News

Sea Cadets have successfully reached almost 8,000 schoolgirls through its Marine Engineering Project (MEP) in 2022, encouraging them to explore careers in engineering and science. The free programme, funded by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) and the Royal Navy, has delivered through schools across the UK since 2016, aiming to get young pupils aged 9-14 more interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects through hands-on challenges and experiments.

Through interactive exercises that align with the national curriculum, students learn about buoyancy, density, and other key concepts in marine engineering. By relating these topics to everyday life, the MEP workshops provide a unique learning experience outside of the traditional classroom.

82% of the girls surveyed, after participating in the MEP workshop, reported enjoying the experience, with over half saying they would consider a career in marine engineering. The programme also offers insights into a range of engineering careers, from traditional mechanical and electrical engineering to aeronautical and environmental engineering. Additionally, the fact that three out of five MEP workshop leaders are female provides young female pupils with role models in the field.

The MEP workshops also emphasize environmental awareness and sustainable solutions in marine engineering, covering topics such as rising sea levels, ocean and river pollution, and shipping pollution. As 9-year-old Molly, who participated in the programme, said, "I didn't know about all the environmental problems because of engineering. I would like to try and be one and help fix them and make the world better in the future."

Teachers also praised the MEP workshops, with over 96% saying they would recommend the programme to other schools. "Through the MEP workshops, students can see that there are lots of careers within the STEM field," said one teacher. "It gives them a lot of future thought."

Stuart Rivers, Chief Executive of MNWB, which is the umbrella charity for UK Merchant Navy and fishing fleet which supports and promotes co-operation between organisations that provide welfare services to seafarers, fishermen and their dependents, said:

"There's been a lot of media attention on fewer female pupils choosing STEM subjects, and we're on a mission to change this. The MEP workshops showcase all that engineering has to offer and what a rewarding career choice it is."

It's time for the Royal Navy's Peregrine Trophy Photo Competition 2022! 

Each year cadets and volunteers with an eye for detail get a chance to take part in one of the best photographic awards competitions in the UK, with a special category just for Sea Cadets! Submit your entry forms to peregrine@ms-sc.org before 15 January 2023. Use this entry form here and check the rules here. 

101 sea cadets & volunteers lined the street at the Old Royal Naval College Greenwich in support of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh & the DofE International Award, for supporting & championing the potential of young people.

With thanks to their special guest HRH The Earl Of Wessex, who took the time to speak with all the cadets and volunteers involved.

Everyone had a great time at the National Drill and Piping Competition which took place on 23 and 24 April at HMS Raleigh.

It was brilliant for our Sea Cadets family to be back together again. This fantastic event is the culmination of months’ worth of practising to perform a routine with hundreds of drill movements to music from memory.

Thank you to all volunteers for the hours of hard work before, during, and after the event, it is very much appreciated. The cadets showed the highest values of commitment and teamwork throughout the event, so should be proud of their achievements!

In attendance was CEO Martin Coles, the Former First Sea Lord and MSSC President Admiral Sir Philip Jones, Captain Sea Cadets, and the Commander of HMS Raleigh. We all spent time talking to the cadets and having tours of Torpoint Sea Cadets’ new unit building.

We are extremely grateful for the generous donation from the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Officers’ Association (RNVR).

This means more boating opportunities for sea cadets, including a new boating hub in Wallasey and four RS21 keel boats for the national fleet. It also funds 132 RS Zests, 120 kayaks, micro adventure grants to increase boating opportunities for cadets, and a twin screw displacement vessel on the River Thames for training cadets and seafarers.

We plan to name one of our vessels in honour of RNVR and display plaques on the keel boats as a constant reminder of the association’s generosity.

Chairman of the RNVR Officers' Association, Simon Wilson, said: “We are very pleased to make these resources available to Sea Cadets investing in young people’s futures. Playing our part in boosting the confidence, inspiration and opportunities of cadets across the UK also means that our legacy will live on through them.”