The selection is based upon every aspect of a crew or ship's performance. The crew or ship's program and its effectiveness are reviewed. Criteria include the number of outings / activities  and the days of long-term-over night events (camps, cruises, and high adventure trips), service projects, meeting participation, and Quality Unit or Centennial Award status. The crew and ship's leadership is also reviewed. Criteria include strong youth and adult  leadership (both those working with youth and adult leaders and Crew and Ship Committee), training of leaders (both adult and youth), active adult and youth membership growth, and on-time re-chartering. Lastly, consideration is given to participation at our District's activities (such as Kick-off meeting, District Dinner, leadership recognition, Roundtable attendance, find raising, Camporees, and FOS).

Each year the selection process for the West Shore Award can be a difficult one. All of our crews and ships have dedicated leaders committed to the Aim and Methods of Scouting and many fine leaders create many strong programs. The following units represent all the values and criteria above: