Royal Canadian Sea Cadets
Encyclopedia
Royal Canadian Sea Cadets (RCSC) is a Canadian national youth program sponsored by the Canadian Forces
and the civilian Navy League of Canada
. Administered by the Canadian Forces
, the program is funded through the Department of National Defence
with the civilian partner providing support in the local community.
and Royal Canadian Air Cadets
, Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is a Canadian Cadet Organization. Although the RCSC and the other cadet programs are sponsored by the Canadian Forces and the civilian Leagues, cadets are not members of the Forces, and are not expected to join the Canadian Forces. In keeping with Commonwealth custom, the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets stand first in the order of precedence, before the Royal Canadian Army and Air Cadets. This is in keeping with the Royal Navy
's status as the Senior Service, a tradition common to most Commonwealth navies.
Boys and girls aged 12 to 18 may join the RCSC. There is no enrolment fee and uniforms are loaned at no charge. The organization and rank system is similar to that of the Canadian Navy. Cadets are appointed to non-commissioned member ranks. Adult leadership is provided by members of the Canadian Forces Reserve Subcomponent Cadet Organization Administration and Training Service, composed mostly of officers of the Cadet Instructor Cadre(CIC) Branch, supplemented, if necessary, by contracted Civilian Instructors, authorized adult volunteers, and, on occasion, officers and non-commissioned members of other CF branches. The CIC Branch is specifically trained to serve the Royal Canadian Sea, Army, and Air Cadet training programs, and like all reservists come from all walks of life and all parts of the community. Some are former cadets, and many have former regular or reserve force service.
This badge is the service crest of the RCSC, and is worn on cadet issued parkas. It also appears as a brass cap badge worn on a black beret.
and leadership
; promote physical fitness
; and stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land, and air activities of the Canadian Forces
. The RCSC shares this aim with the Army and Air Cadets; however, each focuses on its own parent element.
ability to provide adequate naval defence, concerned citizens formed the Navy League, to promote interest in the problems of maritime trade and defence.
The League formed local branches throughout the United Kingdom
and in other countries of the British Empire
. The earliest Canadian branch was formed in Toronto
. Its warrant
(Warrant No. 5) is dated December 10, 1895, and currently hangs in the Navy League (of Canada)
National Office.
At that time, Canadian branches supported a cadet program called the Boys’ Naval Brigades, aimed at encouraging young men to consider a seafaring career and provide basic training in citizenship
and seamanship
,.
continued this Royal patronage and named His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh
as the Admiral of the RCSC. Finally, in 1941, the RCN
became a joint partner with the Navy League in support of the RCSC.
, outside Currie Hall in Kingston, Ontario
stained glass windows relate to the history of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets.
The entirety of a given corps organizes itself as a ship's company, employing the naval divisional system. Under this system, cadets become members of a division under a cadet petty officer (Divisional Petty Officer or DPO) and, ideally, a commissioned officer of the CIC (Divisional Officer or DivO), although the officer position is sometimes filled by a civilian
. Cadets parade by divisions, and are expected to route grievances and requests through the chain of command
, running either directly from the DPO to DivO to the Executive Officer
(XO) to the Commanding Officer
(CO) or from the DPO to the cadet Regulating Petty Officer (RPO, the second senior cadet in the unit), to the cadet Coxswain
(Cox'n, the senior cadet in a unit). The chain stops at the level able to deal with a concern - for example, a cadet's request for a new item of uniform might result in the DivO giving approval, and directing the cadet to visit Stores.
All but the smallest corps staff several departments, typically including Training, Administration, and Supply, while larger units maintain training-support organisations, including Range
, Boatshed, Sail
, and PERI
(Physical Education and Recreational Instruction).
Training, Administration, and Supply operate under the direction of a CIC officer, possibly with an adult assistant, and a senior cadet, while the others, with the exception of Range, are often run by a senior cadet. Units generally adhere to the school schedule, meeting weekly for mandatory training, and carrying out additional training on weekends and other weeknights. The primary meeting is referred to as a parade night, while overnight weekend training conducted at the unit's home is called a live-aboard. Anything taking the unit away from its home is generally termed an exercise.
In accordance with QR and O Cadets 4.11 the following are the rank badges of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets:
In addition to the rank-specific criteria given below, all appointments are subject to the approval of the cadet's Commanding Officer
, who generally promotes based on the advice of Divisional Officers and unit training staff.
As a note, the official phrasing for the Petty Officer
and Chief Petty Officer
ranks is "Petty Officer Cadet First (or Second) Class," and "Chief Petty Officer Cadet First (or Second) Class." However, outside of Cadet Administrative and Training Orders (CATO), and Queen's Regulations and Orders (Cadets) (QR&O(Cdt)), custom omits "Cadet" in casual reference. Thus, Petty Officer First Class is the customary rendering. Generally, where there is a need to distinguish between cadets and Canadian Forces members, the NCO
ranks will be written or spoken as Cadet Petty Officer First Class, abbreviated as C/PO1.
Additionally, while it is customary within the organisation to refer to a cadet receiving a rank as being "promoted," the official documentation refers to such an act as an "appointment."
Summer training facilities are staffed by members of the Canadian Forces, primarily members of the CIC, but also including other branches of the CF, and senior cadets selected for employment as staff cadets. Sea Cadet STCs are commanded by a CIC officer of the rank of Commander
. Most employ staff cadets at the ranks of Petty Officer Second Class through Chief Petty Officer First Class, with a CPO1 being appointed as Cadet Cox'n. Additionally, some employ staff cadets at the rank of Leading Cadet for support positions. Staff cadets are paid at a percentage of a CF Naval Cadet's (officer trainee) basic pay.
The centres are commissioned as "stone frigate
s," which is to say, naval shore establishments granted much the same standing as a seagoing unit.
In 1977, the “Sailsafe” program moved from Waupoos Island to Kingston. amp Frontenac opened with “Colours” on July 4. Twenty Officers instructed two three-week White Sail III courses. In 1981 Camp Frontnac was designated as HMCS ONTARIO Sea Cadet Summer Training Centre to offer the full scope of sea cadet summer training. SCSTCS HMCS ONTARIO has called the Royal Military College of Canada and Canadian Forces Base Kingston home since 1983. The Centre now offers music, gunnery and boatswain training as well as sail and seamanship instruction.
