SSCA At a Glance

What is SSCA?

The Seven Seas Cruising Association is the oldest and largest worldwide organization supporting the liveaboard cruising lifestyle. Founded in 1952 by six liveaboard couples in California and now with members worldwide, today’s SSCA remains true to the traditions of its original members—sharing cruising information, fostering camaraderie, and leaving a clean wake.

What are the Seven Seas?

The old Clipper Ship tea route from China to England was the longest trade route under sail, and included the South China Sea, the Celebes Sea, the Timor Sea, the Banda Sea, the Flores Sea, the Java Sea, and the Sulu Sea. Our name reflects the water over which those who passed before us crossed when they dropped dock lines and headed out to sea.

What is an SSCA Gam?

In days of olde when whaling ships encountered one another in calm seas they would heave to and the crew would line up at the railing to shout news across to one another. This was called a gam. An SSCA Gam is a get-together of members, with an emphasis on camaraderie and sharing of cruising information.

What is the SSCA Clean Wake?

To leave a clean wake is to show respect for others and for our environment so that those who follow in our wake will be warmly welcomed. It is our most cherished tradition.

What are the benefits of SSCA membership?

• A monthly Cruisers’ Bulletin (formerly known as the Commodores' Bulletin) containing reports of the latest and most current cruising information as well as announcements of SSCA Gams, upcoming Seven Seas U live webinars, and regional activities.  The indexed, searchable, archived Bulletins are accessible online to members only.  Sample Cruisers' Bulletin
• An SSCA Fleet Map
• Discounted or free live webinars and anytime learning on Seven Seas University
• Worldwide Port Guides
• An extensive list of SSCA Cruising Stations who welcome visiting members
• Special offers and discounts from marine-related businesses that are available to members-only 

More on Membership Benefits

Who can become a member of SSCA?

Anyone with an interest in cruising is welcome to join SSCA. Whether cruising in home waters, contemplating a sabbatical cruise or retirement afloat, outfitting your boat for a voyage, or already living the dream, all are warmly welcomed to join our family of cruising members.

Associate Members

• New SSCA members are called Associate Members
• Associate members fly a navy blue pennant with a red and white shield

Cruiser Members

• After having been members for two years, and upon payment of their third year of dues, individuals become Cruiser members.  Cruisers have voting rights in SSCA elections.  
• Cruiser members fly a navy blue pennant with a red and white shield

Commodores

• After an initial year of membership, those Associates who have lived aboard their cruising vessel for at least a year, have fulfilled a cruising distance requirement, and who have been sponsored by two current Commodores, may elect to become Commodores.  This member status, like Cruisers, has voting rights.  Cruisers may also apply for Commodore status.
• Commodores fly a red swallowtail burgee with a shield similar to the blue pennant.

All members

• Are expected to volunteer to help SSCA to remain the vibrant and valuable organization that it is.
• Acknowledge that all SSCA publications are for the personal use of its members and will not use them otherwise.
• Agree that violation of the traditions and clean wake motto of the SSCA could cause the non-renewal of membership in accordance with the SSCA bylaws.