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FAQ

Cadets

 

When can I join?

Senior cadets (12-17) can join anytime of the year, so why not come along any Tuesday or Thursday evening to get your welcome pack.

Junior Sea Cadets (10-12) can only join at specific times of the year.  Notices will be placed on this website to tell you when you can next come along to the unit to start.  However, you can come along any Thursday evening to have a sneak peak and see what it is you would do if you became a junior!

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. All cadets enter a rank structure on joining Sea Cadets. Following a short probabtionary period, and completing your basic training, uniform will be issued and you will be assigned a division (group). Coming along to our events, completing training and meeting the standards for uniform and behaviour, means you will be rewarded with a promotion, moving through the rank structure, hopefully to a Petty Officer Cadet before becoming a staff member.

Do I have to pay for my uniform?

You do not pay for the uniform, however a deposit of £10 per uniform is paid, which is returned when a cadets leaves.  Boots and shoes are issued where the unit has sizes available, some cadets purchase their own.  Other kit can be loaned to a cadet for short term use, e.g. training weekend but must be returned for other cadets to use.

Does it cost anything to join the Sea Cadets?

Each month, a cadet will make a contribution to the unit.  This to keep the building running, (gas/electricit/water etc) and to buy all the equipment needed for training - staff are not paid.  Senior Cadets pay £10 a month, and Junior Cadets pay £5 a month.  Where two siblings (brother/sister) are cadets, only the older child has to pay subs. If you have two or more brothers/sisters, and you want to join the unit, please come and see the Commanding Officer and ask about contributions.  

There are lots of training opportunities outside of the unit, away at camps or weekend courses but these are kept to a minimum.  Cost shouldnt stop a cadet from getting involved, and we can in some cases help with costs; please speak to the Commanding Officer regarding this.  Some activities like offshore sailing and expeditions can, in certain circumstances, be supported by bursaries or grants.

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)

Civilian and Uniformed Instructors.

 

Why do Sea Cadets need more help?

Every single adult has a set of skills and knowledge, and can offer something unique to the cadets we support.  No matter how much or how little time you have, everyone can offer something, even if it is helping with transport, running the tuck shop, writing letters, or instructing cadets.  And we can offer everyone something too - come and speak to one of our staff to hear their about their own experiences!

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.  We welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life, as this helps vary the training we can offer to our cadets.

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

Yes definitely and we'd like to hear from you! There are many options open to parents to fit your skills and availability.  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, we ask that you help when you CAN; not when you have to.  We will always welcome you with open arms, no matter how long you have been a stranger!

Will I get paid?

As a voluntary organisation we are unable to pay volunteers for the time they give however, out of pocket expenses are paid.  Most of our staff find learning a new skill and achieving a nationally recognised qualification a big reward, as many would not have the opportunity otherwise.

Are there any age restrictions on helping out?

You must be at least 18 to become an adult volunteer.  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 a member of staff will be able to help you with.  New staff will meet the Commanding Officer and the Chairperson for an informal chat about their experience, committment and what they can offer the unit.  References and an enhanced Criminal Records check is carried out on all volunteers.  Once this process is complete, and all checks are satisfactory, you will be given some light reading to introduce you to the unit and Sea Cadets, and help you through your first few weeks with unit life.

Will I be insured?

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

What is the rank structure in Sea Cadets, do I have to wear a uniform?

Owing to our heritage our rank structure is aligned to the Royal Navy. Volunteers enter a rank structure on joining Sea Cadets. Following a six month probabtionary period, and a mandatory training course, you will decide whether to enter in uniform or stay a civilian instructor.  All adult volunteers must attend the mandatory training course.  There are various options open to volunteers based on their interests and committment.  Please ask a member of staff for help at any time,

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.

Unit Management Committee (UMC)

 

Who can join the UMC?

Anyone can join th UMC, including parents of cadets.

What does the UMC do?

The UMC is a committee that is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the building, equipment and the general running of the unit.  The UMC also helps raise fund by applying for grants, building business partnerships, and other general fundraising opportunties including bag packs, summer fetes etc. 

How often do the UMC meet?

There is a meeting once a month at the Unit with the Commanding Officer.  All matters regarding the running of the unit and funds are discussed at these meetings.  UMC members also help out at fundraising and other events where they can. 

How do I join the UMC?

All members of voted onto the committee at the annual general meeting (AGM).   To find out more about joining the UMC, come along to the unit.  If you cant wait for the AGM to start helping, consider one of our other roles such as a unit assistant, until the next AGM!

Unit Assistants

 

What are unit assistants?

Unit assitants are member of staffs that do not instruct.  They provide support to the unit in many other ways, including provding transport, printing letters/correspondence, helping with administration, helping with supervision of cadets, running tuck shop, and many other roles.  This role is perfect for parents of cadets or people who want to help but do not want to go away on courses.

Do I have to attend the unit every parade night?

Unit assistants give what time they can.  Some come regularly to help at the unit, some come once a week to help with admin etc.  Others come when needed, for example to events and other training to help.  There is no minimum commitment, and is as flexible as you need.

Do I wear a uniform?

Unit assistants do not wear a uniform.

Do I have to go on courses?

No, only instructional staff go on courses; unit assistants cannot go on courses unless they are the mandatory courses that all adult volunteers must do.


 

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