View source for Royal Canadian Sea Cadets

{{Short description|Military-run national youth program}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Royal Canadian Sea Cadets
| native_name = {{native name|fr|nolink=on|Cadets de la Marine royale du Canada}}
| image = Badge of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets.svg
| caption = Badge of the RCSC
| dates = 1905-present
| country = {{CAN}}
| branch = 
| type = Youth Organization
| size = 
| garrison = [[Ottawa]], Ontario, Canada
| garrison_label = Headquarters
| role = 
| command_structure = [[Canadian Cadet Organizations]]
| colonel_of_the_regiment = 
| motto = 
| identification_symbol = [[File:RCSC Current Flag.svg|175px|border]]
| identification_symbol_label = [[Royal Canadian Sea Cadets#Flags|Flag]]
| nickname = 
| patron = 
| battles = 
| aircraft_trainer = 
| march = Quick: "[[Heart of Oak]]"
| commander1                    = Brigadier-General [[Dominique Brais (Canadian Forces officer)|Dominique Brais]]
}}

The '''Royal Canadian Sea Cadets''' ('''RCSC'''; {{langx|fr|links=no|Cadets de la Marine royale du Canada}}) is a Canadian national youth program sponsored by the [[Canadian Armed Forces]] and the civilian [[Navy League of Canada]]. Administered by the Canadian Forces, the program is funded through the [[Department of National Defence (Canada)|Department of National Defence]], with the civilian partner providing support in the local community. Cadets are not members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

==Overview==
[[Image:Ottawa Remembrance Day ceremonies - 25.jpg|thumb|Royal Canadian Sea Cadets attend Remembrance Day Ceremonies]]
Along with the [[Royal Canadian Army Cadets]] and [[Royal Canadian Air Cadets]], the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets form part of the [[Canadian Cadet Organizations]]. Although the RCSCC and the other cadet programs are sponsored by the Canadian Forces and the civilian Leagues, cadets are not members of the Forces and are not expected to join.<ref name=*NDA*>[http://lois.justice.gc.ca/en/N-f/269085.html National Defence Act] The Act enabling the creation of cadet organizations. See Section 46.</ref> In keeping with Commonwealth custom, the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets stand first in the order of precedence, before the Army Cadets and Air Cadets. This is in keeping with the [[Royal Navy]]'s status as the Senior Service, a tradition common to most Commonwealth navies.

An inclusive program, youth aged 12 to 18 may join the RCSCC. There is no enrollment fee, and uniforms are loaned at no charge. The organization and rank system is similar to that of the [[Royal Canadian Navy]]. Adult leadership is provided by members of the Canadian Forces Reserve Subcomponent [[Cadet Organization Administration and Training Service]], composed mostly of officers of the [[Cadet Instructor Cadre]] (CIC) Branch, supplemented, if necessary, by contracted Civilian Instructors, authorized adult volunteers, and, on occasion, officers and non-commissioned members of other CF branches. The CIC Branch is specifically trained to serve the Royal Canadian Sea, Army, and Air Cadet training programs, and like all reservists, they come from all walks of life and all parts of the community. Some are former cadets, and many have former regular or reserve force service.

===Aim===
The aim of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is to develop in youth the attributes of good [[citizenship]] and [[leadership]]; promote [[physical fitness]], and stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land and air activities of the [[Canadian Forces]]. The RCSC shares this aim with the Army and Air Cadets; however, each discipline focuses on its own parent element.

==History==

===Early days===
In 1895, due to concern over the [[Royal Navy]]'s ability to provide adequate naval defence, concerned citizens formed the Navy League, to promote interest in the problems of maritime trade and defence.

The League formed local branches throughout the [[United Kingdom]] and in other countries of the [[British Empire]]. The earliest Canadian branch was formed in [[Toronto]]. Its [[Warrant (law)|warrant]] (Warrant No. 5) is dated December 10, 1895, and currently hangs in the [[Navy League of Canada]]'s National Office.

At that time, Canadian branches supported a cadet program called the Boys’ Naval Brigades, aimed at encouraging young men to consider a [[seafaring]] career and provide basic training in [[citizenship]] and [[seamanship]].

===Evolution===
With the formation of the Canadian Naval Service in May 1910, the organisation was renamed from "Boys’ Naval Brigade" to "Navy League Sea Cadets," to permit closer liaison with the Navy. In 1942, [[King George VI]] graciously consented to be Admiral of the Navy League's Sea Cadets, and granted the "Royal" prefix, causing another name change, to the current "Royal Canadian Sea Cadets." [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth]] continued this Royal patronage and named His Royal Highness the [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|Duke of Edinburgh]] as the Admiral of the RCSC. Finally, in 1941, the [[Royal Canadian Navy|RCN]] became a joint partner with the Navy League in support of the RCSC.

===Girls===
In 1950, the Navy League of Canada established the [[Navy League Wrennette Corp|Wrenette]] program for girls aged 13 to 18 years, though at least one corps (in Victoria, British Columbia) unofficially existed before that date.<ref name="navyleague">{{cite web |publisher=Navy League of Canada |url=https://navyleague.ca/about/significant-dates/ |title=Significant Dates}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |first=Ken |last=MacKenzie |title=Keeping Watch: A History of the Navy League of Canada 1895–1965 |location=Victoria, BC |publisher=Aldridge Street Editing & Publishing |date=2010 |pages=318–19}}</ref> Starting in 1975, girls were permitted to become sea cadets (as well as army and air cadets),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/ombudsman-national-defence-forces/education-information/cadet-junior-canadian-rangers/canadian-cadet-organization.html|title=Canadian cadet organizations|website=www.canada.ca|accessdate=6 July 2025}}</ref> making the Wrenette Corps largely redundant. As a result, the Wrenette program steadily declined until it was disbanded in 1997.<ref name="navyleague"/>

