Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1 - How old do I need to be to join Hartlepool Sea Cadets?

Hartlepool Sea Cadets has a junior section open for people aged 10 and 11, we then have a senior section open for people aged 12 to 17. However, if your aged 18+ you may join a Hartlepool Sea Cadets as an adult instructor.

Question 2 - If I joined, would I need to wear a uniform?

Yes. The Sea Cadets is a uniformed youth organisation based on the traditions of the Royal Navy, therefore we wear Royal Navy uniforms. If you are age 10 or 11 you will wear a white polo shirt with a navy blue Sea Cadet Issued Jumper, Black Trousers and a Sea Cadet Beret. If you are aged 12 - 17 you will be issued with two uniforms. No.4's & No.1's. Both uniforms are Issued free of charge but are only on Temporary Loan, and are required to be returned to the unit if you decide to leave.

Question 3 - What activities can I expect to do if I join?

The Sea Cadets participate in many activities. We have Part One activities which you must do if you would like to advance up the rank structure, and we have Part Two activities which are not compulsory, which means you can pick and choose which of them you would like to take part in and become more experienced in them.

Part One activities are things which the Sea Cadets would expect you to pick up as you advance through the ranks, these include things like Parade Training (marching), Rope Work skills, and general knowledge of the Sea Cadets. - All of these subjects are taught at your unit, along with boating and other Part Two activities.

Part Two activities are different. Some Part Two activities may require you to go away to one of our six Sea Cadet Training Centres across the country, and you can choose which ones you would like to do, and where you want to go to do it. These activities are ones which you can gain qualifications in, and most have three levels, so once you have gained one qualification on a activity, you can go back and do a more advanced course in the same activity, which increases your knowledge and understanding. Examples of Part Two activities are listed Below...

Power Boating
Kayaking
Sailing
Wind Surfing
Communications
Seamanship
Diving
Band & Music
Marine Engineering
Shooting

And Many More...

Question 4 - How much does it cost?

Hartlepool Sea Cadets charge £0.50 every parade night. However extra charges may also apply if you decide to participate in a training course. This money will pay for Food, Heating & Lighting and in some cases, Travel Expenses. All charges will be subsidised by Sea Cadet Headquarters so you will only pay a small amount towards the cost.

Question 5 - Will I meet people from all over the country?

Defiantly. The Sea Cadets has just under 400 Units all over the country, so when on training courses at one of our six Sea Cadet Training Centres, your bound to meet someone new, and it is likely that you will stay in touch when you return home after the course.

You may also meet Cadets from America and get the chance to visit different countries on International Sea Cadet Exchanges.

Question 6 - Will I get the chance to go to sea on ships?

The Sea Cadets has 2 Offshore Vessels and 3 Offshore Yachts, that takes cadets on a week long voyage visiting many different UK and sometimes International Ports.

Onboard the two offshore vessels, cadets can expect to learn what it is like living onboard a ship, T.S. Royalist is a Square Rigger which means that cadets will be hoisting and lowering the sails as required along with steering the ship and being lookout. And T.S. John Jerwood is a Power Vessel, which means that cadets will be looking after the engines along with steering the ship, being lookout and plotting a course to steer in the sea.

Onboard the 3 Offshore Yachts cadets will be learning how to live onboard, handling the ropes and how to stay safe when out at sea.

Cadets may also get the chance to go to sea on Royal Navy ships, learning about the different roles in the royal navy and how the crew of their ships handle day to day emergencies and tasks that they may have to deal with in a typical day onboard a UK Warship.

Question 7 - What happens when I decide to join?

If you decide to join the Sea Cadets, you should visit the unit on a Monday or Thursday night between 6:30 - 9:30 with a parent or guardian (if you are under 18) and ask to speak to the Commanding Officer. Once there the CO will talk it through with you and your parent to make sure you know what to expect. Then if you still want to join, you are free to come down every Monday & Thursday.

When you first join, you will be classed as a "New Entry" until you pass a 6 week "Basic Training" Course at the unit. After the successful completion of a small assessment you will be classed as a cadet. This means you are free to attend Training Courses at one six different Sea Cadet Training Centres across the country and participate in District, Area and National level competitions, representing your unit and yourself.

As you progress through the Sea Cadets gaining different qualifications and making new friends, you may want to apply for advancement to the next rank. With each rank bringing more opportunities for you and increased responsibilities, just like promotion in your career.