Training & Activities

The Royal Navy helps provide us with all sorts of training courses, buildings, boats and gear. As well as providing training in Waterborne Activities, the Corps has a training scheme that offers what we call Specializations and Proficiencies. The badge earned by successfully completing each activity is shown to the left of each description below.

At TS Dianthus, we offer a wide training programme. All activities that we undertake are fully supervised by qualified instructors. Our training year is more or less broken into two seasons:

Advancement

There is a rank structure within the Sea Cadet Corps, similar to that in the Royal Navy. You will start as a New Entry and then progress through Cadet, Ordinary Cadet, Able Cadet, Leading Cadet and Cadet Petty Officer. To achieve advancement you will need to:

Complete a task book covering Part 1 Compulsory Training
Complete the correct level of specialist training (not necessary until Able Cadet)
Achieve the correct number of points from Proficiency Training
Pass a simple test §.

Waterborne Activity Training

Cadets train under Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and British Canoe Union (BCU) rules for all boating activities except Pulling (i.e. rowing).

	Canoeing / Kayaking also allows you to develop your own personal skills. All training is conducted under the auspices of the British Canoe Union (BCU) by the Corps own qualified instructors.
	Dinghy Sailing allows you to work by yourself in a single-handed dinghy or as part of a team in a larger one. It develops self-confidence and awareness of natural elements.We use our Bosun, Topper and Laser sailing dinghies, as well as - sometimes - higher performance craft.
	Offshore Power Boating. The SCC offers offshore power boat training in a number of large power vessels, which frequently visit British and Foreign ports. TS John Jerwood is a 75 foot motor-ship kitted out with all the latest technology for sea training from seamanship and ship handling to navigation and marine engineering. The Marine Society offer Units their Training Ship Earl of Romney as an training platform.
	Offshore Sailing / Yachting. The Sea Cadet Corps has a number of large sailing craft on which Cadets can sail. Our flagship is T. S. Royalist, which is a two masted square-rigged ‘Brig’. Cadets can attend week long trips on Royalist and learn how to work as part of the crew, while at the same time visiting British or Foreign ports.
	Power Boating allows cadets to learn boat handling in displacement. Older cadets can learn to plane in fast rescue craft.
	Pulling (i.e. rowing) is the basis for all good seamanship practices. It teaches good teamwork and waterborne skills and has been a skill exercised by the navies of the world for hundreds of years.
	Windsurfing / Board Sailing is an activity which is available to cadets and includes training.

TS Royalist	TS Jerwood
TS Earl of Romsey	HMS Bristol

Click on  { Dinghy photos } { Royalist photos } { Obstacle course photos } { Cadet syllabus } { Our Seas } §.

Part 1 Syllabus (Basic Training)

There is a fixed syllabus in which cadets must become proficient before being promoted. Items include:

SCC Organisation, History & Activities
SCC / RN / RAF / Army / RM Rank Structure & Badges
Royal Navy History, Traditions & Types of Ship
Ship's Routine
Boatwork
Parade Training (Foot & Rifle Drill)
Safe handling of weapons
Power of Command
Leadership
Instructional Technique
Basic Seamanship
Fire Prevention
Safety Awareness
Principles of First Aid
Health & Hygiene
Outline of Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
Piping (Boatswain's Call)
Swimming is a major part of Sea Cadet life, as we spend much of it on the water. Although you don't have to be able to swim on joining, all Sea Cadets must pass their SCC Swimming test before going on waterborne courses.

The Bugle Call has been used by military organisations as a form of signaling throughout history. Bugling has been popular with the Navy since the era of the cruiser. (Ten calls have to be learned in order to earn the Cadet Bugler Badge).

Piping the Side is one example of various 'pipings', which are used to signal certain situations. Piping The Side is used to indicate arrival / departure of COs, Royal Family etc., or bodies being taken aboard / ashore or committed to the sea §.

