The events
Explore the skills and traditions of Rendezvous, from knots and first aid to sailing, rowing and rigging. Use the applicable Rendezvous Manual for complete preparation and competition requirements.
Compulsory events
Every ship must be satisfactory in all five to be eligible for any award.
- C-1Dress Uniform InspectionCrews present their dress uniforms for inspection, with attention to the required components, consistency and neatness.Crew: All registered crew · Satisfactory: Attendance
- C-2Quarters InspectionShips care for their quarters and nearby facilities throughout the event. The Skipper confirms checkout before departure.Satisfactory: Reasonable neatness and cleanliness
- C-3Awards DetailA crew member from each ship serves on the landship, the ceremonial stage used for the awards presentation, and attends the rehearsal.Satisfactory: Participation
- C-4Adult JudgingAdult volunteers judge events and help with other duties. Review the current registration requirements and fulfill each confirmed assignment.Satisfactory: All judging shifts completed
- C-5Service DetailShips contribute to the event by completing assigned service details, including meal setup, cleanup and care of the facilities.Satisfactory: All assignments completed
Ship events
Registered crew members take part under their bos’n, the ship’s youth leader. Scores are averaged over the crew, with participation accommodations described in the manual.
- S-1Ring Buoy TossCrew members practice a water-rescue skill by throwing a ring buoy to a target. Each has up to three attempts, with the first successful throw scoring highest.Crew: Every crew member
- S-2Heaving LineCrew members demonstrate how to pass a line between vessels or to a dock by throwing a weighted heaving line to a target.Crew: Every crew member
- S-3Knot TyingEach crew member ties ten knots and hitches used in seamanship within the event’s time limit.Crew: Every crew member
- S-4Compass & Relative BearingsCrews demonstrate their knowledge of compass points and relative bearings using a marked compass canvas.Crew: Every crew member
- S-5SwimmingEach crew member completes a timed 50-meter swim. Review the manual’s swim-check and participation requirements before competing.Crew: Every crew member
- S-6Mariner’s QuizCrew members take a written quiz covering Sea Scouting, boating safety, and customs and courtesies.Crew: Every crew member
- S-7ConductJudges recognize courtesy, sportsmanship, teamwork and youth leadership throughout the competition. Conduct contributes to the ship’s overall performance and the Leadership & Conduct Award.
Team events
Optional events with a set crew size. Each has its own published satisfactory standard; meeting it counts toward your ship’s class award.
- T-1Obstacle CourseA six-person team completes a course of climbing, crawling, balance and agility challenges. Individual times and penalties make up the team’s result.Crew: 6 · Satisfactory: 8:00 or less
- T-2First AidA crew demonstrates first aid knowledge through a written test and a practical scenario with a simulated casualty.Crew: 8 (4 written, 4 practical) · Satisfactory: 150
- T-3Radio CommunicationsCrew members demonstrate marine radio knowledge and procedures through a written test and a simulated emergency call.Crew: 4 (2 written, 2 practical) · Satisfactory: 75
- T-4ChartingPairs of crew members solve charting problems to demonstrate basic piloting and navigation skills.Crew: 4 (two pairs) · Satisfactory: 150
- T-5Bos’n’s ChairCrew members tie a French bowline to form a bos’n’s chair and work together to hoist each participant up a mast.Crew: 6 or 7 · Satisfactory: 4:15 or less
- T-6Rope ClimbTeam members climb a 20-foot rope and descend under control. Their combined ascent times determine the team’s result.Crew: 6 · Satisfactory: 2:20 or less
- T-7Swimming RelayFour swimmers complete a relay using backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke and freestyle.Crew: 4 · Satisfactory: 3:30 or less
- T-8RowingPairs of crew members row and maneuver a small boat, changing positions along the course. Judges assess boat handling and technique.Crew: 4 (two pairs) · Satisfactory: 150
- T-9SailingCrew members demonstrate sailing knowledge in a written test and handle a sailboat around a triangular course.Crew: 6 (4 written, 2 practical) · Satisfactory: 150
- T-10DrillA crew follows its coxswain’s commands through a drill routine, demonstrating precision, coordination and leadership.Crew: 5 or 7 plus cox’n · Satisfactory: 90
- T-11Ground Tackle & Motor BoatingCrew members demonstrate safe motorboat handling and knowledge of anchoring through written and practical exercises.Crew: 6 (3 written, 3 practical) · Satisfactory: 112
- T-12Mystery EventThe committee announces this event’s challenge and requirements at Rendezvous.Crew: Announced at the event
- T-13Rules of the Road & Aids to NavigationCrew members demonstrate knowledge of navigation rules and aids to navigation in a written test.Crew: 6 · Satisfactory: 112
- T-14MarlinespikeCrew members demonstrate marlinespike seamanship through projects involving splicing, whipping, grommets or seams.Crew: 6 · Satisfactory: 90
- T-15ScuttlebuttA crew builds a tripod and rigs block and tackle to lift a water barrel. The event tests cooperation, rigging skills and the coxswain’s leadership.Crew: 6–9 · Satisfactory: 2:30 or less
- T-16International Code FlagsTwo teams send and receive messages using International Code Flags and the International Code of Signals.Crew: 6 (two teams of 3) · Satisfactory: 10:00 or less
- T-17Breeches BuoyA crew rigs a simulated breeches buoy rescue and transfers a crew member using lines, tackle and hand signals.Crew: 6–9 · Satisfactory: 15:00 or less
- T-18Build Your Own BoatThe committee has not yet published the requirements for this event.
- T-19Message to CabrilloThe committee has not yet published the requirements for this event.
- T-20Flotilla DrillA crew rows a pulling boat through a sequence of maneuvers under its coxswain’s direction, demonstrating coordination and seamanship.Crew: Cox’n + 6–8 · Satisfactory: 225
Special events and awards
Finals and awards recognizing seamanship, leadership, conduct and fellowship.
- SP-1Spirit & Fellowship AwardThe ships’ youth leaders vote to recognize the unit that demonstrates fellowship, team spirit and good sportsmanship.
- SP-2Leadership & Conduct AwardThis award recognizes a ship’s leadership and conduct throughout the event, including observations by event, area and roving judges.
- SP-3Scuttle-OffThe three highest-scoring qualifying Scuttlebutt crews meet in a final competition. Other crews are encouraged to watch and support them.
- SP-4Old Skipper’s AwardThis award recognizes performance in five seamanship events selected by the committee. The 2025 manual honors longtime Sea Scout leader Chuck Modlin.
- SP-5Drill-OffThe three highest-scoring qualifying drill teams perform their routines in the final competition.
- SP-6Hell DrillParticipants in dress uniform follow a sequence of drill commands. Those who make an error step out until one participant remains.