Each summer HMCS ONTARIO hosts over 1100 cadets, supervised by a staff of 100 officers and 120 staff cadets. The Centre provides two, three and six-week training experiences including sports, first aid, instructional technique, and leadership training. The course durations represent ascending levels of experience and greater challenge for the cadets. During the rest of the year HMCS ONTARIO is the headquarters responsible for the training and operational standards for the eight sea cadet sailing centres across Ontario.
Additionally, cadets may apply for a number of tri-service courses, some hosted by Sea Cadet Summer Training Centres - as Athletic Instructor is at HMCS Ontario - and others held on Army or Air Cadet facilities. Currently, Athletic Instructor and various forms of music training are offered as tri-service to some extent. In past years the Air-heavy Introduction to Aerospace course was offered as tri-service; however, this seems to have lapsed.
The Sea Cadets used a variety of flags in their history: some corps flew the White Ensign
until 1965; they then used the Canadian Blue Ensign and the flag of the Navy League of Canada
until 1953. In that year, the Chief of Naval Service approved a design for the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Flag: a white flag with the Union Flag
in the canton, and, on the fly, the badge of the Cadets, a gold anchor on a blue roundel surrounded by red maple leaves and surmounted by a Naval Crown
. In 1976, the Sovereign
approved a new design which replaced the Union flag in the canton with the Maple Leaf Flag.
, King of Canada
, assuming the role in 1942, when the Navy League
Sea Cadets became the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
, as a member of the Canadian Royal Family, was appointed Admiral of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets in 1953; His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, Duke of York now holds the post Admiral of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. (See Navy League of Canada)
Since May 2011, this post has been filled by Rear Admiral Jennifer Bennett, CMM, CD.
RAdm Bennett's biography
Director General Reserves and Cadets
Since March 2011, this post has been filled by Brigadier-General Jay Milne, CD. BGen Milne's biography
Director of Cadets and Junior Rangers
Since June 2007, the post has been filled by former Chief of Reserves Colonel Craig M. Fletcher, CD. Col Fletcher's biography
Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
and the civilian Navy League of Canada
Navy League of Canada
The Navy League of Canada, is a Non-For-Profit organization founded in 1895 and incorporated in 1918. Originally formed to promote maritime issues to Canadians, the Navy League is the non-governmental partner of the Department of National Defence in delivery of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets program...
. Administered by the Canadian Forces
Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
, the program is funded through the Department of National Defence
Department of National Defence (Canada)
The Department of National Defence , frequently referred to by its acronym DND, is the department within the government of Canada with responsibility for all matters concerning the defence of Canada...
with the civilian partner providing support in the local community.
General information
Along with the Royal Canadian Army CadetsRoyal Canadian Army Cadets
The Royal Canadian Army Cadets is a Canadian national youth program sponsored by the Canadian Forces and the civilian Army Cadet League of Canada. Administered by the Canadian Forces, the program is funded through the Department of National Defence with the civilian partner providing support in...
and Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Royal Canadian Air Cadets is a Canadian national youth program for persons aged 12 to 18. It is administered by the Canadian Forces and funded through the Department of National Defence with additional support from the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada...
, Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is a Canadian Cadet Organization. Although the RCSC and the other cadet programs are sponsored by the Canadian Forces and the civilian Leagues, cadets are not members of the Forces, and are not expected to join the Canadian Forces. In keeping with Commonwealth custom, the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets stand first in the order of precedence, before the Royal Canadian Army and Air Cadets. This is in keeping with the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
's status as the Senior Service, a tradition common to most Commonwealth navies.
Boys and girls aged 12 to 18 may join the RCSC. There is no enrolment fee and uniforms are loaned at no charge. The organization and rank system is similar to that of the Canadian Navy. Cadets are appointed to non-commissioned member ranks. Adult leadership is provided by members of the Canadian Forces Reserve Subcomponent Cadet Organization Administration and Training Service, composed mostly of officers of the Cadet Instructor Cadre(CIC) Branch, supplemented, if necessary, by contracted Civilian Instructors, authorized adult volunteers, and, on occasion, officers and non-commissioned members of other CF branches. The CIC Branch is specifically trained to serve the Royal Canadian Sea, Army, and Air Cadet training programs, and like all reservists come from all walks of life and all parts of the community. Some are former cadets, and many have former regular or reserve force service.
Badge
Aim
The aim of Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenshipCitizenship
Citizenship is the state of being a citizen of a particular social, political, national, or human resource community. Citizenship status, under social contract theory, carries with it both rights and responsibilities...
and leadership
Leadership
Leadership has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task". Other in-depth definitions of leadership have also emerged.-Theories:...
; promote physical fitness
Physical fitness
Physical fitness comprises two related concepts: general fitness , and specific fitness...
; and stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land, and air activities of the Canadian Forces
Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
. The RCSC shares this aim with the Army and Air Cadets; however, each focuses on its own parent element.
Early days
In 1895, due to concern over the Royal Navy'sRoyal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
ability to provide adequate naval defence, concerned citizens formed the Navy League, to promote interest in the problems of maritime trade and defence.
The League formed local branches throughout the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and in other countries of the British Empire
British Empire
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom. It originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height, it was the...
. The earliest Canadian branch was formed in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
. Its warrant
Warrant (law)
Most often, the term warrant refers to a specific type of authorization; a writ issued by a competent officer, usually a judge or magistrate, which permits an otherwise illegal act that would violate individual rights and affords the person executing the writ protection from damages if the act is...
(Warrant No. 5) is dated December 10, 1895, and currently hangs in the Navy League (of Canada)
Navy League of Canada
The Navy League of Canada, is a Non-For-Profit organization founded in 1895 and incorporated in 1918. Originally formed to promote maritime issues to Canadians, the Navy League is the non-governmental partner of the Department of National Defence in delivery of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets program...
National Office.
