FAQ's for cadets
How do I join?
We have intake days at our Northampton base on the first Tuesday of every month for those wishing to join. If you wish to join at our Rushden site then you can join on any of our parade nights (Tuesday or Friday).
How soon can I have my uniform?
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 (if not it may take a little longer.)
How much does my uniform cost?
Uniforms are provided free of charge by the Ministry of Defence. However, units are responsible for equipment provided so we do ask for a small refundable uniform donation in case of loss or damage. (£20.00). Please note that ten pounds of this deposit is usually retained to pay for disposable items such as badges, tapes, cap tallies and lanyards.
Do I have to pay to attend Sea Cadets?
A subscription charge of £10.00 is payable for months membership after a short probation period. This money helps towards upkeep of the Unit. This subscription can either be paid each month, quarterly or annually in advance. It is due the first parade night of each new month. Subscriptions can also be paid by cheques made payable to Northampton Sea Cadets. The unit also operates a standing order agreement for the payment of subscription donations and this is the preferred method of payment as it reduces the administration burden upon the unit.
I have other regular activities on one of the Parade nights, can I attend only one night a week?
Yes, but to be fair to yourself, the staff and other Cadets, you should attend well over the minimum 50% of Parades. It is usual to book leave for the parade night you can not attend. Leave is booked through use of a request form system.
Are the Staff strict?
"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 and boating.
I want to join the Royal Navy/Royal Marines when I am older. Will Sea Cadets guarantee my entry?
No. Being a Sea Cadet will not guarantee entry into the services, but on your application to join, the C.O. 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.
Can I stay in the Cadets as long as I like?
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.
Can I leave when I want?
Yes, you will need to just return the uniform on loan to you, but most Cadets once they have joined normally stay.
Can my parents visit the Unit?
Yes, parents and friends are always welcome, but we ask that visitors bear in mind that Cadets may be under instruction. Parents and friends may like to consider helping out in other ways. Also the unit for security reasons does not let unknown adults have access to the cadets.
My friend is only 11, can he/she join?
Yes, we have a junior section for 10 - 12 years olds.
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 get the most out of the Sea Cadet Corps. Also you may find that to gain advancement some courses are necessary.
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. If cadets cannot swim some activities such as offshore sailing and canoeing may not be open to them.
Can I go on board ships?
Yes. In fact some of the courses on offer take place on board ships. Trips to RN ships are arranged whenever possible. The unit also has an affiliated steamship call the SS Shieldhall which offers the unit regular opportunities to go to sea.
Is transport arranged to SCC activities?
Generally the answer is yes, but it depend on the event and availability of staff. Most events organised by the unit are run using the unit minibus. The unit will advise on individual transport requirements depending on the event. All transport to an event will leave and return to the unit headquarters in Northampton. It is the cadet parents responsibility to arrange transport to and from the unit headquarters before and after any SCC activity. On some occasions it may be necessary for us to ask parents to assist in transport to and from some courses.
Do I get to use real guns?
The Sea Cadets use disabled rifles for drill and ceremonial purposes. However, shooting courses are available throughout the year. No one has to use guns if they don’t want to.
Can Royal Marines Cadets go boating?
Yes, the Royal Marines Cadets can do all of the activities of the Sea Cadets. However the focus of their training is the land based adventure. Where Sea Cadets focus on afloat based training.
Can I transfer between the Royal Marines Cadets and the Sea Cadets?
Yes, this is allowed however this can disturb the progress of your training. It is therefore only approved to transfer once this has been discussed with and agreed with the Commanding Officer.
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.
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)