Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Sea Cadets?

Sea Cadets are boys and girls ages 12 to 18 (Junior Cadets are aged 10 to 11), who have an interest in having fun, the sea & watersports, boats, engines, military training, naval history, physical fitness, learning team spirit and co-operation, with like-minded young people, etc. They are people who are looking for an adventurous, rewarding and enjoyable experience
with a strong nautical theme. On reaching the age of 18, the best cadets, with suitable advancement, can apply to become Adult Civilian instructors or uniformed Petty Officers.

What do the Sea Cadets do?

 All Sea Cadets receive instruction in a wide variety of new skills. Cadets have the opportunity to get involved in many activities, not just at the Unit, but also with other cadets throughout Britain, as well as experiencing life afloat in a Royal Navy ship or shore establishment. Cadets interested in sea training get the opportunity to experience voyages (at very competitive rates) on a fleet of power and sail training vessels operated by the Sea Cadets Association. But for many cadets, their first experience of life afloat is often on inland waters on one of our own boats, where they can learn to sail, canoe, row, or operate a powerboat under close supervision of our qualified instructors.

Why should I become a Sea Cadet?

Because it is great fun and you will learn all kinds of really interesting things, and you'll go to places none of your friends will probably ever have the opportunity to go to!

What are the membership requirements?

All new cadets must be between the ages of 12 and 18 years, or 10 to 11 years for Juniors, and have their parents’ consent, be interested in TS Cardiff’s programme and be prepared to attend parade nights regularly.

How long does it take to join?

You can join with a minimum of fuss on the first night, when you would be enrolled as a New Entry Cadet. The Unit Staff will then give you some introductory training, which is designed to put you at ease when you parade in uniform for the first time.

When are the Parade Nights?

Cadets Parade every Monday and Thursday, 18:55 - 21:15 (6.55pm - 9:15pm). Juniors parade on Thursdays nights only, also between 18:55 - 21:15.

Do we only do drill during parade evenings?

No. Drill is a very small part of the training provided.

What do we do at our parades?

Our meetings are like any other naval or military organisation. We teach drill & marching, discipline, Naval and Sea Cadet history & traditions, first aid, weapons respect, shipboard operations, mechanics, etc. From time to time, we also have outside speakers both from the private sector and the Royal Navy.

I sometimes have other activities on one of the Parade nights. Can I attend on only one night a week?

Yes, but to be fair to yourself, the staff and other cadets, you should attend well over 50% of parades throughout the year.

Are there any compulsory parades?

Yes. Each cadet is required to attend a number of ceremonial parades during the year: The RBL Festival of Remembrance, the Remembrance Sunday Parade (both in November), and the annual Royal Naval Parade (in March/April).

Do I have to pay for parade evenings I don't attend?

No, only for those attended.

What equipment and clothing is provided by the unit?

The unit will normally provide all uniform and appropriate safety equipment, etc, to enable the cadet to participate in the activities on offer. You will, however, need to provide a pair of plain (preferably military-style), black, lace-up shoes or boots.

What do my parents have to do to enable me to take part?

Parental and photographic consent forms are required to be completed for you to join. Also, parental consent is required every time you undertake any activities away from the unit.

Can my parents visit the Unit?

Yes, parents and friends are encouraged and always welcome, but we ask that visitors bear in mind that cadets may be under instruction, and should not be disturbed.

Can parents become involved with the unit as well?

Yes. At TS Cardiff we encourage you help in some way - we need your participation! Whatever skills you have, any time you can spare would be greatly appreciated. Just speak with the Commanding Officer about what our unit's current needs are and how you might be able to help.

What commitment do I have to make?

Sea Cadets undertake to attend at least one parade night per week, to take care of their uniforms, and to obey their instructors.

Who runs the unit and what qualifications do they have?

The Unit's Commanding Officer, CPO Michael Dixon, runs the unit on a day-to-day basis. All the Unit’s staff undergo training in the requirements of the Sea Cadet Corps, but any skills they already possess are put to good use. All supervisory staff are required to follow the Sea Cadet Corps 'Code of Conduct' and are subject to a vetting procedure before being offered a position within the unit.

What about boys and girls with disabilities?

The Sea Cadets welcome and work with young people with disabilities.

What does all this cost?

Surprisingly little. Contributions to Unit expenses are £1.00 per parade night for both Cadets and for Juniors; this is to cover normal parade activities. Occasionally, outside facilities are hired to aid training, e.g. swimming, football, but costs are kept to a minimum.

Is the uniform expensive?

You do not have to purchase a uniform - it is available on loan from the Unit, but please note that boots or shoes are not normally provided.

What about insurance?

All cadets and staff are fully insured to take part in Sea Cadet activities

Do cadets get a chance to go on a wide range of RN Ships, such as frigates, destroyers and large aircraft carriers?

Yes. The Royal Navy actively encourages cadets to visit HM Ships. In fact, some of the courses on offer take place onboard RN ships.

Do I have to go on courses?

No, courses are not compulsory, although we do like cadets to attend as many courses as possible in order to gain qualifications and to get the most out of the Sea Cadet Corps.

What opportunities are there for promotion?

