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 §.

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.

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