Announcing a New Alliance between Sea Scouts and NauticEd

A New Era for Youth Seamanship and Leadership

Message from Grant Headifen

At NauticEd, we’ve always believed that boating education is about far more than just learning how to steer a vessel. It’s about building confidence. It’s about developing sound judgment. It’s about preparing the next generation to lead with competence and character — both on and off the water.

That’s why I’m especially proud to share this announcement.

Our new national alliance with Scouting America’s Sea Scouts represents a program that’s deeply aligned with our mission. Sea Scouts has a long and highly respected history of shaping young leaders through adventure, responsibility, and maritime experience. NauticEd brings a modern, technology-driven approach to boating education — combining structured online learning, national standards alignment, and practical skill development pathways that build true competence.

Together, we’re empowering young mariners with knowledge that complements their Scout leader and mentor hands-on and on-water training, and supports their growth as capable, safety-minded leaders and skippers.

This partnership is not just about courses. It’s about access. It’s about consistency. It’s about raising the bar for seamanship education nationwide while honoring the proud traditions and youth-development expertise of Sea Scouting.

I applaud the leadership within Sea Scouts who recognize the importance of blending their time-tested mentoring with modern learning tools. When theory knowledge, practical skills, and experience work together, competence follows — and competence builds confident leaders and skippers.

We’re excited for what this means for Sea Scouts across the country and for the future of recreational boating as a whole.

Cheers,

Grant Headifen
Global Director of Education
NauticEd

Sea Scout sailors planning a route with a nautical chart onboard, teamwork in navigation training.

NauticEd and Scouting America’s Sea Scouts Forge National Alliance to Empower Future Leaders

Sea Scout Crew navigating a sailing ship with red sails, focusing on the helm and gauges, under clear skies.

Partnership to elevate youth leadership, seamanship skills, and confidence on the water

IRVING, TX (February 25, 2026) – NauticEd, a leader in modern boating education, and Sea Scouts, the flagship aquatics and maritime program of Scouting America, have announced a nationwide partnership to inspire and prepare the next generation of boaters and maritime leaders. This collaboration combines NauticEd’s cutting-edge digital learning platform with Sea Scouts’ century-long legacy of character, competence, and service on the water. It’s said that Sea Scouts are “Coast-to-Coast High Adventure In, On, Around, & Under the Water!”

“Education builds confidence, and confident young people become capable boaters and talented leaders,” said Merrill Homann-Charette, chief marketing officer, NauticEd. “Together with Sea Scouts, we’re expanding access to high-quality training and a community that keeps youth safely engaged on the water.”

With over a century of experience, Sea Scouts brings a real-world, hands-on approach to seamanship, giving youth practical experience on the water, while NauticEd will enhance that foundation through innovative online learning opportunities. Together, this collaboration is committed to developing strong youth leadership, advancing seamanship skills, and promoting safe-boating practices nationwide through integrated educational resources, coordinated outreach, and recognition of leadership achievements.

“Sea Scouts has always prepared young people for adventure and responsibility,” said Adam Tunks, NauticEd partnership manager, Sea Scouts, Scouting America. “Partnering with NauticEd enhances our members’ path to real seamanship and skills that translate to leadership both on the water and in life.”

For more information about Sea Scouts or to find a ship near you, visit www.seascout.org. To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, or to sign your youth up for Scouting, visit www.BeAScout.org.

To learn about NauticEd education and resources, visit www.nauticed.org.

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About Sea Scouts

Sea Scouts, a program of Scouting America, develops youth leadership, seamanship, and community service through hands-on maritime experiences. Established in 1912, Sea Scouting fosters skill, character, and lifelong respect for the water. Learn more at www.seascout.org.

About NauticEd

NauticEd provides comprehensive online and on-the-water education for sailing and powerboating. With a modern, standards-aligned curriculum and a global learner community, NauticEd helps boaters build true competence and confidence on the water. Learn more at www.nauticed.org.

Media Contacts

NauticEd
Merrill Homann-Charette
Chief Marketing Officer
mcharette@nauticed.org
774-239-7663

Sea Scouts
Adam Tunks
NauticEd Partnership Manager
adamttunks@gmail.com
214-316-6738

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NOTE TO PARENTS AND NAUTICED SAILORS:

If you have children (ages 14-20) who may be interested in joining Sea Scouts, or if you’d like to volunteer or donate, then please visit www.seascout.org. Sea Scouts is an extraordinary program that teaches our youth not only boating, but also nurtures leadership and life skills. We fully recommend that you consider it.

Author

Grant Headifen

My vision for NauticEd is to ensure that families and friends get out on the water not only safely but with true COMPETENCE, confidently savoring every moment of their valuable time.

Achieving this means being the pinnacle of sailing and boating education—offering comprehensive multi-media theoretical instruction coupled with hands-on, on-the-water training through our global network of American National Standards Instructors. We steadfastly avoid becoming a mere certification mill; our focus is on delivering genuine competence, ensuring our students are well-prepared for enjoyable, real-world boating experiences.

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