At that time, Canadian branches supported a cadet program called the Boys’ Naval Brigades, aimed at encouraging young men to consider a seafaring career and provide basic training in citizenship
Citizenship
Citizenship is the state of being a citizen of a particular social, political, national, or human resource community. Citizenship status, under social contract theory, carries with it both rights and responsibilities...
and seamanship
Seamanship
Seamanship is the art of operating a ship or boat.It involves a knowledge of a variety of topics and development of specialised skills including: navigation and international maritime law; weather, meteorology and forecasting; watchstanding; ship-handling and small boat handling; operation of deck...
,.
Evolution
With the formation of the Canadian Naval Service in May 1910, the organisation was renamed from "Boys’ Naval Brigade" to "Navy League Sea Cadets," to permit closer liaison with the Navy. In 1942, King George VI graciously consented to be Admiral of the Navy League’s Sea Cadets, and granted the "Royal" suffix, causing another name change, to the current "Royal Canadian Sea Cadets." Queen ElizabethElizabeth II of the United Kingdom
Elizabeth II is the constitutional monarch of 16 sovereign states known as the Commonwealth realms: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize,...
continued this Royal patronage and named His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh is the husband of Elizabeth II. He is the United Kingdom's longest-serving consort and the oldest serving spouse of a reigning British monarch....
as the Admiral of the RCSC. Finally, in 1941, the RCN
Royal Canadian Navy
The history of the Royal Canadian Navy goes back to 1910, when the naval force was created as the Naval Service of Canada and renamed a year later by King George V. The Royal Canadian Navy is one of the three environmental commands of the Canadian Forces...
became a joint partner with the Navy League in support of the RCSC.
Girls
In 1950 the Navy League Wrenette Corps’ were established for girls aged 13 to 18 years, though some corps existed unofficially before that date. In 1975, the two programs were amalgamated and girls were officially enrolled in Sea Cadets.Memorial
At the Royal Military College of CanadaRoyal Military College of Canada
The Royal Military College of Canada, RMC, or RMCC , is the military academy of the Canadian Forces, and is a degree-granting university. RMC was established in 1876. RMC is the only federal institution in Canada with degree granting powers...
, outside Currie Hall in Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario is a Canadian city located in Eastern Ontario where the St. Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario. Originally a First Nations settlement called "Katarowki," , growing European exploration in the 17th Century made it an important trading post...
stained glass windows relate to the history of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets.
- Donated as a tribute to all national presidents of the Navy League of Canada for the proven love of country in promoting patriotism... seapower ... youth training, the window bestows 'Honour and Glory to patriotic citizens who have and will serve Canada.' The window features images of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Navy League Cadets and Navy League Wrenettes.
- In memory of David H. Gibson, C.B.E. National President, Navy League of Canada, 1938-1952 a stained glass window features images of a young sailor and God behind the ships' wheel. The window is dedicated to Canadians who in defence of the country went down to the sea in ships. The window includes a poem by H.R. Gillarm: "Proudly in ships they sailed to sea. Ahead their goal, perhaps eternity. But with God as their pilot they had no fear facing all danger as their course was clear. Their cargo? The record of their life. Some good, some bad, some peace, some strife."
Navy League today
In 1995, the Navy League of Canada celebrated its 100th Anniversary. The League promotes the same subjects today, as at its founding: knowledge of, and support for, maritime interests. On a national level, the League supports the International Exchange Program, certain scholarships, and the National Sea Cadet Regatta, while local branches provide vital logistical support to individual RCSC Corps.Corps
Individual cadets belong to units called Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC), or Corps de cadet de la Marine royale canadienne (CCMRC), which are the basic operating units of the program. Each corps comprises Canadian Forces Officers of the Reserve Cadet Instructors Cadre, often assisted by Civilian Instructors (CI), and cadets.The entirety of a given corps organizes itself as a ship's company, employing the naval divisional system. Under this system, cadets become members of a division under a cadet petty officer (Divisional Petty Officer or DPO) and, ideally, a commissioned officer of the CIC (Divisional Officer or DivO), although the officer position is sometimes filled by a civilian
Civilian
A civilian under international humanitarian law is a person who is not a member of his or her country's armed forces or other militia. Civilians are distinct from combatants. They are afforded a degree of legal protection from the effects of war and military occupation...
. Cadets parade by divisions, and are expected to route grievances and requests through the chain of command
Chain of Command
Chain of Command may refer to:* Chain of command, in a military context, the line of authority and responsibility along which orders are passed* "Chain of Command" , the fifth episode of the first season of Beast Wars...
, running either directly from the DPO to DivO to the Executive Officer
Executive officer
An executive officer is generally a person responsible for running an organization, although the exact nature of the role varies depending on the organization.-Administrative law:...
(XO) to the Commanding Officer
Commanding officer
The commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
(CO) or from the DPO to the cadet Regulating Petty Officer (RPO, the second senior cadet in the unit), to the cadet Coxswain
Coxswain
The coxswain is the person in charge of a boat, particularly its navigation and steering. The etymology of the word gives us a literal meaning of "boat servant" since it comes from cox, a coxboat or other small vessel kept aboard a ship, and swain, which can be rendered as boy, in authority. ...
(Cox'n, the senior cadet in a unit). The chain stops at the level able to deal with a concern - for example, a cadet's request for a new item of uniform might result in the DivO giving approval, and directing the cadet to visit Stores.
All but the smallest corps staff several departments, typically including Training, Administration, and Supply, while larger units maintain training-support organisations, including Range
Shooting
Shooting is the act or process of firing rifles, shotguns or other projectile weapons such as bows or crossbows. Even the firing of artillery, rockets and missiles can be called shooting. A person who specializes in shooting is a marksman...
, Boatshed, Sail
Sailing
Sailing is the propulsion of a vehicle and the control of its movement with large foils called sails. By changing the rigging, rudder, and sometimes the keel or centre board, a sailor manages the force of the wind on the sails in order to move the boat relative to its surrounding medium and...
, and PERI
Physical fitness
Physical fitness comprises two related concepts: general fitness , and specific fitness...
(Physical Education and Recreational Instruction).
