Royal Canadian Sea Cadets

Cadet Training

From September to June, Sea Cadets participate in local training one evening per week. All Sea Cadet Corps are also required to conduct a minimum of 4 weekend activities throughout the year. Most corps augment this with optional activities on alternate weeknights and weekends.

Sea Cadets get to participate in a great variety of activities, including many experiences that are unique to this program.

• Boating & Sailing
• Swimming & Watersports
• Camping
• Citizenship (Parades, Community Events)
• Marksmanship & Biathlon
• Sports & Fitness
• Naval Knowledge
• Leadership Training
• Local, Regional & National Competitions

Sea Cadets are supervised and instructed by members of the Cadet Instructor's Cadre, a component of the Canadian Forces Reserves which specializes in youth training and development. They are supported by Navy League Volunteers, Civilian Instructors and even members of the Regular Forces that volunteer time to work with cadets.

While delivery of the mandatory training program is the responsibility of the Department of National Defence (DND), the Navy League collaborates with the Directorate of Cadets on program design and supports delivery of the training by providing facilities, additional training materials and volunteers to augment corps staff. We also offer Scholarships and Awards to recognize excellence among program participants.

The Navy League also supports a great variety of optional activities for cadets. Activities vary widely from corps to corps, but could include dances, corps trips, inter-corps exchanges and competitions, ski days, scuba diving, boat building and additional on-water training.

In the summer months, Sea Cadets can apply to attend a Summer Training Centre for up to eight weeks. Operated by DND, these Training Centres (Camps) provide cadets the opportunity to further develop all the skills they learn at their home corps. It also provides an opportunity to see a different part of Canada and meet other youth from all across the country. Courses offered to Sea Cadets include:

• General Training (2 week Introductory Course)
• Sailing (3 and 6 week courses)
• Boatswain (3 and 6 week courses)
• Gunnery (3 and 6 week courses)
• Band (3 and 6 week courses)
• Shipwright (6 week specialty course)
• Cookery (6 week specialty course)
• Athletic Instructor (6 week specialty course)
• Marine Engineering (6 week specialty course)

Not only are the summer camps free to attend (including meals, transportation and uniforms), but cadets are provided a training bonus of $60.00 per week. This ensure that no child is excluded because of financial circumstance.

Senior Cadets may even have the opportunity to get hired as camp staff. Working at a summer camp provides cadets the opportunity to mentor other cadets and pass on what they have learned. It is also a lot of fun, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Other opportunities for senior cadets include International Exchanges and Ship Deployments aboard Canadian Navy and Coast Guard ships.

Clearly, this is an exciting program that no young Canadian should miss.

Click here to find out how you can join the Sea Cadet Program

Click Here to visit the National Defence Sea Cadet Website