Whether you’re looking to gain qualifications and nautical nous – or simply to make new friends, the Sea Cadets has something for everyone.
Established in 1856, the Sea Cadets grew out of the Naval Lads’ Brigade – a community-led movement aiming to help the orphans of the Crimean War by giving them free nautical training and thereby a future.
The groups or corps developed quickly, gaining the royal seal of approval in 1899 when Queen Victoria became a patron and donated £10 to pay for uniforms for the members of her local branch in Windsor.
Today, the movement is the UK’s largest maritime youth charity and has more than 15,000 members aged 10 to 18, across 400 units. Recognised by the Ministry of Defence, it has a ranking system akin to the Royal Navy and young recruits can rise to the level of petty officer via able and leading cadet.
Its primary aim is to help youngsters navigate the difficult teenage years, while at the same time building resilience and offering members a welcoming community where they can learn new skills, gain qualifications and have fun.
“First and foremost we want to give them self-confidence and a sense of responsibility,” says Lt Joe Roots MBE RNR, commanding officer of the Wandsworth, Chelsea & Fulham Unit.
“Whenever I see my cadets out and about they are polite and respectful to others, which makes me feel very proud.”
While Sea Cadets undoubtedly has similarities to other uniformed youth organisations – it also has several aspects that set it apart: cadets can study for a BTEC (equivalent to four GCSEs at grade C) in Marine Engineering, Teamwork and Personal Skills or Music; gain accredited certification in various disciplines from the Royal Yachting Association and the British Canoeing Union; not to mention the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award – “at a fraction of the cost charged by schools”, adds Joe.
The groups meet twice a week. The evening, centre-based meetings cover a syllabus that includes aspects of history, meteorology and navigation, along with ‘drill’ – “a bit of marching and the raising of the flag” – while Sundays are reserved for boating.
“Although you don’t necessarily need to be near water, most units have access to boat stations,” explains Joe. “As we are in the happy position of having the river right outside our front door, we can offer our cadets the opportunity to try canoeing, sailing and powerboating. There is so much they can get involved in.”
The sessions are all run by volunteers which number some 9,000 across the UK. Joe says a lot of cadets go on to serve the organisation either as meeting helpers or as watersports instructors.
“Many go on to make a living using the skills and qualifications they have earned with us,” adds Joe. “Our cadets have gone on to hold all kind of positions – we have a Royal Navy Commander, a gunsmith, as well as many industry leaders. Most of them will tell you it was being a cadet that gave them the confidence to pursue their careers.”
As well as regular inter-unit competitions in football and sailing, there is also plenty of scope for visiting other parts of the UK too whether it’s for training courses, meetings or week-long ship stays. And if that’s not enough the Sea Cadets (like its Royal Navy relation) offers the chance for members to see the world – recent trips have included Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia.
And while all this may sound like it carries a hefty price tag, Joe is keen to stress that the Sea Cadets is very much open to everyone with weekly fees kept to a minimum and bursaries available for those who may need financial assistance.
“Sea Cadets has so much to offer,” says Joe. “Yes, there are some great activities but it’s more than that – they can learn skills that will build their self-confidence and hopefully set them up for life.”
For information about Wandsworth, Chelsea & Fulham Unit, visit: sea-cadets.org/wandsworth-scc-278; or for more general information, visit: sea-cadets.org
