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As part of our core values we are committed to diversity and inclusion. We are proud to support Pride Month and share stories from LGBTQ+ cadets across the Sea Cadets Corps. Thanks to Able Cadet Allen and volunteer PO Ollie Hain for sharing their story. Everyone is welcome at Sea Cadets regardless of LGBTQ+ status or gender identity.

"I joined Nottingham Sea Cadets in 2016 as a junior. I’ve had many amazing experiences as a cadet, if I could choose a highlight it would be training for the Eastern Area drill competition.

Ever since coming out to cadets in 2018, I have not been treated any different. I’ve always felt accepted. Cadets share something like a family bond no matter what; and being very supportive, it gave me such confidence to be who I am and come out at school as well.

If someone identifies as LGBTQ+ and is wanting to join Sea Cadets I would highly recommend it. Joining is truly life changing. The environment the volunteers and cadets create couldn't be more amazing. Being part of the Sea Cadets always made me feel proud."

 ABLE CADET ALLEN, 16, NOTTINGHAM SEA CADETS, TS ORION.

"I joined Parkstone Sea Cadets back in 2012 as a cadet and I have stayed as a volunteer.

Since coming out to my unit I feel that it's made me better as a volunteer and everyone respects me, no matter what.

If I did not follow the Sea Cadet Corps values in everyday life I feel that coming out as pansexual may not have happened, honesty to myself has become a big part of me.

Being part of Sea cadets also supported me with my autism by giving me more time to complete my training to progress through the ranks, my unit knows me very well so I feel part of the team.    

Sea Cadets is for everyone. No matter your race your religion or sexuality it's like one big family and has helped me to become a better man, I am proud to wear my uniform."

VOLUNTEER (PO) SCC OLLIE HAIN, PARKSTONE SEA CADETS

Today is volunteer voices day, not one volunteer experience at Sea Cadets is the same. Join the conversation on Facebook to hear from volunteers on what they do!

Today's volunteer spotlight is on Lt Cdr (SCC) Dave Finlay (pictured), nominated by Alfie Simpson at Derwenthaugh Boat Station, talked about Dave's considerable contributions and commitment over a number of years: 

“Dave ran a successful unit as Chief Officer of Ashington. He held the post of District Officer Northumberland before becoming the Chief Instructor at Derwenthaugh. Dave gives huge commitment to the Boat Station and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) last year. He has been instrumental in getting cadets out on the water during the pandemic when restrictions eased and activity was allowed.”

The RYA says that “Dave is determined to encourage confidence on the water and has always been very approachable. If you have a question, Dave is the one to ask.

As well as attending teaching most weekends he started a sailing development programme which proved very popular with the cadets, soon producing some young assistant instructors.

Now an RYA training centre, Derwenthaugh has helped cadets and staff from local units to become instructors as result of Dave’s programme. In addition, Dave helps other instructors host Marine Engineering courses."

BZ and thank you Dave for all you do for Sea Cadets.

We’re proud partners of Power Of Youth day, a celebration of the contributions young people make to society through volunteering and social action as part of Volunteers Week 2021.

Thousands of sea cadets contributed 38,563 days of volunteering to their communities in 2019 / 2020

Just one of those cadets is John Challenger (BEM), awarded the British Empire Medal for organising virtual activities that engaged 300+ cadets weekly, organising a forum for young people to share their stories and discuss issues they were facing to come up with solutions.

Watch John talk about the volunteering work here.

This Volunteers' Week 2021 we’re saying a massive thank you to our 9,000 volunteers.

We asked our cadets to send in nominations. Hear from Leading Cadet Gouge who nominated Sub-Lieutenant May from Teflord unit. (pictured)

“For Volunteers Week, I’d like to nominate Sub-Lieutenant May from Telford Unit. She is one of the best cadet staff I have ever met and has supported me through everything in my life in an outside of cadets. She never fails to motivate me and never fails to give me any advice when I need it and she is always there for me to talk to. She honestly saved my life in cadets and I don’t think I’d be where I am in the Corps without her. She dedicates so much time and effort to the unit and is honestly such a great attribute.”

Sea Cadets is deeply saddened by the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

His Royal Highness served as Admiral of the Sea Cadets Corps from 1952 to 1992 as well as having served the Royal Navy as Lord High Admiral of the Fleet and Captain General Royal Marines.

“We mourn the loss of Prince Philip, who we considered part of the Sea Cadets’ family,” says Captain Phil Russell RN, Captain Sea Cadets.

“Sea Cadets remembers with affection The Duke of Edinburgh’s 40 years of dedication and service to cadets and his continued deep interest in our work launching young people for life.

Many of our cadets have also greatly benefitted from His Royal Highness’s inspirational Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme which continues to enable many thousands of young people around the world to prepare for their future lives with confidence, skill and positivity. His Royal Highness leaves the world an extraordinary and enduring legacy.”

Ensigns across Sea Cadets are being flown at half-mast.