Sections

The Unit is divided into 2 Sections both working with each other

Sea Cadets

There is a rank structure within the Sea Cadets similar to that in the Royal Navy. To be promoted, you must complete the Part I training and gain the required number of points from the Part II Training.

The Sea Cadet Section is for boys and girls aged 12-18. They meet at the Unit on Mondays and Thursdays from 18:55 to 21:15. The Sea Cadets undertake two parts to their training; “Part I Training” concentrates on items such as Parade Training, Naval Structure/Customs, Leadership, Instructional Technique and much, much more. “Part II Training” concentrates on various activities such as Specialist Training, Waterborne Activities and Proficiency Activities. Each Part II Activity has a number of points associated with it that are awarded to the cadet when the activity is passed.

There is a rank structure within the Sea Cadets similar to that in the Royal Navy. To be promoted, you must complete the Part I training and gain the required number of points from the Part II Training.

Sea Cadets have two uniforms; the best uniform (No. 1) is very similar to that worn by the Royal Navy and is instantly recognisable. However, this is only worn for special occasions and once a month for the Commanding Officer's Inspection. The working uniform (No. 4), which is also the day-to-day working uniform of the Royal Navy, is practical and comfortable and is worn for the majority of cadet parades and activities.

Junior Sea Cadets

The Junior Sea Cadet Section is for boys and girls aged 10-12. They meet at the Unit on Thursday evenings from 18:55 to 21:15. Junior Sea Cadets undertake very similar training to Sea Cadets. When they reach the age of 12 they are then transferred to the Senior Section.

The emphasis is on practical and fun activities that are more enjoyable to younger members. The Junior Sea Cadet uniform is the same No. 4 working rig as worn by the Senior Section, but if a Junior Cadet is too small to fit into the uniform they will be given a loan of a Junior Section sweatshirt, upon which is the Sea Cadet Corps crest, and a beret.

Promotion Prospects

Just as with the Royal Navy, the Sea Cadets provide plenty of opportunity for promotion. In the early stages, promotion is decided on by the unit's Commanding Officer and relies on the cadet to gain a certain number of points (you earn points by gaining qualifications) and showing the appropriate level of maturity. For the higher rates you have to attend a course, either a district course which takes 2 weekends, or you can attend a week-long national course. Whichever you choose to do, it is guaranteed to be hard work, but a lot of fun.

After approximately 12 weeks, a New Entry Cadet will have been taught all the basics that they need to know and after passing a short test, and on the recommendation of the Divisional and Commanding Officers, they will be promoted to Cadet.


Ordinary Cadet – To reach this rate, you will be assessed on the subjects you have already been taught and further knowledge gained. You will also need to have gained a minimum number of 8 points as a result of qualifications earned from proficiency and specialisation subjects, and to have the CO's recommendation for promotion.

Able Cadet - To achieve this rate, you need all your basic knowledge and more, a minimum of 15 points earned as a result of specialist training or proficiencies, have qualified to at least 3rd Class standard in Seamanship, have gained at least 3 points in a single boating proficiency and, as always, have the recommendation of the CO.

Leading Cadet - To achieve this rate is very special. It is the equivalent to Corporal in the other cadet or armed services. You need to be at least 15 years old, have successfully completed either an examination board or an advancement course and an Area/District Interview, have at least 30 points earned as a result of qualifications gained in proficiency or specialist subjects, passed the SCC swimming test, be a qualified SCC Pulling Coxswain, either qualified 2nd Class in Seamanship or gained a second 3rd Class qualification in another specialisation, and gained 3 points in a single boating proficiency in addition to the SCC Pulling Coxswain qualification, and of course, also to have the CO's recommendation.

Petty Officer Cadet - This is the equivalent of Sergeant in the other cadet or armed services and the highest rate you can achieve as a cadet; only a few cadets actually do so. You have to be very dedicated to obtain this rate, but if you do, you will have the respect of one and all. To achieve this rate you need the following; be a minimum of 16 years old, pass either an examination board or PO Advancement Course and an Area/District Interview, have qualified to at least 2nd Class in a specialisation, have obtained at least a 3rd Class in another specialisation, have either qualified for the SCC Coxswain badge or have gained at least 15 boating proficiency points and as usual, be recommended by the Commanding Officer.