Training

Each unit is run by the Commanding Officer, assisted by his second-in-command, who is known as the 'First Lieutenant'. They in turn are assisted by a team of officers, senior rates and instructors. All staff instructing any 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. For more information about joining the Corps as adult staff, please feel free to come to the unit for a friendly chat.

Training for each year at TS Cardiff is basically broken into two sections, i.e. Summer and Winter.

Summer

During the summer months, our aim is to spend as much time as possible doing external and water-based training. We have excellent facilities for boating, and offer training in a wide range of boating activities.

Winter

In the winter, we concentrate on the Sea Cadet Corps training syllabus, which is broken into two sections, aptly named Part I & Part II.

Part I training is a fixed syllabus for each cadet level; this gives you the basic knowledge to advance through the ranks of the Sea Cadets. Subjects included in this are:

Activities available in the SCC
Cadet General Training
Fire Prevention
Principles of First Aid
Outline of Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme
Instructional Technique
Leadership Training
Piping (Boatswain's Call)
Parade Training (Foot and Rifle Drill)
Power of Command
Royal Navy History, Traditions & Customs
SCC Organization / History
SCC / RN / RAF / Army Rank Structures
Ship's Routine
Seamanship and Boat Work
Safety Awareness
Safe Handling of Weapons

This list is by no means exhaustive and every effort is made to carry out the training in a practical way, rather than sitting in a classroom.

Part II training is your chosen proficiency specialisation; this is the subject that you will become most proficient at, including:
Band
Cook / Steward
Expedition Training (field craft / camping)
First Aid
Full-Bore Shooting
Engineering Mechanic
Meteorology
Piping
Physical Training
Radio Communications
Small Bore Shooting (Brighton Unit has it's own indoor range)
Swimming
Writer / Stores (supply & secretarial)

Cadets can qualify for some of the specializations within the Unit; others may require going away to other SCC Units or RN Establishments in order to qualify.

Advancement
There is a rank/rate structure within the Sea Cadet Corps, similar to that in the Royal Navy. You will start as a New Entry and then progress through Cadet, Ordinary Cadet, Able Cadet, Leading Cadet and Petty Officer Cadet. To achieve advancement you will need to:
(i) Complete a task book covering Part I Compulsory Training.
(ii) Complete the correct level of specialist training (not necessary until Able Cadet).
(iii) Achieve the correct number of points from Proficiency Training.
(iv) Pass a simple test / examination.