The Sea Cadets

The Sea Cadet Corps is a nationwide voluntary uniformed youth organisation, open to all young people aged 12 to 18, Marine Cadets for young people aged 13 to 18 and with Junior Sections open to those of 10 to 12 years of age. It is Britain's most successful nautical organisation for the development of young people with Units run by enthusiastic adult volunteers.

With its beginnings dating as far back as 1854, the Sea Cadets probably has the longest continuous history of any youth movement in the UK. What started as an informal gesture by a well-meaning clergyman, concerned for disadvantaged boys orphaned by the Crimean War, has grown over the years to the point where just under 400 Units nationwide regularly welcome more than 13,000 cadets, nearly half of them girls.

The Sea Cadets offer a wide range of largely free activities ranging from sailing and canoeing, rock climbing, engineering, IT and communications, to music and cookery. The Corps aims to encourage good citizenship and provide worthwhile qualifications (including the Duke of Edinburgh award and BTEC), experience and adventure for young people. Cadets have the opportunity to learn life skills whilst having fun and making friends.

We have a rank structure modelled on that of the Royal Navy, giving Cadets an opportunity to progress and take up positions of responsibility as they acquire skills and seniority. On reaching 18, many Cadets choose to stay on as adult instructors, when their training and talents become invaluable.