Growing sea cadet unit is looking for new volunteers

The sea cadet unit offers a wide range of activities to its members, including water activities such as sailing and canoeing, adventurous activities such as rock climbing and mountaineering, and life skills such as IT and communications.

The organisation says it aims to encourage good citizenship and provide nationally recognised qualifications to its members who are aged 10 to 18.

With the popularity of youth organisations such as the sea cadets growing, the unit needs new instructors to allow more young people to get involved.

Tony Salmon, commanding officer at Gosport Sea Cadets, said: ‘We invite all adults living in the local area to pop in to the unit when we’re open to meet other volunteers and cadets, have a tour of the unit, and have a chat about any roles that suit you. All you need is basic knowledge and lots of enthusiasm.’

Sea cadet instructors work with and support the cadets as well as helping with the planning and administration of the unit.

The sea cadets were established in 1856 by communities who wanted to give young people naval-based education. In the past the training was provided by old seafarers and local businesses funded unit buildings. Now, however, the charity has 14,000 members and 9,000 volunteers.

With the call for new instructors going out, the sea cadets are also telling potential volunteers about the development opportunities they offer.

As well as the in-house training given to all adult volunteers there is also the opportunity to gain external qualifications such as those offered by the Royal Yachting Association and the British Canoe Union.

The group meets every Tuesday and Friday at Royal Clarence Yard on Weevil Lane, and people should be available every week on one or both nights. Potential volunteers should be looking to commit at least three hours a week to the unit and be keen to try new things.

To find out more go to bitly.com/gosportseacadets or sea-cadets.org.