Sea Exploring brings to its members a wealth of customs and courtesies based on the lore of the sea. Much like the international code flags on a ship, these customs and courtesies are colorful, but as you study them more closely, you will find that they carry a message of appreciation and respect for the great and wonderful achievements of the seafarers and adventurers of the past.

Unlike Boy Scouts, Sea Explorers use the traditional military salute with all fingers extended. A salute is executed smartly from a position of attention. The Explorer handclasp is also the adult handshake used daily by people as they greet each other, It is given with the right hand in a firm manner that indicates sincerity.

When boarding a Sea Explorer ship or land bridge, Explorers perform two salutes, carrying out a custom of the sea that began centuries ago.

In the early days of Christianity, it was the custom to place on the mainmast of large vessels a statue of the Blessed Virgin, the patron saint of the ship, or perhaps a crucifix. Every seaman, upon coming aboard the ship, took off his hat or made the sign of the cross as a form of salute in the direction of the mainmast.

National flags became prominent in the 14th and 15th centuries. Ships of maritime nations soon began to fly their national ensign and requested that it be recognized also by the seamen. So the double salute became a universal rule as each seaman, coming aboard, saluted both the mainmast and his national ensign. On all formal occasions, therefore, Sea Explorers, immediately upon stepping aboard, salute first the center of the ship which is the traditional salute to God. They then turn toward the flag staff at the stern of the ship and perform the traditional salute to the ensign of our country. Upon going ashore or leaving a land ship, each Scout gives the double salute in reverse, first to the national ensign and then to the mainmast.

Whenever you see the flag hoisted or lowered, or when you pass it or are passed by it, you will want to show your respect by saluting if you are in uniform or by holding your right hand over your heart if you are in civilian clothes. When the flag passes you, come to attention and face it. Salute just before the flag reaches the point opposite you and hold the salute until it has passed. When you pass the flag, come to salute six steps before you reach it and hold the salute until you are six steps past. In formation, you salute at the command of your leader.

Colors are "Made" at 8 A.M., ashore or at anchor and flown until sundown. When underway, they may be displayed from sunrise to sunset. The ensign is always raised first (smartly) and lowered last (slowly) The only flag ever flown above the national ensign on the same hoist is the church pennant, flown only when divine services are in progress on board ship.