Training, Administration, and Supply operate under the direction of a CIC officer, possibly with an adult assistant, and a senior cadet, while the others, with the exception of Range, are often run by a senior cadet. Units generally adhere to the school schedule, meeting weekly for mandatory training, and carrying out additional training on weekends and other weeknights. The primary meeting is referred to as a parade night, while overnight weekend training conducted at the unit's home is called a live-aboard. Anything taking the unit away from its home is generally termed an exercise.
Primary Departments
- The Training Department comprises the Training Officer (TrgO), Training Chief or Petty Officer (TrgCPO/PO), and a staff of senior cadets and adult staff, often with other duties within the unit, serving as instructors for the Phase Training Program - the basic Sea Cadet syllabus. The TrgCPO/PO is often responsible for maintaining each cadet's training record, as well as handling resources and rating instructors.
- The Administration Department comprises the Administration Officer (AdmO) and Administration Chief or Petty Officer (AdmCPO/PO), who wears the quill-pen and scroll badge of a Ship's Writer, and may be referred to as such. Administration handles all incoming and outgoing mail, as well as maintaining corps records other than those specifically handled by Training or Supply.
- The Supply (or Stores) Department is composed of a Supply (or Stores) Officer, sometimes assisted by a senior cadet, who is entitled to wear the crossed-keys badge of a Storesman. The Supply Department is responsible for all equipment belonging to the corps; however, Supply tends to be primarily concerned with issuing cadets uniforms and related gear - bands often deal with their own gear, as do competitive teams.
Other Groups
- Range TeamShootingShooting is the act or process of firing rifles, shotguns or other projectile weapons such as bows or crossbows. Even the firing of artillery, rockets and missiles can be called shooting. A person who specializes in shooting is a marksman...
: Most units will have at least one trained Range Safety Officer (RSO) and conduct, as part of the mandatory training programme, training in safe and effective marksmanship using either the Daisy Air Rifle, which is not rated as a firearm, and thus may be used in almost any location of sufficient size, or, with the proper indoor or outdoor firing range, the .22 calibre No 7 Lee Enfield or Anschütz bolt action target rifles. A number of corps field range teams, competing in cadet tri-service matches at the area, regional, and national level, while others simply offer a well-supervised recreational shooting program.- The .22 rifles are, today, usually held by corps fielding a biathlon team. The Lee-Enfields are, except for the barrel, virtually indistinguishable from those used by Commonwealth forces in WWIIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and KoreaKorean WarThe Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, while the Anschutz are purpose-made target rifles. Recently, concern over leadLeadLead is a main-group element in the carbon group with the symbol Pb and atomic number 82. Lead is a soft, malleable poor metal. It is also counted as one of the heavy metals. Metallic lead has a bluish-white color after being freshly cut, but it soon tarnishes to a dull grayish color when exposed...
levels resulted in the closure of indoor small-arms ranges used by cadets, causing many units to search for appropriately certified and willing civilian outdoor ranges. Firearm safety is given the highest priority throughout this training.
- The .22 rifles are, today, usually held by corps fielding a biathlon team. The Lee-Enfields are, except for the barrel, virtually indistinguishable from those used by Commonwealth forces in WWII
- BiathlonBiathlonBiathlon is a term used to describe any sporting event made up of two disciplines. However, biathlon usually refers specifically to the winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting...
: An increasing number of RCSC Corps have formed biathlon teams, adding a new aspect to the long-standing marksmanship programs, and encouraging a high degree of athleticism and physical fitness. Alongside those other benefits, it offers an alternate focus for land-locked units unable to offer a local sailing program. Ideally, cadets train and compete with Anschutz .22 target rifles; however, due to a lack of suitable ranges, some corps train with air rifles in accordance with OlympicOlympic GamesThe Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
marksmanship standards.
- SailSailingSailing is the propulsion of a vehicle and the control of its movement with large foils called sails. By changing the rigging, rudder, and sometimes the keel or centre board, a sailor manages the force of the wind on the sails in order to move the boat relative to its surrounding medium and...
: Many units run a sailing program using small dinghiesDinghy sailingDinghy sailing is the activity of sailing small boats by using five essential controls:* the sails* the foils ....
, typically Pirate-Pirate (dinghy)A Pirate is a type of German sailing dinghy. It was first constructed in 1935, and has no trapeze. The Pirate was designed in 1934 by the German boat builder Carl Martens. The boat was originally manufactured in solid wood, although since the 1960s glass-reinforced plastic, or a sandwich of the...
or 420-class420 (dinghy)The International 420 Class Dinghy is a double-handed monohull planing dinghy with centreboard, bermuda rig and centre sheeting. The name describes the overall length of the boat in centimetres . The hull is fibreglass with internal buoyancy tanks. The 420 is equipped with spinnaker and optional...
vessels, although other comparable designs are used, including echos, LasersLaser (dinghy)The International Laser Class sailboat, also called Laser Standard and the Laser One is a popular one-design class of small sailing dinghy. According the Laser Class Rules the boat may be sailed by either one or two people, though it is rarely sailed by two. The design, by Bruce Kirby, emphasizes...
, the Olympic-class 470470 (dinghy)The 470 is a double-handed monohull planing dinghy with a centreboard, Bermuda rig, and centre sheeting. The name is the overall length of the boat in centimetres . The hull is fibreglass with integral buoyancy tanks. The 470 is equipped with spinnaker and trapeze, making teamwork necessary to...
, Flying JuniorFlying Juniorthumb|Coen Gulcher helming one of the first Flying Juniors The International Flying Junior or FJ is a sailing dinghy which was originally designed in 1955 in the Netherlands by renowned boat designer Van Essen and Olympic sailor Conrad Gülcher. The FJ was built to serve as a training boat for the...
s, as well as the older AlbacoresAlbacore (dinghy)The Albacore is a 4.57 m two-sailed planing dinghy developed in 1954 from an Uffa Fox design. Hulls may be made of either wood or fibreglass....
and International Cadets. At the corps level, the sailing program is often taught by a civilian sailing instructor, supervised by a member of the Canadian Forces. The instructor may be assisted by trained cadets. The RCSC sailing program uses Canadian Yachting AssociationCanadian Yachting AssociationThe Canadian Yachting Association is Canada's organization for controlling the water.CYA is a "Member National Authority" of the International Sailing Federation . Organization of sailing in Canada is divided into four groups, Yacht Clubs, Provincial Sailing Associations, Class Associations, and...
levels and material for all training. Corps sailing instruction is supported by regional Sail Centres, staffed by a Coordinating Officer, several Canadian Yachting AssociationCanadian Yachting AssociationThe Canadian Yachting Association is Canada's organization for controlling the water.CYA is a "Member National Authority" of the International Sailing Federation . Organization of sailing in Canada is divided into four groups, Yacht Clubs, Provincial Sailing Associations, Class Associations, and...
