The Sea Cadet Corps is a branch of the New Zealand Cadet Forces. It is a military-style training organisation for young people between the ages of 13 and 18. It is divided into three areas with 16 units in total. Activities include sailing and boat work, shooting and drill, and cadets need to pass a swimming test at joining.
History
The SCC traces its roots back to 1929 when the first open Sea Cadet unit was formed in Christchurch, by the CanterburyNavy League. Units formed in the four main centres and were controlled nationally by the Canterbury branch of the League.
Organisation
National
The SCC, as a component of the New Zealand Cadet Forces, is managed at a national level by the Commandant NZ Cadet Forces, who is part of Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force staff in Wellington. At community level, The SCC are represented by the Sea Cadet Association of New Zealand.
Area
The country is divided up into 3 areas, Northern, Central and Southern. Each area has a NZCF Training and Support Unit, commanded by an Area Co-ordinator, with Advisors for SCC units.
Unit
Each unit is managed by the Cadet Unit Commander, and his/her officers. There are sixteen Sea Cadet Units across New Zealand.
Membership
Cadet Members
Cadets can join if they are between the ages of thirteen and eighteen. The units provide uniforms, but may hold bonds to ensure that they are returned. Fees are charged by each unit annually and vary between NZ$10 and $200. Certain activities may incur additional charges, although sponsorship is sometimes available. Cadets may in time be promoted to Non-commissioned officer ranks, which are based on the rank structure of the Royal New Zealand Navy. New members are referred to by the rank of "New Entrant", before progressing to "Ordinary Cadet", then "Able Cadet", which are awarded following the completion of a test administered by the unit. Ranks above this are only awarded after the completion of joint training courses held with other units of the Sea Cadets, as well as the Air Training Corps and New Zealand Cadet Corps. Cadet ranks are often abbreviated by omitting the "Cadet" suffix.
Adult Members
Adult Members can serve in two capacities: Commissioned Officers or Civilian Instructors. Officers are commissioned into the New Zealand Cadet Forces, with the post-nominal letters NZCF, at the rank of Ensign, and can be promoted to Sub-Lieutenant and Lieutenant, after completing the necessary training and service. The highest rank attainable is Lieutenant Commander, which is available only to Unit Commanders. Civilian Instructors are civilians who help train cadets. They do not wear uniform, but they are generally treated similarly to officers by cadets.
Activities
Parade Nights
Every unit holds Parade Nights around 2–3 hours long weekly during school terms. Each parade night usually begins and ends with a parade. The starting parade is used to inspect uniforms, and to inform the cadets on the parade night's activities. The final parade to inform the cadets on upcoming events in the unit. Between the parades, the cadets undergo classroom, or practical instruction.
Shooting
Units conduct regular range training with smallbore rifles. Some units have their own armouries and ranges at their parade hall. Cadets must pass a TOETS before being allowed on the range. Each year the Smitt Trophy shooting competition is held between all the Sea Cadet Units in New Zealand.
Boat work & Rigging
Develop and maintain safe seamanship skills in power, sail, oar, and paddle craft, and learn the correct way to utilise ropes and pulleys. Each unit has and operates 2 Crown's, 2 RS Feva's, and various support vessels.
Each year, the Sea Cadet Association of New Zealand holds a competition for the most efficient unit in the country. Each area selects one unit. Then a naval officer inspects each of the three units chosen and selects a final winner. The winning unit keeps the trophy for a year, and earns a placement for one cadet aboard the sail training shipSpirit of New Zealand.