We adopt a similar structure to the Royal Navy. You start as either a Junior Sea Cadet (10 - 12 year olds) or a New Entry Cadet (12 or over); you then become a Cadet, gaining promotion to Ordinary Cadet, Able Cadet, Leading Cadet, and eventually, if you work hard, you can attain the highest cadet rate of Petty Officer Cadet, all before reaching the age of 18 when the best are invited to join the Staff.

Q. What about ranks?
A. Ranks are solely for officers; those who are not officers are called 'Ratings'. All Cadets follow a rating structure, with each
advancement bringing more responsibility and involvement in the running of the unit.

What are the rates and minimum requirements?

(1) Cadet: Completion of New Entry Training.

(2) Ordinary Cadet: Successful completion of the Cadet Training Task Book, and Ordinary Cadet Test, plus have at least 8 advancement points (awarded when a cadet qualifies in a particular specialisation or proficiency).

(3) Able Cadet: Successful completion of the Able Cadet Training Task Book, and Able Cadet Test, plus have at least 15 advancement points.

(4) Leading Cadet: Successful completion of the Leading Cadet Training Task Book, and have completed a Leading Cadet Advancement Course at one of the SCC Training Centres, plus have at least 30 advancement points.

(5) Petty Officer Cadet: Successful completion of the Petty Officer Cadet Training Task Book, and have completed a Petty Officer Cadet Advancement Course at one of the SCC Training Centres, plus have at least 60 advancement points.

What about Staff Ranks?

Unlike cadets, staff do not have advancement points.

(1) Civilian Instructor: Any adult who is prepared to give up their free time to assist with teaching cadets will normally start out as a Civilian Instructor (CI). After 6 months, a CI may apply to become a uniformed member of staff and become a Probationary Petty Officer (PPO).

(2) Probationary Petty Officer: If a cadet reaches the rank of POC by the age of 18, then the next stage is advancement to PPO.

(3) Petty Officer (PO): A PPO has three years in which he/she must complete a one week qualifying course, before he/she can then be confirmed in the rate of Petty Officer.

(4) Chief Petty Officer (CPO): After five years as a PO, it is possible to be promoted to CPO. This involves another course.

(5) Warrant Officer (WO): Is the highest non-commissioned officer rate in the SCC. There is one WO per area, who is selected according to merit and ability.

(6) Midshipman (Mid): This is the trainee rank of commissioned officer in the SCC. Midshipmen need to pass a Junior Staff Officer’s Course before they can then be promoted to Sub-Lieutenant.

(7) Sub-Lieutenant (S/Lt): Is the lowest of the fully-commissioned ranks available in the Sea Cadet Corps and can be attained from the rate of PO or CPO after a period of time.

(8) Lieutenant (Lt): After a period of time serving as a S/Lt, an officer may be promoted to Lt.

(9) Lieutenant-Commander (Lt Cdr): An officer has to be either a District Officer, or CO of a very large unit. Lt Cdr is the highest rank a Sea Cadet Officer can achieve.

How about awards, badges etc?

You will be awarded badges (modelled on those worn in the Royal Navy) to be worn on your uniform when you reach certain levels of skill in an activity, or upon promotion to a higher rate. All Cadets have the opportunity to attend courses in which they can qualify for nationally recognised awards such as Royal Yachting Association, British Canoe Union and the Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. In addition, any Cadet who has maintained good conduct through out the first three years of enrolment is entitled to 'a good conduct badge' (chevron) for each year (up to a maximum of three badges).

Must I be able to swim?

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, and you only need to be able to swim for certain boating activities, and to be promoted to Leading Cadet.

I want to join the Royal Navy or Royal Marines when I am older. Will Sea Cadets guarantee my entry?

No, but on your application to join the Services, the Careers Officer will ask your Commanding Officer for a report on you. Should you successfully pass the entrance exam, then good attendance and "taking part" in Cadets will prove to be an advantage. As a matter of interest, a large number of the serving naval personnel originated in the Sea Cadet Corps.

Am I expected to join the services?

A cadet is not expected to join the armed forces once they leave. The Sea Cadets is not a pre-service organisation, but it does enjoy a close relationship with the Royal Navy.

Can I stay in the Cadets as long as I like?

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

Can I leave when I want?

Yes, but most Cadets once they have joined usually stay.

Do I have to go to sea?

A number of our recruits enrol as Sea Cadets without a desire to 'go to sea'. These cadets can undertake a variety of land-based activities, which include adventure training, ceremonial drill, physical training, communications, cookery/stewarding, first aid, etc.

What does the general public see?

TS Cardiff is proud of its public presentations. Each cadet will be trained to perform simple drill movements at attention and on the march, with and without ceremonial drill-purpose rifles. Older cadets will get the opportunity to become more proficient, leading to Instructor status.

What about my uniform?

On completion of 12 attendances, and providing you are successful in the test (which isn't difficult), your attendance has been good and your uniform size is available in the Unit, you will be issued with your uniform.

I've been in the Armed Forces and I’d like to support my local Sea Cadets, can I do that?

Many of our volunteers have been in the Royal Navy or other Armed Forces. Their skills, experience and enthusiasm give cadets a unique insight add to the cadet experience, along with the rank structure we operate. We also welcome those with experience in the Merchant Navy and other youth organisations.

Do I have to be in the Royal Navy to be a volunteer?

No, not at all, we are looking for people with enthusiasm and energy and who are committed to helping young people reach their goals.