<P> While on the EPF, recruits perform five hours of manual labor every day, in addition to a five - hour study period that consists of studying several Scientology courses, including the Basic Study Manual, an introductory course in study tech, Introduction to Scientology Ethics, a basic course in Scientology ethics, as well as courses concerning the history of the Sea Org and personal hygiene and grooming . Like the RPF, the EPF does not have a definite schedule . A recruit graduates the EPF as soon as all the required courses have been completed and upon successfully undergoing a mandatory security check, they are then allowed to join the Sea Org as full members . Sea Org recruits verbally agree to an 18 - point code or pledge as part of a swearing in ceremony . Members formally reaffirm their acceptance of this code annually on August 12, the day when the organization was founded . </P> <P> In 1967 the Church of Scientology purchased HMS Royal Scotsman which they renamed the Apollo, which was used as the Sea Org's Flagship . In 1975, the church sold the Sea Org's ships and moved the organization to land bases around the world, which as of 2003, were operating in Clearwater, Copenhagen, London, Los Angeles, Saint Hill Manor in the UK, and Sydney, with smaller offices in Budapest, Johannesburg, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, and Toronto . In 1987, they purchased a ship, La Bohème, which they renamed Freewinds . OT VIII, the highest auditing level of Scientology currently available, is exclusive to the Freewinds and can only be undertaken there . The ship also hosts various courses, seminars, conventions and events throughout the year, including the annual Maiden Voyage celebration . </P> <P> According to Hubbard, the Sea Org's mission is "an exploration into both time and space". Sea Org members act as goodwill representatives and administrators of Scientology; all policy and administrative posts in the church's key organizations are held by Sea Org members . Most members are given room, board and a weekly allowance of about $75 . </P> <P> In accordance with Scientology beliefs, members are expected to return to the Sea Org when they are reborn; the Sea Org's motto is "We Come Back". Members must therefore sign a symbolic billion - year "religious commitment", pledging to "get ethics in on this planet and the universe ." The church contends that the agreement is not a legally binding contract and is merely a symbolic demonstration of the dedication members are expected to give to the organization, and that they are free to leave if they wish . After signing, members report to the Estates Project Force, the Sea Org's induction program; Melton writes that members may take several years between signing the commitment and attending the induction . Once induction is completed, the final decision to join is made . </P>

What is the difference between scientology and the sea org