents; the remainder of this Constitution, Ship Policies, Articles, etc. shall not be affected.
Adoption and Amendments
1. This Constitution may be adopted by: a majority vote of existing registered leaders, a majority vote of the existing registered committee members, a majority vote of all parents (and legal guardians) of registered Sea Scouts.
2. This Constitution may be amended by a majority vote of the Ship Committee at the annual meeting of the Ship Committee; provided that notice of the proposed amendment is distributed to all registered leaders, all registered committee members, all parents (or legal guardians) of registered Sea Scouts, and the Sponsoring Institution at least 3 weeks in advance and less than 8 weeks in advance of the annual meeting.
3. This Constitution may be amended by a 2/3 vote of the Ship Committee at any regular meeting of the Ship Committee; provided that notice of the proposed amendment is distributed to all registered leaders, all registered committee members, all parents (or legal guardians) of registered Sea Scouts, and the Sponsoring Institution at least 3 weeks in advance and less than 8 weeks in advance of the meeting.
4. Ship administrative Policies may be adopted or amended by a majority vote at any regular or special Ship Committee meeting; provided that notice of the proposed new or revised policy is distributed to all registered leaders, all registered committee members, and all parents (or legal guardians) of registered Sea Scouts, and the Sponsoring Institution at least 3 weeks in advance and less than 8 weeks in advance of the meeting.
5. Ship Policies may be modified for a particular activity or event by agreement of the Skipper and Committee Chairman; provided that notice of this modification is given to all registered leaders, all registered committee members, and all parents (or legal guardians) of registered Sea Scouts, and the Sponsoring Institution prior to the event.
6. Ship's Articles may be adopted by a majority vote of all registered Sea Scouts, subject to veto by a majority vote of the Ship Committee. The Articles may be amended when proposed by a majority vote of the elected Ship's Officers and approved by a majority vote of all registered Sea Scouts, or when proposed by any registered Sea Scout and approved by a 2/3 vote of all registered Sea Scouts; subject to veto by a majority vote of the Ship Committee.
7. Ship operational Procedures may be adopted or amended when proposed by any registered Sea Scout and approved by a majority vote of all registered Sea Scouts; subject to veto by the Skipper (or other registered leader or committee member designated by the Skipper) or by a majority vote of the Ship Committee.
8. Ship Program Plans may be adopted or amended by a majority vote of the elected Ship's Officers; subject to veto by the Skipper (or other registered leader or committee member designated by the Skipper) or by a majority vote of the Ship Committee.

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Patriots Point Sea Scout Ship 510 Constitution and By-laws

Name and Purpose

Objectives

Education Goals

Sponsoring Institution

Membership

Responsibilities

Meetings

Advancement

Formal Training

Weekend Activities

Dues and Fees

Money Earning

Uniforms

Elections

Conflicts

Termination

Priorities

Adoption and Amendments

To Ideals page

Patriots Point Sea Scout Ship 510
Constitution and By-laws