Click on { Common Knots } { Measuring time } { Blocks & tackles} { Shackles & thimbles } { Hitches }

Part 2 Syllabus (Specialist Training)

You learn a specialisation - the subject at which you will become most proficient.   You can choose from the following:

	Communications. You'll learn about Voice & Data Communications, Morse Code (sound & flashing light), Flag Recognition (Semaphore and International Code of Signals), and Communications History. We'll teach you the proper methods for transmitting over the radio and how a radio works. You can get to talk to other units, warships or non-Corps operators.
	Cook Steward. The basics will see you making tea, coffee & herbal tea and folding napkins. Before too long, you'll be preparing and running dinner and cocktail parties. This includes preparing and serving food, laying table AND CLEARING UP!
	Mechanical Engineering training covers basic mechanics and maintenance of diesel & petrol engines. NVQs can be gained.
	Electrical Engineering training covers basic electrics, electrical theory & equipment maintenance. NVQs can be gained. (Marine Engineering offers a combination of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering.
	First Aid is an important part of cadet training.You learn how to carry out vital lifesaving techniques and basic first aid skills with our qualified First Aid instructors. Most courses are HSE certificated.
	Navigation. An understanding of practical navigation will be part of all waterborne activity, especially offshore sailing and cruising.
	Physical Training / Sport & Recreation. These include Five -a-Side Football, Swimming, Athletics, Target Shooting, Orienteering, Sailing and Windsurf Racing, Canoe racing and many others.
	Seamanship training includes all aspects of practical seamanship, rope work, rigging, sail making, splicing, navigation and chart work.
	Writer Stores gives you the foundation for office-based work, including typing, spreadsheets, telephone skills, filing systems and basic stores monitoring / accounting. NVQs can be gained.

Click  on  { COMMUNICATIONS }

Proficiency Training

Proficiency badges are gained from Unit, District, Area, or National courses or from civilian schemes such as the Royal Yachting Association or the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Each proficiency gives a certain number of points, which will count towards the number of points that you need for promotion.

	.117 Air Rifle. The Corps compete with other youth organisations at the Bisley Shoots each year. Most cadets will be offered training under very strict supervision with the .177 air rifle.
	Small Bore Shooting (.22 Rifle). The Corps compete with other youth organisations at the Bisley Shoots each year. Most cadets will be offered training (under very strict supervision).
	Full bore shooting is for more experienced cadets.
	Expedition Training covers camp craft, map reading, expedition planning, day walking, overnight camping, outdoor cookery and elements of first aid. More adventurous Cadets may follow Mountain Leadership training including Skiing. Abseiling & Rock-Climbing are popular adventure activities for older cadets, who are trained by highly qualified instructors.
	Meteorology. Each cadet requires a basic knowledge of meteorology. Courses at Royal Naval air stations are very popular.
	Band Music. Cadets can become proficient as a drummer, bugler or piper.  To view the  Our Band  page, click on the badge to the left.
	Sub Aqua Diving is limited to older cadets, who are trained by highly qualified instructors (all under BSAC rules).
	Piping. Various 'pipings' are used to signal certain situations. See photo immediately below.
	Duke of Edinburgh Award. To find out more about the Award, click on the badge to the left.

Camps, Competitions, BTEC, Drug Awareness, Exchanges

BTEC Diploma in Public Service. Scores of Sea Cadets have signed on or are already receiving instruction to earn the BTEC award - equivalent to four GCSEs. Click on { BTEC }.

"The sea cadets have taken to the scheme like ducks to water. Now we hope their enthusiasm will encourage other cadets to come aboard."  -  Cadet Vocational Qualifications Marketing Manager.

Camps / Visits. Many weekend camps are organised throughout the year for boating and other camping activities. These take place at (Woking & District) Unit level, District level, Area level and National Level. Click on Woking & District Unit's  summer camp photos.

Competitions. We take part in competitions for many activities throughout the year, such as Boat-handling, Sailing, Canoeing, Pulling (i.e. rowing), Shooting, Drill, Piping, 5-a-Side Football, Leadership Skills, Orienteering, Camp craft and Swimming. If we win the event at District Level, we then move on to Area Level and finally to National Level. Competitions are also held between the Sea Cadets Corps (SCC), Air Cadets Corps (ATC) and Army Cadets Force (ACF)

International Exchanges. There is an active programme of exchange visits in several countries - America, Canada, India, Japan, South Africa and many more - within the International Sea Cadet Association (ISCA) community.

Drug Awareness. The Corps has an ongoing programme of Drug Education §.

“Victory belongs to the man who has everything in order. It’s called 'good luck'. Defeat is the direct result for the man who has neglected to take the necessary precautions in time. It’s called 'bad luck'.”  Roald Amundsen

JOIN THE SAILING SET ..... BE A SEA CADET !