(CYA) certified Head Instructors and volunteer staff cadet instructors. Advanced training focus on competitive sailing and race organization.
- Band: Most units larger than thirty people will try to support some sort of musical ensemble, whether drum and bugle, drum and bell (glockenspiel), a military bandMilitary bandA military band originally was a group of personnel that performs musical duties for military functions, usually for the armed forces. A typical military band consists mostly of wind and percussion instruments. The conductor of a band commonly bears the title of Bandmaster or Director of Music...
, or just a drum line. A very few corps have a piper or two, while an even smaller group maintain pipe bandPipe bandA pipe band is a musical ensemble consisting of pipers and drummers. The term used by military pipe bands, pipes and drums, is also common....
s, rare due to both the lack of a Naval tradition of piping, and the comparative expense of the instruments.
- BoatshedBoatshedBoatsheds are generally lockable wooden sheds, often brightly colored, that were originally built to securely store small private boats and bathing materials directly on beaches...
: This support department handles all the water-related needs of the corps, including maintenance of the sailing dinghies and other small craft, as well as supporting seamanshipSeamanshipSeamanship is the art of operating a ship or boat.It involves a knowledge of a variety of topics and development of specialised skills including: navigation and international maritime law; weather, meteorology and forecasting; watchstanding; ship-handling and small boat handling; operation of deck...
instruction off the water.
- Canteen: Operated by the local sponsoring group with proceeds for corps activities, the canteen typically sells pop, chips, and the like at breaks in training. Some also offer cadets various necessities such as thread, boot polish, and starch. More ambitious corps canteens offer unit clothing, typically sweatshirts, T-shirts, belt buckles and the like, suitably emblazoned with unit insignia, mottoMottoA motto is a phrase meant to formally summarize the general motivation or intention of a social group or organization. A motto may be in any language, but Latin is the most used. The local language is usual in the mottoes of governments...
s, and the like.
Sponsoring Group
- Along with the Army Cadets and Air Cadets, the Sea cadets make up a program sponsored by the Canadian Forces funded primarily through the Department of National Defence. The Canadian Forces provides training, pay and allowances for reserve force cadet instructors; uniforms for instructors and cadets; transportation, facilities and staff for summer training; the training program and training aids; and policy and regulation regarding the operation of the cadet organization.
- The civilian Navy Cadet League provides local support by way of accommodation, utilities, liability insurance, transportation and training aids not provided by the CF.
- The primary local community sponsor for Sea Cadets is a local branch of the Navy League of Canada that is often a committee of parents supported by groups such as Royal Canadian LegionRoyal Canadian LegionThe Royal Canadian Legion is a non-profit Canadian ex-service organization founded in 1925, with more than 400,000 members worldwide. Membership includes people who have served as current and former military, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, provincial and municipal police, direct relatives of...
branch, or some similar service club; i.e. LionsLions Clubs InternationalLions Clubs International is a secular service organization with over 44,500 clubs and more than 1,368,683 members in 191 countries around the world founded by Melvin Jones Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, United States, the organization aims to meet the needs of communities on a local and...
, RotaryRotary InternationalRotary International is an organization of service clubs known as Rotary Clubs located all over the world. The stated purpose of the organization is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help...
, etc. Navy League branches rely on community support, in the form of direct donations of money and goods, trusts, and various forms of fund-raising efforts. These last include sale of various items, much like bake and chocolate bar sales, street-corner pin and tag sales by cadets, and funds raised through the attached cadet unit's own canteen.
Training and ranks
For a more complete discussion of RCSC Winter Training, please see Royal Canadian Sea Cadet TrainingIn accordance with QR and O Cadets 4.11 the following are the rank badges of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets:
In addition to the rank-specific criteria given below, all appointments are subject to the approval of the cadet's Commanding Officer
Commanding officer
The commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
, who generally promotes based on the advice of Divisional Officers and unit training staff.
As a note, the official phrasing for the Petty Officer
Petty Officer
A petty officer is a non-commissioned officer in many navies and is given the NATO rank denotion OR-6. They are equal in rank to sergeant, British Army and Royal Air Force. A Petty Officer is superior in rank to Leading Rate and subordinate to Chief Petty Officer, in the case of the British Armed...
and Chief Petty Officer
Chief Petty Officer
A chief petty officer is a senior non-commissioned officer in many navies and coast guards.-Canada:"Chief Petty Officer" refers to two ranks in the Canadian Navy...
ranks is "Petty Officer Cadet First (or Second) Class," and "Chief Petty Officer Cadet First (or Second) Class." However, outside of Cadet Administrative and Training Orders (CATO), and Queen's Regulations and Orders (Cadets) (QR&O(Cdt)), custom omits "Cadet" in casual reference. Thus, Petty Officer First Class is the customary rendering. Generally, where there is a need to distinguish between cadets and Canadian Forces members, the NCO
Non-commissioned officer
A non-commissioned officer , called a sub-officer in some countries, is a military officer who has not been given a commission...
ranks will be written or spoken as Cadet Petty Officer First Class, abbreviated as C/PO1.
Additionally, while it is customary within the organisation to refer to a cadet receiving a rank as being "promoted," the official documentation refers to such an act as an "appointment."
