Deep Sea Scouts

As Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, noted in a letter to the fledgling group, "Damn rules! I want a jolly brotherhood through which I can get in touch with pals of my own or other ships or at ports of call — especially those pals who have the same Scouty ideas as I have ...". This was the purpose of the Deep Sea Scouts. The original aims of the Deep Sea Scouts were: • To enable Scouts afloat to get in touch with their brother/sister Scouts in ports throughout the world. • To afford them the opportunity for continuing their Scouting activities in their sea-going profession. • To provide an opportunity to hike and camp as Scouts, when on leave at home or abroad. • To be of service to all, as the opportunity offers, particularly by instructing Cubs or Scouts, when in ports of call. ==Original eligibility for membership==

Any member of The Scout Association was eligible for membership of the Deep Sea Scouts if they were serving in any of the following organisations: • Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserve • Merchant Navy • Royal Marines • Royal National Lifeboat Institution • Deep Sea Fishermen • Deep Sea Rigs • Deep Sea Yacht Crews • Sail Training Ships ==Fellowship==

Due to the decrease in shipping and the reductions in the Royal Navy, the numbers of Deep Sea Scouts fell quite dramatically, and it was decided that the organisation should become a Scout Fellowship. The Deep Sea Scout Fellowship (DSSF) was officially formed on 5 April 1991. The DSSF maintained the same aims and entry requirements of its predecessor, but also allowed direct relatives of eligible members to join as long as they were active within the Scout Association. ==National Scout Active Support Unit==

Following a review of all Scout Fellowships in the UK, the DSSF became a National Scout Active Support Unit with the aim of providing active support to the delivery of the programme for the youth sections of The Scout Association, whilst maintaining its international links and adult community activities worldwide. ==See also==