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Q. WHO CAN JOIN?

A. Anyone, male or female, from 12 years old to 18. Younger boys and girls can join the Junior Sea Cadets from age 10 if their local unit has a section, and boys over 13 can join the Marine Cadet Detachment if their unit has one.

Q. DO I WEAR A UNIFORM?

A. Yes. The Sea Cadets are proud to wear a uniform which is almost identical to the Royal Navy. Cadets are issued with two uniforms, a working rig and a best rig.

Q. HOW SOON CAN I HAVE MY UNIFORM?

A. On completion of 6 weeks training, providing you are successful in the test (which isn't difficult), your attendance has been good and your uniform size is held in the Unit.

Q. HOW MUCH DOES MY UNIFORM COST?

A. Uniforms are provided free of charge by the Ministry of Defence. However, Units are responsible for equipment provided so we do ask for a refundable uniform deposit in case of loss or damage. You will receive your uniform after six weeks of basic training. This uniform will remain the property of MOD(N).

Q. DO I HAVE TO PAY TO ATTEND SEA CADETS?

A. Most units charge subscriptions, normally of about 50 pence per parade night which goes towards upkeep of unit headquarters. When a cadet is issued their uniform, a deposit is normally paid on it of, but this is returned when the cadet leaves the Corps. The only other things which cost are courses, but most courses cost under £15 per week, all inclusive. All normal unit activities and
boatwork are FREE.

Q. HOW COME IT'S SO CHEAP?

A. The Sea Cadet Corps is partly subsidised by the Royal Navy and Sea Cadet Association (formerly the Navy League) but most of its money comes from fundraising activities, as both the Corps itself and each individual unit are registered charities.

Q. WHAT DO YOU DO?

A. What don't we do! Not only do we do waterborne activities such as sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, rowing, powerboating, etc., we shoot, swim, hike, camp and fly, as well as visiting Royal Naval ships and bases, and doing specialist courses in seamanship, communications, engineering, physical training, and so on.

Q. I HAVE OTHER REGULAR ACTIVITIES ON ONE OF THE PARADE NIGHTS, CAN I ATTEND ONLY ONE NIGHT A WEEK?

A. Yes, but to be fair to yourself, the staff and other Cadets, you should attend well over 50% of Parades.

Q. WHO IS IN CHARGE?

A. Each unit is under the command of a Commanding Officer, who is assisted by a team of officers, senior rates and instructors. Any staff instructing an activity are fully trained and qualified to do so. All staff must be approved by the Commanding Officer before they are permitted to teach cadets. All adult staff are required to provide character references and a Police Check prior to working with the Cadets.For more information about joining a unit as adult staff, please contact your local unit.

Q. ARE THE STAFF STRICT?

A. "Serious Fun" is what joining the Sea Cadets is all about! Some of the activities require teamwork, concentration and for safety purposes cadets need to be able to respond to instructions quickly and without question, so "yes" there is a certain amount of discipline. This is particularly important with activities such as rifle shooting.

Q. WHAT ABOUT THE DISCIPLINE?

A. The Sea Cadet Corps is a uniformed organisation and not a youth club. Cadets who habitually misbehave or who are continually disruptive will be denied the use of the Unit's facilities. This is for their own safety and that of the other Cadets and Staff. If they are unable to accept the level of discipline required by the Sea Cadet Corps, eventually they will be asked to leave.

Q. HOW DO I GET PROMOTED?

A. Cadets can be promoted by collecting points. The more points, the better. Points are awarded for completing training and attending courses. Some subjects are worth more than others and cadets can choose which courses they want to attend.

Q. DO I HAVE TO GO ON COURSES?

A. No. Courses are not compulsory, although we do like Cadets to attend as many courses as possible in order to get the most out of the Sea Cadet Corps.

Q. DO I HAVE TO JOIN THE ROYAL NAVY OR ROYAL MARINES WHEN I LEAVE?

A. Not at all. The Sea Cadets are not a pre-service organisation, but if you do want to join one of the sea services, the Sea Cadet Corps will support you.

Q. IF I WANT TO JOIN THE RN/RM WHEN I AM OLDER. WILL THE SEA CADETS GUARANTEE MY ENTRY?

A. No. Being a Sea Cadet will not guarantee entry into the services, but on your application to join, the Commanding Officer will be asked to report on you, by the Careers Officer. Should you successfully pass the entrance exam, then good attendance and "taking part" in Cadets may well prove to be an advantage. As a matter of interest, a large part of the serving naval personnel originated in the Sea Cadet Corps.

Q. CAN I STAY IN THE SEA CADETS AS LONG AS I LIKE?

A. Yes, provided you have reached the rate of Cadet Petty Officer by the time you reach 18. Then, if you wish, you may become either a Probationary Petty Officer on the staff or a Civilian Instructor.

Q. CAN I LEAVE WHEN I WANT?

A. Yes, but most Cadets once they have joined normally stay.

Q. CAN MY PARENTS VISIT THE UNIT?

A. Yes, parents and friends are always welcome, but we ask that visitors request an appointment as an impromptu visit may cause staff to leave Cadets who are under instruction. There are many open days throughout the year and parents are invited to attend. Parents and friends may like to consider helping out in other ways.

Q. MY FRIEND IS ONLY 11, CAN HE/SHE JOIN?

A. Yes, there is are junior section for 10 - 12 year olds in various units around the District.

Q. MUST I BE ABLE TO SWIM?

A. No. Lots of youngsters who join are not able to swim, but we hope you will learn while you are with us. There are within the Corps qualified swimming instructors.

Q. CAN I GO ON BOARD SHIPS?

A. Yes. In fact some of the courses on offer take place on board ships. Trips to RN ships are arranged whenever possible.

Q. DO I GET TO USE REAL GUNS?

A. The Sea Cadets use disabled rifles for drill and ceremonial purposes. However, shooting courses are available throughout the year. No one has to handle guns if they don't want to. The Sea Cadets is the only cadet movement that allows you to complete your training without having to use weapons at all.

Q. WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

A. Check out your local unit and go along on one of the parade nights or give them a ring! The staff will be only too happy to help you.