Rank
| Ordinary Seaman—Cadet-matelot de 3e classe | | Able Seaman—Cadet-matelot de 2e classe | | Leading Seaman—Cadet-matelot de 1re classe |
|---|---|---|
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For promotion to AB (mat 2) a cadet must: |
For promotion to LS (mat 1) a cadet must:
|
| Master Seaman—Cadet-matelot-chef | | Petty Officer Second Class—Cadet-maître de 2e classe (Nouveau Programme des Cadets de la Marine Royale Canadienne Npq Phase 1) | | Petty Officer First Class—Cadet-maître de 1re Classe (Nouveau Programme des Cadets de la Marine Royale Canadienne Npq Phase 1) |
|---|---|---|
For promotion to MS (matc), a cadet must:
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For promotion to PO2 (m 2), a cadet must:
|
For promotion to PO1 (m 1), a cadet must:
|
| Chief Petty Officer Second Class—Cadet-premier maître de 2e classe | | Chief Petty Officer First Class—Cadet-premier maître de 1re classe | |SCSTC Chief Petty Officer—Capitaine d'armes de CIECM |
|---|---|---|
For promotion to CPO2 (pm 2), a cadet must:
|
For promotion to CPO1 (pm 1), a cadet must:
|
|
Forms of address
- Junior cadets are typically addressed by their last name by all ranks; however, a superior might address them as simply "cadet," especially in situations where names are not known, as at multi-unit events.
- Petty officers are typically addressed by their juniors as "Petty Officer So-and-So," or, conversationally, as "P.O." Superiors and equals will often use last name only, sometimes prefacing it with "Mr." or "Miss."
- Chief petty officers are typically addressed by all personnel as "Chief So-and-So," or, conversationally, as "chief." Superiors and equals will rarely use last name only, though superiors might replace "chief" with "Mr." or "Miss."
- Additionally, cadets often hold an appointment in addition to their rank, and many of these are used as an alternate form of address, especially the following: coxswain; corps gunner, chief gunner, or gunner's mate ("gunner"), drum majorDrum MajorA drum major is the leader of a marching band, drum and bugle corps, or pipe band, usually positioned at the head of the band or corps. The drum major, who is often dressed in more ornate clothing than the rest of the band or corps, is responsible for providing commands to the ensemble regarding...
("drum major" or "drummie"); bugler; messenger; and boatswainBoatswainA boatswain , bo's'n, bos'n, or bosun is an unlicensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. The boatswain supervises the other unlicensed members of the ship's deck department, and typically is not a watchstander, except on vessels with small crews...
, boatswain's mate, chief boatswain's mate, and chief boatswain ("bosun" or "buffer").
- In formal situations; for example, being called up for an award or promotion; a cadet's full rank is often used.
Summer Training
Summer Training Centres, officially termed as either Sea Cadet Summer Training Centres or Establishments, and referred to colloquially year-round as "camps," and, by their ship's company over the summer, as "the base," provide additional training intended to support or complement that offered at the home unit from September to June. Across the board, cadets applying for summer training must have 75% attendance over the winter training year, as well as meeting certain course prerequisites.Summer training facilities are staffed by members of the Canadian Forces, primarily members of the CIC, but also including other branches of the CF, and senior cadets selected for employment as staff cadets. Sea Cadet STCs are commanded by a CIC officer of the rank of Commander
Commander
Commander is a naval rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service. Commander is also used as a rank or title in some organizations outside of the armed forces, particularly in police and law enforcement.-Commander as a naval...
. Most employ staff cadets at the ranks of Petty Officer Second Class through Chief Petty Officer First Class, with a CPO1 being appointed as Cadet Cox'n. Additionally, some employ staff cadets at the rank of Leading Cadet for support positions. Staff cadets are paid at a percentage of a CF Naval Cadet's (officer trainee) basic pay.
The centres are commissioned as "stone frigate
Stone frigate
Stone frigate is a nickname for a naval establishment on land. The term has its origin in Britain's Royal Navy after its use of Diamond Rock, off Martinique, as a 'sloop of war' to harass the French...
s," which is to say, naval shore establishments granted much the same standing as a seagoing unit.
Current Sea Cadet Summer Training Centres (SCSTC)
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- SCSTC HMCS Quadra, located in Comox, British ColumbiaComox, British ColumbiaComox is a town of 12,000 people located on a small peninsula in the Georgia Strait on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The warm dry summers, mild winters, fertile soil and abundant sea life attracted First Nations thousands of years ago, who called the area kw’umuxws...
, has operated as a Sea Cadet training facility since 1953. It was commissioned in 1956 and is the second largest summer training facility. It employs over 100 officers and 150 staff cadets each year. The Centre occupies Goose Spit opposite Comox, and makes use of Highland Secondary SchoolÉcole Highland Secondary SchoolÉcole Highland Secondary School is a secondary school located in Comox, British Columbia, Canada in School District 71. The school opened in 1978 and educates approximately 1200 students annually in grades 8–12...
as an auxiliary training facility for classroom work, first aidFirst aidFirst aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by non-expert, but trained personnel to a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Certain self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further medical care...
, and music training. Quadra is the only Sea Cadet Training Centre in Canada to include all four trades plus three of the four speciality trades (Marine Engineering, Shipwright, and Silver Sail). Cadets undergoing training as BoatswainBoatswainA boatswain , bo's'n, bos'n, or bosun is an unlicensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. The boatswain supervises the other unlicensed members of the ship's deck department, and typically is not a watchstander, except on vessels with small crews...
s and Marine Engineers also undergo training in damage control at CFB EsquimaltCFB EsquimaltCanadian Forces Base Esquimalt is Canada's Pacific Coast naval base and home port to Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific Headquarters....
. Quadra plays host to a number of international exchange cadets. In recent years, these have included contingents from Korea, Japan, the United StatesUnited States Naval Sea Cadet CorpsThe United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a congressionally chartered, U.S. Navy-based organization that serves to teach individuals 13 to 17 years old about the sea-going military services, U.S. Naval operations and training, community service, citizenship, and an understanding of discipline and...
, United KingdomSea Cadet Corps (United Kingdom)The Sea Cadet Corps is a UK national youth organisation sponsored by the Royal Navy and open to young people between the ages of 10-18 years old. The SCC is the UK's largest Naval Cadet Force with over 30,000 cadets and adult volunteers...
, GermanyGermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, SwedenSwedenSweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
, AustraliaAustralian Navy CadetsThe Australian Navy Cadets is a voluntary youth organisation sponsored by the Royal Australian Navy. Together with the Australian Air Force Cadets and Australian Army Cadets, it forms the Australian Defence Force Cadets. It hosts over 91 units.-History:...
, New ZealandNew Zealand Sea Cadet CorpsThe Sea Cadet Corps or Sea Cadets, is one of the three corps in the New Zealand Cadet Forces, the other two being the Air Training Corps, and the New Zealand Cadet Corps. Its members are civilians. Members have no obligation to join the New Zealand Defence Force however some do choose to join...
, BermudaBermuda Sea Cadet CorpsThe Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps was created as a registered charity under the Bermuda Sea Cadet Association Act, 1968. The first unit had actually been created two years earlier. Despite Bermuda's historical maritime economy, and its long period as a naval base and dockyard, there were no Sea Cadet...
, and the NetherlandsNetherlandsThe Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
.
- SCSTC HMCS OntarioHMCS OntarioHMCS Ontario can refer to several ships:* HMS Ontario ,a British warship* HMCS Ontario , a Royal Canadian Navy Minotaur class light cruiser* HMCS Ontario, a Royal Canadian Sea Cadet summer training centre-See also:...
, located at the Royal Military CollegeRoyal Military College of CanadaThe Royal Military College of Canada, RMC, or RMCC , is the military academy of the Canadian Forces, and is a degree-granting university. RMC was established in 1876. RMC is the only federal institution in Canada with degree granting powers...
in Kingston, OntarioKingston, OntarioKingston, Ontario is a Canadian city located in Eastern Ontario where the St. Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario. Originally a First Nations settlement called "Katarowki," , growing European exploration in the 17th Century made it an important trading post...
HMCS ONTARIO Sea Cadet Summer Training Centre was established through the work of Lieutenant (Navy) Frank Down, Area Cadet Officer (Sea) for Eastern Ontario in 1973-75. He instigated a program called “Sailsafe” to improve sailing opportunities for sea cadets. The program operated from Waupoos Island, off the East coast of Prince Edward County near Picton, Ontario. As the sailing program expanded Camp Frontenac was established to supplement the sail training that was offered at Ontario’s six sea cadet sail centres.
In 1977, the “Sailsafe” program moved from Waupoos Island to Kingston. amp Frontenac opened with “Colours” on July 4. Twenty Officers instructed two three-week White Sail III courses. In 1981 Camp Frontnac was designated as HMCS ONTARIO Sea Cadet Summer Training Centre to offer the full scope of sea cadet summer training. SCSTCS HMCS ONTARIO has called the Royal Military College of Canada and Canadian Forces Base Kingston home since 1983. The Centre now offers music, gunnery and boatswain training as well as sail and seamanship instruction.
Each summer HMCS ONTARIO hosts over 1100 cadets, supervised by a staff of 100 officers and 120 staff cadets. The Centre provides two, three and six-week training experiences including sports, first aid, instructional technique, and leadership training. The course durations represent ascending levels of experience and greater challenge for the cadets. During the rest of the year HMCS ONTARIO is the headquarters responsible for the training and operational standards for the eight sea cadet sailing centres across Ontario.
- SCSTC HMCS Avalon, located in St. John's, Newfoundland, is currently the smallest SCSTC in Canada. It only includes the first stage of the Sail trade and the first stage of the Music trade.
- SCSTC HMCS AcadiaHMCS AcadiaSeveral Canadian naval units have been named HMCS Acadia.* CSS Acadia is Canada's most historic oceanographic and hydrographic survey and research vessel. She was commissioned into naval service as HMCS Acadia during both World War I and World War II, while serving with her civilian name before...
, located in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, is the largest summer training facility. During the course of the summer, Acadia is home to roughly 1200 cadets who are undergoing training. Acadia provides training in all four trades and is known for a strong Royal Canadian Air Cadet presence amongst both course and staff cadets. HMCS Acadia, much like HMCS Quadra, hosts an international contingent. In 2006, HMCS Acadia celebrated 50 years as a Sea Cadet Summer Training Centre. HMCS Acadia's website
- SCSTC HMCS Québec, located in Sainte-Angèle-de-Laval, QuebecSainte-Angèle-de-Laval, QuebecSainte-Angèle-de-Laval is a community of the city of Bécancour, Quebec. Bordering as it does the Saint Lawrence River, Sainte-Angèle-de-Laval has a strong naval history; among other things, a Sea Cadet training centre, the CSTC HMCS Quebec, operates there during the summer...
, is the only SCSTC that is entirely FrenchFrench languageFrench is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
. It trains cadets in all four trades and the Shipwright speciality course. Québec occupies a school during the summer season.
Additionally, cadets may apply for a number of tri-service courses, some hosted by Sea Cadet Summer Training Centres - as Athletic Instructor is at HMCS Ontario - and others held on Army or Air Cadet facilities. Currently, Athletic Instructor and various forms of music training are offered as tri-service to some extent. In past years the Air-heavy Introduction to Aerospace course was offered as tri-service; however, this seems to have lapsed.
Former SCSTC
- SCSTC HMCS Qu'AppelleHMCS Qu'AppelleHMCS Qu'Appelle can refer to several different things named after the Qu'Appelle River in Saskatchewan: , a River class destroyer that served in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II, commissioned February 1944 until May 1946....
was located at the Echo Valley Conference Centre, formerly the Fort San sanatorium, near Fort Qu'Appelle, SaskatchewanFort Qu'Appelle, SaskatchewanThese figures do not include the substantial population living along the shores of the Fishing Lakes.-Origins:The current site is the third Fort Qu'Appelle. The first was a North West Company trading post , also in the valley but near what is now the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border...
, an hour north east of Regina, SaskatchewanRegina, SaskatchewanRegina is the capital city of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. The city is the second-largest in the province and a cultural and commercial centre for southern Saskatchewan. It is governed by Regina City Council. Regina is the cathedral city of the Roman Catholic and Romanian Orthodox...
. HMCS Qu'Appelle offered the introductory Two-Week General Training course, and Trade Groups One through Three of the Music and Sail courses. HMCS Qu'Appelle last offered courses in 2004.
