New Zealand Cadet Forces

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The Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) or Sea Cadets, is one of the three corps in the New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF), the other two being the Air Training Corps (ATC), and the New Zealand Cadet Corps (NZCC). Its members are civilians. Members have no obligation to join the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) however some do choose to join the NZDF. The NZDF is partnered with the civilian Sea Cadet Association of New Zealand (SCANZ).

History

The SCC traces its roots back to 1929 when the first open Sea Cadet unit was formed in Christchurch, by the Canterbury Navy League. Units formed in the four main centres and were controlled nationally by the Canterbury branch of the League.

More NZCF history...

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 (usually a Regular Force Lieutenant-Colonel or equivalent), 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.

Units

Each unit is managed by the Cadet Unit Commander, and his/her officers. There are seventeen Sea Cadet Units (also known as Training Ships) across New Zealand. To find your nearest unit, use our unit locator.

Activities

Parade nights

Every unit holds Parade Nights around 2–3 hours long weekly during school terms. Each parade night usually begins with a Colours Ceremony and ends with a Sunset Ceremony. 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, including on boat work and rigging, shooting and other activities.

Boat work and rigging

Sea Cadets undergo training to develop and maintain safe seamanship skills in power, sail, oar, and paddle craft, and learn the correct way to utilise ropes and pulleys.

Other activities