The Junior Sea Cadet Training Programme is grouped into four coloured sections. Each section is linked by modules of a similar theme. Within each module you have the choice of several different activities you and your cadets can complete with the exception of ‘Core Modules’, which are mandatory.
UNIT
WATERBORNE
OUTDOOR & RECREATION
COMMUNITY & CITIZENSHIP
Unit
The Unit section covers everything a Junior Sea Cadet needs to know to feel welcomed, safe and able to take an active part in their unit. The modules in this section give the Junior Sea Cadets instructors the opportunity to get to know their cadets. The Red section also aims to create a solid foundation for the Junior Sea Cadets experience, which they will build upon as they progress through the other sections of the programme. Cadets get the opportunity to learn about first aid, communication & information systems, and unit naval customs and traditions, as well as how to stay safe in their unit. This section also has useful icebreakers which Junior Sea Cadets instructors can use to help cadets get to know other juniors in their section.
Waterborne
The Waterborne section develops knowledge, skills and an understanding of how to stay safe and be responsible whilst enjoying water-based activities. Cadets learn about water safety, practice their swimming skills and participate in boating taster sessions to help them gain confidence on the water.
Cadets get the opportunity to learn basic seamanship skills through knotting practice, navigating short journeys on water, and basic boat construction, as well as delving into maritime history by researching famous figures and learning about maritime etiquette. The Blue section also teaches juniors about the importance of environmentally friendly practices whilst participating in water-based activities, with modules helping them research ways they can raise awareness and advocate for keeping our waters clean.
Outdoor & Recreation
The Outdoor & Recreation section develops knowledge, skills and an understanding of the outdoors, as well allowing juniors to take part and have fun in recreational activities. Cadets learn about the benefits of being active and understanding healthy eating habits; how to
expressing their creative skills behind a camera; and the importance of promoting respect for the environment. Junior Sea Cadets are also encouraged to understand how being outdoors has health benefits that can help them with their confidence, creativity and self-esteem.
During the Green section, cadets can learn how to cook outdoors; use their navigation skills around their local area and/or beyond; and plan for adventures ahead of time using weather predictions. All these elements come together to teach cadets the importance of being prepared and staying safe whilst enjoying the outdoors.
Community & Citizenship
The Community & Citizenship section develops knowledge, skills and an understanding that cadets need to play a full part in their community as active and responsible citizens. Cadets learn about politics; parliament; different cultures and faiths; their local community; and naval history. The Junior Sea Cadets also learn the skills of active citizenship by researching and taking part in community projects. Throughout the Yellow section, cadets can learn how to cook traditional foods; use their creative skills to design different cultural artefacts; develop community surveys; investigate and research current political structures; and explore languages used within the UK. Junior Sea Cadets also learn the importance of respecting and appreciating what makes them different in terms of: age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, education, and national origin. By promoting the value of diversity, the section allows for the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive and nurturing environment.
In addition to the coloured sections, Junior Sea Cadets have the opportunity to gain up to four proficiency qualifications – Three boatwork and one STEM. Completion of a proficiency entitles the Junior Sea Cadet to wear a badge on their brassard. Below are the only badges permitted to be worn by juniors on their brassard, even if they have achieved a higher level through another organisation.
There are three boatwork proficiencies which Junior Sea Cadets can achieve: Paddle UK Paddlesport Discover; YSS Stage 2 Sailing Certificate (equivalent to RYA Level 1 (Adult scheme) Certificate; and the SCC Rowing 1 badges. The Junior Sea Cadets have the option of selecting which boatwork proficiency badge they would like to keep and wear on their No 1 uniform as they transition into the Cadet Training Programme as a senior.
The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Proficiency offers another proficiency that Junior Sea Cadets have the option of completing.
Why STEM? Science is everywhere in the world around us. Technology is continuously expanding into every aspect of our lives. Engineering is the application of science and mathematics to solve problems. STEM activities help cadets build their creativity, problem solving, life skills and use their ingenuity, resourcefulness and curiosity!
STEM is important because it is part of our lives. These activities help cadets see how important these skills are. The STEM module activities are contextualised in a maritime setting and help you and your cadets explore STEM in a hands-on way. The activities cover learning about engineering principles and encouraging the cadets to use mathematics to solve problems, as well as introducing them to science concepts as they complete an activity.
Activities range from exploring how light behaves to the properties of different materials and why it’s important to correctly load cargo on a ship!
In order for a Junior Sea Cadet to be awarded the STEM proficiency badge, they must complete a total of 15 of the STEM modules.
The Commodore’s Broad Pennant award is the highest achievement badge a Junior Sea Cadet has the opportunity to obtain. In order for a Junior Sea Cadet to be awarded with the Commodore’s Broad Pennant Badge, they must first have been awarded with all four coloured sections. Junior Sea Cadets must then complete an extra eight modules from each of the coloured sections. The Commodores’ pennant can be worn on the senior uniform for up to two years, or until a senior cadet is awarded a second proficiency.
The Junior Sea Cadet Programme gives Junior Sea Cadets the opportunity to gain promotion during their time in the unit. The promotion structure for Junior Sea Cadets is based on length of time as a cadet and their module completion.
The Junior Sea Cadets will be awarded badges which are worn on their brassard.