Royal Belgian Sea Cadet Corps

The Royal Belgian Sea Cadet Corps is a voluntary youth organisation sponsored by the Belgian Navy.

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Organisation

There are 7 units across Belgium, with a total membership of a few hundred cadets and officers. Units week every week or two weeks, usually on a Sunday, providing training and recreational opportunities for cadets. The curriculum includes seamanship, navigation, sailing, rowing and general boatwork, drill, first aid and other nautical subjects. Staff are all volunteers.

The Belgian Sea Cadet Corps is a uniformed organisation and received logistical support from the Belgian Navy under a covenant with the Ministry of Defence. There are no further ties with the military, and in contrast to most other sea cadet organisations, the Belgian Sea Cadet Corps does not use weapons or includes marksmanship in its programme. Cadets and staff are not required to undertake military service or encouraged to join the military.

A system of ranks is used, with badges being distinctly different from the military. Progression is based on merit and length of service.

Membership

Cadet

Membership of the Belgian Sea Cadet Corps is open to all young people aged 12 to 18. There is no specific recruitment time; cadets can join or leave at any time.

Staff

All cadet units are staffed by unpaid officers and instructors, although some units may also have volunteer instructors. Recruitment is on a vacancy-only basis.

See also

Other naval cadet organisations

• International Sea Cadet Association
• Other Sea Cadet organisations

External references

• International Sea Cadet Association
• Belgian Sea Cadet Corps