Sea Cadets Sea Cadets Programme

Why this award?

Sea Cadets is different from school. There's a lot of learning. But it's done through activities – on the water and off the water – and our volunteers leading by example. 

It's also different from home, a break from screens and being cooped up inside. The platform we offer is built on the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy. It inspires our work and commitment to supporting young people today.

Young people meet other Cadets at events around the UK, and on trips abroad; get comfortable with meeting people from different places and background; and confident in dealing with new situations, which can make going out into the world so much easier later on. 

You can literally see the difference Sea Cadets can make. In how they hold themselves, welcome new people, and support each other; how they listen better in school, aren’t offended by constructive feedback, and get on with teachers. 

Sea Cadets leaves us like this:

• Confident
• Feeling more in charge of themselves
• A leader people want to follow
• Comfortable speaking to anyone
• A brilliant team player
• Skilled, with qualifications to prove it
• With positive habits and thinking
• Adaptable
• Motivated

Who is it for?

There are 65 SCC Units in the Northern Area, offering opportunities for Cadets aged between 12 and 18.

What time commitment is required?

Once or perhaps twice a week (depending on the Unit), meeting in the evenings. Additionally, there are specialist courses and camps that can be attended.

Is the award externally accredited?

The Sea Cadets programme offers opportunities to achieve a wide range of water-based activity awards that are accredited by National Governing Bodies, e.g.

Royal Yachting Association: Sailing; Power-boating; Navigation

British Canoeing Union: Paddlesports

British Sub Aqua Club: Ocean Diver; Sports

Also available are Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards; St John’s Ambulance First Aid Training; BTEC and ILM qualifications in teamwork, leadership and citizenship / personal development skills; and leadership training to all grades of the Institute of Leadership and Management

Case study: 

It's great to be a sea cadet - views from young people in Scotland

Sea Cadets