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FAQ

Why do Sea Cadets need more help?

We have 14,000 young people and many more hoping to join a local unit near them. But we need more volunteers to help and guide these young people so that they can grow and develop in a safe environment. If more adults helped out this would take the burden off our current volunteers and allow more young people to experience the thrill of being a Sea Cadet. More adults mean we can include more young people. We always welcome any help from adults.

How can I help with Sea Cadets?

There are many ways you can give your time to us whatever your gender, age, abilities and skills. Simply let us know your availability and how you would like to help and we will match this to roles within your local area.

I've never been a Sea Cadet or volunteer, does this matter?

No previous Sea Cadet experience is needed. Energy and enthusiasm are the qualities we are looking for.

My child is a Sea Cadet, is there anything I could do to help?

Yes definitely and we'd like to hear from you! Many of our volunteers have children, nephews and nieces in Sea Cadets, so they can see first hand how Sea Cadets benefits young people. Plus volunteering enables you to give something back, spend more time with your child. Volunteering for Sea Cadets is enjoyable, gives you more skills and allows you to share these with the next generation. Speak to your child's Commanding Officer to discuss how you might become involved.

I will only be able to help out on a flexible basis is this OK?

Yes. There are many different ways to volunteer for Sea Cadets and help your local Unit. There is bound to be a role you can play.

Will I get paid?

As a voluntary organisation we are unable to pay volunteers for the time they give. Out of pocket expenses are paid and many volunteers are offered opportunities to take part in adventure activities including boating, kayaking, sea training, plus social activities.

What are the benefits of helping us out?

There are a number of benefits you can gain from volunteering. Spending time with your child, learning new skills and contributing to your community are just a few of the reasons why our current volunteers choose to support Sea Cadets in their spare time. Plus you can earn qualifications in a range of subjects.

I don't have a specific skill but am keen to help out, what can I do?

Everyone will have a skill, attribute or ability that they can pass on to our young people. One of the best things about volunteering however is the chance to learn new skills for which you will be offered training.

Do I have to wear uniform?

No. Although Sea Cadets is a uniformed organisation, it will depend on the role you volunteer for, some adults in Sea Cadets do not have to wear a uniform.

Are there any age restrictions on helping out?

As long as you are over 18 years of age, you can help out as an adult volunteer once you have completed a successfull CRB check. There is no upper age limit for adult volunteers as long as you remain fit and healthy.

What is the process for joining?

There is an application form to fill out which someone at your local Unit will be able to help you with. For some roles you will be required to meet a small group of people outside of the group to discuss the role you wish to take on. References are also required for some roles. An enhanced Criminal Records (or equivalent in Scotland or Northern Ireland) check is carried out on all volunteers.

Will I be insured?

Yes. All volunteers are covered under MOD indemnity our Personal Accident and Medical Expenses Policy.

Does it cost anything to join the Sea Cadets?

Cadets are asked to pay a subscription of £10 per month (or £5 per month for Juniors who only attend once per week), which goes towards the upkeep of the unit and the equipment we use.

There are also charges for training courses and camps but these are kept to a minimum (typically around £15 for a weekend and £60 for a week) and include food, accommodation and the cost of training. These courses can take place in other units, at specialist Sea Cadet Training Centres or on Royal Navy bases. Some activities like offshore sailing and expeditions can, in certain circumstances, be supported by bursaries or grants.

Do I have to pay for my uniform?

No it is provided by the charity and will be issued to you on joining as well as any other equipment you might need to carry out your Sea Cadet activities.

What is the rank structure in Sea Cadets, how does that work?

Owing to our heritage our rank structure is aligned to the Royal Navy. Both cadets and volunteers enter a rank structure on joining Sea Cadets. Following a six month probabtionary period, and as you learn and master new skills you can rise through the structure; more qualified Sea Cadets often share in the guiding of younger less qualified Sea Cadets and volunteers can rise to the rank of Commander. Those joining the Royal Marines cadets follow a rank structure aligned to the Royal Marines.

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 Armed forces and their enthusiasm along with the experience and skills they have mean that Sea Cadets benefit from a unique insight into the adventure activities we offer them, along with the rank structure we operate.

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.

Can I participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Sea Cadets?

Yes and you can compete for it as part of your normal sea cadet activities.

What national qualifications can I achieve as a Sea Cadet?

There are many. You can gain qualifications from the Royal Yachting Association, British Canoeing Union, the British Sub Aqua club, St John's Ambulance brigade, the Institute of Leadership and Management and others. You can achieve BTEC qualifications in a range of subjects. We are always looking to update our syllabuses to make them relevant to young people, and, where appropriate, align them to nationally recognised bodies.

What is a BTEC qualification?

As a Sea Cadet you can work towards a BTEC in Public Services, Music or Engineering as part of your normal Sea Cadet activities. This is a nationally recognised qualification which is the equivalent to four GCSEs at grade C (four standard grades at level 3 in Scotland)