- SCSTC HMCS Gimli, HMCS Qu'Appelle's predecessor, was located in Hnausa, ManitobaManitobaManitoba is a Canadian prairie province with an area of . The province has over 110,000 lakes and has a largely continental climate because of its flat topography. Agriculture, mostly concentrated in the fertile southern and western parts of the province, is vital to the province's economy; other...
.
- Camp TILLICUM, located in North Bay, Ontario offered Two-Week General Training and Basic Leadership.
Vessels
| Vessels | Type | Details | Origins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 420 420 (dinghy) The International 420 Class Dinghy is a double-handed monohull planing dinghy with centreboard, bermuda rig and centre sheeting. The name describes the overall length of the boat in centimetres . The hull is fibreglass with internal buoyancy tanks. The 420 is equipped with spinnaker and optional... |
Sailing Dinghy | Double or single hand, monohull | |
| Pirate Pirate (dinghy) A Pirate is a type of German sailing dinghy. It was first constructed in 1935, and has no trapeze. The Pirate was designed in 1934 by the German boat builder Carl Martens. The boat was originally manufactured in solid wood, although since the 1960s glass-reinforced plastic, or a sandwich of the... |
Sailing Dinghy | Double or single hand, monohull | |
| Echo | Sailing Dinghy | Double or single hand, monohull | |
| Laser Laser (dinghy) The International Laser Class sailboat, also called Laser Standard and the Laser One is a popular one-design class of small sailing dinghy. According the Laser Class Rules the boat may be sailed by either one or two people, though it is rarely sailed by two. The design, by Bruce Kirby, emphasizes... |
Sailing Dinghy | Single hand, monohull | |
| Laser II | Sailing Dinghy | Double or single hand, monohull | |
| YAG (Yard Auxiliary General) YAG training vessels YAG training vessels are wooden boats built between 1954 and 1958, and based at CFB Esquimalt in Esquimalt, British Columbia, Canada. The vessels are used for training Canadian Forces regular naval officers, naval reservists, and members of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets in basic seamanship, vessel... |
Training Tender | Ceased operations summer 2008 | |
| Orca Class | Patrol Craft Training | Canadian Navy training and patrol tender | |
Flags
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The Sea Cadets used a variety of flags in their history: some corps flew the White Ensign
White Ensign
The White Ensign or St George's Ensign is an ensign flown on British Royal Navy ships and shore establishments. It consists of a red St George's Cross on a white field with the Union Flag in the upper canton....
until 1965; they then used the Canadian Blue Ensign and the flag of the Navy League of Canada
Navy League of Canada
The Navy League of Canada, is a Non-For-Profit organization founded in 1895 and incorporated in 1918. Originally formed to promote maritime issues to Canadians, the Navy League is the non-governmental partner of the Department of National Defence in delivery of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets program...
until 1953. In that year, the Chief of Naval Service approved a design for the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Flag: a white flag with the Union Flag
Union Flag
The Union Flag, also known as the Union Jack, is the flag of the United Kingdom. It retains an official or semi-official status in some Commonwealth Realms; for example, it is known as the Royal Union Flag in Canada. It is also used as an official flag in some of the smaller British overseas...
in the canton, and, on the fly, the badge of the Cadets, a gold anchor on a blue roundel surrounded by red maple leaves and surmounted by a Naval Crown
Naval crown
The Naval Crown was a gold crown surmounted with the prows of ships. It was a Roman military award, given to the first man who boarded an enemy ship during a naval engagement....
. In 1976, the Sovereign
Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
Elizabeth II is the constitutional monarch of 16 sovereign states known as the Commonwealth realms: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize,...
approved a new design which replaced the Union flag in the canton with the Maple Leaf Flag.
Admiral of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets
The first Admiral of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets was George VIGeorge VI of the United Kingdom
George VI was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 until his death...
, King of Canada
Monarchy in Canada
The monarchy of Canada is the core of both Canada's federalism and its Westminster-style parliamentary democracy, being the foundation of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Canadian government and each provincial government...
, assuming the role in 1942, when the Navy League
Navy League of Canada
The Navy League of Canada, is a Non-For-Profit organization founded in 1895 and incorporated in 1918. Originally formed to promote maritime issues to Canadians, the Navy League is the non-governmental partner of the Department of National Defence in delivery of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets program...
Sea Cadets became the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh is the husband of Elizabeth II. He is the United Kingdom's longest-serving consort and the oldest serving spouse of a reigning British monarch....
, as a member of the Canadian Royal Family, was appointed Admiral of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets in 1953; His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, Duke of York now holds the post Admiral of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. (See Navy League of Canada)
Canadian Forces Senior Members
Chief - Reserves and CadetsSince May 2011, this post has been filled by Rear Admiral Jennifer Bennett, CMM, CD.
RAdm Bennett's biography
Director General Reserves and Cadets
Since March 2011, this post has been filled by Brigadier-General Jay Milne, CD. BGen Milne's biography
Director of Cadets and Junior Rangers
Since June 2007, the post has been filled by former Chief of Reserves Colonel Craig M. Fletcher, CD. Col Fletcher's biography
Honorary Members
- Captain (N) Dr. Marc GarneauMarc GarneauJoseph Jean-Pierre Marc Garneau, CC CD FCASI MP is a Canadian retired military officer, former astronaut, engineer and politician.Garneau was the first Canadian in space taking part in three flights aboard NASA Space shuttles...
was appointed as Honorary Captain of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets; the appointment was not renewed.
See also
- Canadian ForcesCanadian ForcesThe Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
- Other Sea Cadet organisations
- Cadets Canada - corporate identity
- History of the Cadet Instructors CadreHistory of the Cadet Instructors CadreThe Cadet Instructors Cadre was founded on May 1, 1909 when the Canadian Army establishment of a "Corps of School Cadet Instructors ." Previously, a Special General Order issued on December 21, 1903 had allowed qualified male school teachers be appointed as a Second Lieutenant, and to be...
- Canadian Cadet MovementCanadian Cadet MovementThe Canadian Cadet Organizations, marketed under the term Cadets Canada, are youth cadet programs known as the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, and Air Cadets...