From left, back: Crewmember Brooke Metro, Crewmember Zabrena Rudzitis, First Mate John Chilson, Officer Jeremy Tovar, Officer Lindsey Hardy, Sea Witch Boatswain Taylor Lindenhayn, Crewmember Chad Mandery, Crewmember Alex Phillips, Sea Hawk Boatswain Parker Smith. From left, center: Crewmember Alyssa Rickman, Crewmember Bianca Marhx. From left, front: Sea Witch Skipper Mike Duffey, Crewmember Elisha Nunes, Crewmember Hiroshi Redi Photo provided

Acalanes High School students Brooke Metro, 14, Taylor Lindenhayn, 15, and Hiroshi Redic, 14, along with eight other East Bay teens, set sail from the Martinez Marina for a 10 day adventure on the high seas on Friday, Aug. 7 aboard the 46-foot Sea Scout ship, the S.S.S. Sea Witch.
Skipper Mike Duffey, First Mate John Chilson and Officer Lindsey Hardy accompanied the 11 teens on the voyage. While adult officers were there to instruct and ensure the safety of the teen crew, the teens were responsible for the operation of the ship. An adult would take over only if there was a safety issue.
While at sea, ship's duties included Bow Watch & Stern Watch (watching for anything affecting the safe operation of the ship such as objects in the water), Navigation (using charts, the computer, GPS and radar to keep ship on course), Engine Log (monitor engines to ensure they are running properly and fill out engine log), and Helm Duty (physically driving the ship with steering wheel).
The Sea Witch crew's first stop was at Terminus Park where they met up for some fun with other Sea Scout ships and crews from all over the Bay Area. Then they cruised to the American River where they swam in the river, relaxed and enjoyed the waterslide on the ship.
Afterward, they headed to Old Sacramento where the teens disembarked for "shore leave." Other destinations included Georgianna Slough, Horseshoe Bend and a private island near Antioch where they would finally take a real shower!
While on the cruise, the teen crew operated the ship's computer navigation and sonar. They also worked on their Safe Swim, cooking, navigation and signal flag requirements for their advancements in rank. Ranks include Apprentice, Ordinary, Able and Quartermaster, which is the equivalent of Eagle Scout.
Sea Scouts is a national co-ed maritime program for teens. Started in the U.S. in 1912, Sea Scouts has been serving community youth for over 50 years. It has the support and approval of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Sea Witch crew meets Tuesdays (from 6 to 8:30 p.m.) and Saturdays (from 9 to 4 p.m.) at the Sea Scout Base in Waterfront Park (225 North Court Street in Martinez). For more information call (925) 917-0573 or visit the general Sea Scout Web site at www.seascout.org.