SEA CADETS
Adventure, Skills, and Lifelong Friendships
At TS Fernie, our Sea Cadets programme offers young people aged 12 to 18 an exciting opportunity to embark on a journey filled with adventure, personal growth, and camaraderie. Through a blend of water-based and land-based activities, cadets develop essential life skills such as courage, commitment, discipline, respect, integrity, and loyalty—values at the heart of the Royal Navy.
Whether navigating waterways, mastering fieldcraft, or participating in community events, our cadets gain hands-on experience that prepares them for the challenges of adult life. Beyond skill-building, cadets forge lasting friendships and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Cadet Training Programme
Learn new skills. Take on new challenges. Build your future.
The Cadet Training Programme (CTP) is designed to give Sea Cadets a foundation in nautical and life skills. From your very first session, you’ll begin to explore a wide range of activities—both on land and water—that reflect the proud traditions and values of the Royal Navy.
The programme begins with core modules that teach essential knowledge and teamwork. As cadets progress, they are introduced to various specialisations and proficiencies—such as navigation, seamanship, first aid, catering, drill, and more—giving each cadet the chance to discover their strengths and follow their interests.
Corps Values
The Sea Cadet Corps values include commitment, respect, loyalty, self-discipline, honesty, integrity, and courage.
Corps Knowledge
Corps Knowledge covers the history of the Sea Cadet Corps and its links to the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy and the Marine Sector as a whole.
Community Activities
From representing the Royal Navy at Rembrance Parades to helping local charities, the Sea Cadets play a central role in our local community.
Water-based Training
At TS Fernie in Market Harborough, our Sea Cadets unit is an affiliated Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Club. As a result, we operate over 70 RYA‑Recognised Training Centres across the UK. Furthermore, this affiliation ensures that all dinghy sailing, powerboating and windsurfing training meets the highest standards. It carries the full backing of the RYA.
We are also affiliated with PaddleUK and British Rowing. Consequently, our cadets can earn official qualifications in kayaking, canoeing and rowing. Moreover, these internationally recognised certificates not only mark achievement but also equip cadets with valuable skills. They prepare young people for challenges on the water and beyond.
Participating in Sea Cadets means more than just learning. In fact, cadets earn accredited, globally respected certificates. Ultimately, these qualifications open doors to further opportunities.
Dinghy Sailing
Take control of a small boat at TS Fernie and learn the skills needed to navigate the waters with ease. In addition, cadets learn to manage the sails, steer the boat and understand the wind, gaining confidence on the water.
Paddlesport
Canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding offer the perfect mix of adventure and connection with nature. In addition, cadets learn key paddling techniques, develop water safety awareness and build teamwork skills with every session.
Rowing
Master the art of teamwork and precision as you row in a crew. Not only does rowing build strength and endurance, but it also improves communication and coordination. As a result, cadets learn to focus, work together and perform under pressure on the water.
Windsurfing
Combine the excitement of sailing with the thrill of surfing as you glide across the water. What’s more, windsurfing teaches balance, wind awareness and coordination. It offers a fun, fast-paced challenge for cadets of all skill levels.
Powerboating
Hop on a motorised boat and learn how to handle it safely and efficiently. Power boating builds skills in navigation, speed control and essential safety protocols. In addition, it’s ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced action and responsibility on the water.
Offshore Voyages
On longer voyages, cadets put their sailing and navigation skills to the test. These offshore experiences involve planning, teamwork and resilience as crews sail to new destinations. As a result, cadets gain confidence, adaptability and a deeper understanding of life at sea.
Specialisations & Proficiencies
Drill & Ceremonial
Learn the discipline and pride that come with smart marching, uniform presentation and ceremonial routines. This training not only builds confidence and teamwork, but also instils a strong sense of respect, focus and self-discipline.
Seamanship
Learn the ropes—literally. From tying knots to understanding how a ship operates, seamanship teaches the essential skills needed for life at sea. In addition, cadets gain practical knowledge that forms the foundation for all nautical training.
First Aid
Gain lifesaving skills and the confidence to respond in an emergency. Cadets train in key techniques and work towards recognised first aid qualifications. As a result, they become more prepared, responsible and ready to help others when it matters most.
Marine Engineering
Learn how ships and other vessels are powered and maintained as you explore the fascinating world of marine engineering. Cadets gain hands-on experience with machinery and engine systems, developing practical skills that are essential to life at sea. In addition, this training builds problem-solving abilities and technical confidence.
Catering & Stewarding
From camp cooking to preparing and serving a full mess dinner, cadets learn practical culinary skills that are both enjoyable and useful for life. In addition, catering teaches planning, teamwork and attention to detail—valuable qualities in and out of the kitchen.
Communication & Information Systems
Understand the technology that keeps our communications running smoothly. This specialisation covers everything from basic radio operations to advanced information systems and cybersecurity. As cadets progress, they develop technical skills that are highly relevant in today’s connected world.
Physical Training
Challenge yourself and build physical fitness through activities that develop endurance, strength and agility. This training not only keeps cadets strong and healthy, but also prepares them for the demands of adventurous tasks and teamwork. In addition, it promotes resilience, discipline and personal growth.
Adventure Training
Take part in exciting outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, camping and obstacle courses. Adventure training builds resilience and encourages teamwork in challenging environments. It also helps cadets grow in confidence while developing leadership and problem-solving skills.
Shooting
Cadets are taught rifle handling skills and undertake range target shooting as part of a structured, supervised training programme emphasising safe and responsible use. In addition, they develop focus, control and accuracy, all within a highly disciplined and safety-first environment.