Over 100 delegates gathered at the Talbot Hotel for the Sea Scouting conference on 11/12 November. Adults and young people from across the country joined workshops and activities on the key themes of sustainability, adventure, inclusion, leadership and safety.
As Afloat reported previously, The event marked the launch of a new leadership-float framework for all who engage in water activities in Scouting Ireland. This follows a year-long review and a wide consultation with expert bodies.
(Above and below) Over 100 delegates attended the 2023 Sea Scouting conference in Wexford on 11/12 November
On Friday at the event, 15-time world record-holding adventurer Erden Eric shared his experiences of circumnavigating the earth using only his own power.
This was followed by a full day of varied sessions with a number of workshops from Canoeing Ireland, Rowing Ireland, Sail Training Ireland and other bodies.
Ciaran Deay, Sea Scout Commissioner; Michael Paul Murtagh, Sea Scout Team; Sarah Meehan, New Ross Sea Scouts; Colum McCaffrey, event coordinator; Stephen Taylor, former Sea Scout Commissioner, welcome delegates to the 2023 Sea Scouting conference in Wexford
Met Eireann, the Marine Institute, Irish Water Safety, The Wheel and Volunteer Ireland. The main conference was opened by Captain Sean Boyce of Stena Line, who spoke about his career and the influence of Sea Scouting on his professional development.
Michael Paul Murtagh (1st Cork Sea Scouts, Crosshaven) of the Sea Scout Team gives a presentation at the 2023 Sea Scouting conference in Wexford
On Saturday evening, the event dinner was addressed by Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service Commodore Michael Malone, who spoke about the service’s role and the value of organisations that introduce young people to maritime topics.
On Sunday, delegates were taken to the pool for sea survival instruction, a paddling clinic, and scuba taster sessions.
It was announced that the 2025 event would take place in Galway, with further information, including how to volunteer in Sea Scouting on seascouts.ie.
