Sea Scouts: Charles N Curtis Dry Dock 2011

Every year, just as spring’s precipitous grasp begins to take hold over the Pacific Northwest the  the Sea Scout ship Charles N Curtis is hauled out of the water for it’s yearly service and inspection. It’s crew of 14-21 year old Sea Scouts devote a portion of their spring breaks just to do their part to keep the Charles N. Curtis in the water for another year. That means at least one day of pressure washing, scrubbing, sanding, and painting the bottom of the ship for most. Other, more senior kids are expected to perform even  dirtier jobs, like major head (toilet) repairs, packing the grease fittings for the rudders, or climbing through the bilge chasing through hull fittings.

It’s no wonder they’re told to throw their clothes away when they get home.