Sea Scouts is a program of the Scouting America for coeducational teenagers and young adults ages 14 (or 13 and have completed the eighth grade) through 20.

In addition to the Scout Oath and Law, Sea Scouts also subscribe to the Sea Promise.

As a Sea Scout, I promise to do my best:
To guard against water accidents
To know the location and proper use of the lifesaving devices on every boat I board
To be prepared to render aid to those in need
To let those less able come first.

The ship is the fundamental unit of Sea Scouts, consisting of five or more Sea Scouts and the adult leaders. Ships are numbered and may adopt a name.

Each ship is sponsored by a community organization such as a business, service organization, private school, labor group or religious institution. The chartered organization is responsible for providing a meeting place and promoting a good program. A chartered organization representative manages the relationship between the ship, the chartered organization, and the BSA.

The ship committee is a group of adults, led by the ship committee chair, who guide the ship program and activities and manage record keeping, finance, leadership recruitment and registration. The ship is led by youths who are elected to the positions of boatswain, boatswain's mate, crew leader, assistant crew leader, yeoman, purser, and storekeeper. Skipper and mate provide guidance while allowing the youth to lead the ship.

Above the ship level, committees are organized to support the program at the Council, Area, Region, and National level.

Annually, the Sea Scouts National Office in conjunction with the Boat Owners Association of the US (BoatUS) award one ship the honor of being the National Flagship. BoatU.S. created the award in 2002 to mark the 90th anniversary of Sea Scouts. It is presented in recognition of excellence in program quality, youth achievement, and adult commitment.