===Memorial===
[[File:Memorial Stained Glass Window, Currie Hall, Currie Building, Navy League of Canada.jpg|thumb|left|[[Navy League Wrennette Corp]] [[Navy League Cadet Corps (Canada)]] Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Memorial Stained Glass Window, [[Currie Hall]], Currie Building, [[Royal Military College of Canada]]]]

At the [[Royal Military College of Canada]], outside Currie Hall in [[Kingston, Ontario]], stained glass windows relate to the history of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. 
* Donated as a tribute to all national presidents of the Navy League of Canada for the proven love of country in promoting patriotism... seapower ... youth training, the window bestows 'Honour and Glory to patriotic citizens who have and will serve Canada.' The window features images of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Navy League Cadets and Navy League Wrenettes.
* In memory of David H. Gibson, C.B.E. national president, Navy League of Canada, 1938–1952 a stained glass window features images of a young sailor and God behind the ships' wheel. The window is dedicated to Canadians who in defence of the country went down to the sea in ships. The window includes a poem by H.R. Gillarm: "Proudly in ships they sailed to sea. Ahead their goal, perhaps eternity. But with God as their pilot they had no fear facing all danger as their course was clear. Their cargo? The record of their life. Some good, some bad, some peace, some strife."<ref>6647 Major (Ret) Mitchell Kryzanowski (RMC 1965), 'Currie Hall: Memorial to the Canadian Corps' (Kingston: Hewson and White, 1989)</ref>

===Navy League today===
In 1995, the Navy League of Canada celebrated its 100th anniversary. The League promotes the same subjects today, as at its founding: knowledge of, and support for, maritime interests. On a national level, the League supports the International Exchange Program, certain scholarships, and the National Sea Cadet Regatta, while local branches provide vital logistical support to individual RCSC Corps.<ref>[http://www.cadets.forces.gc.ca/seacad/resources-ressources/phase3/1_e.asp RCSC Phase III Manual - Serve within a Sea Cadet corps]</ref>

==Corps==

Individual cadets belong to units called Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC), or Corps de cadet de la Marine royale canadienne (CCMRC), which are the basic operating units of the program. Each corps consists of officers from the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces, Civilian Instructors (CI), Civilian Volunteers (CV), volunteer Regular/ Primary Reserve Force members, and cadets.

The entirety of a given corps organizes itself as a ship's company, employing the [[Royal Canadian Navy|naval divisional system]]. Under this system, cadets become members of a division under a cadet petty officer (Divisional Petty Officer or DPO) and a CIC officer ([[Divisional Officer (military)|Divisional Officer]] or DivO), although the officer position is sometimes filled by a Civilian instructor or Volunteer. Cadets parade by divisions, and are expected to route grievances and requests through the [[chain of command]], running either directly from the DPO to DivO to the [[executive officer]] (XO) to the [[commanding officer]] (CO) or from the DPO to the cadet Regulating Petty Officer (RPO, the second senior cadet in the unit), to the cadet [[coxswain]] (cox'n, the senior cadet in a unit). The chain stops at the level able to deal with a concern – for example, a cadet's request for a new item of uniform might result in the DivO giving approval, and directing the cadet to visit Stores.

Sea Cadet Units also house key departments such as Training, Administration, and Supply. These departments are normally operated under the direction of a CIC officer but can also be operated by a Civilian Instructor, possibly with an assistant adult staff member, and a senior cadet. Units may also house teams such as [[Shooting|Range]] (Marksmanship/Biathlon), Band, and Drill.Larger units may have dedicated staff for each of the teams.

Units generally adhere to the school schedule, meeting weekly for mandatory training, and carrying out additional training on weekends and other weeknights. The primary meeting is referred to as a parade/training night while training/activities conducted on weekends or on other weeknights are referred to by the activity/training occurring.

===Key Departments===

* The Training Department comprises the Training Officer (TrgO), Training Chief or Petty Officer (Trg CPO/PO), and a staff of senior cadets and adult staff, often with other duties within the unit, serving as instructors. The Trg CPO/PO is often responsible for maintaining each cadets' training record, as well as handling resources and rating instructors.
* The Administration Department comprises the Administration Officer (AdmO) and Administration Chief or Petty Officer (Adm CPO/PO), who wears the quill-pen and scroll badge of a Ship's Writer, and may be referred to as such. Administration handles all incoming and outgoing mail, as well as maintaining corps records other than those specifically handled by Training or Supply.
* The Supply (or Stores) Department is composed of a Supply (or Stores) Officer, sometimes assisted by a senior cadet, who is entitled to wear the crossed-keys badge of a Storekeeper. The Supply Department is responsible for all equipment belonging to the corps; however, Supply tends to be primarily concerned with issuing cadets uniforms and related gear – bands often deal with their own gear, as do competitive teams.

===Sponsoring group===
* Along with the Army Cadets and Air Cadets, the Sea Cadets make up a program sponsored by the Canadian Forces funded primarily through the Department of National Defence. The Canadian Forces provides training, pay and allowances for reserve force cadet instructors; uniforms for instructors and cadets; transportation, facilities and staff for summer training; the training program and training aids; and policy and regulation regarding the operation of the cadet organization.
* The primary local community sponsor for Sea Cadets is a local branch of the Navy League of Canada that is often a committee of parents supported by groups such as [[Royal Canadian Legion]] branch, or some similar service club; i.e. [[Lions Clubs International|Lions]], [[Rotary International|Rotary]], etc. The civilian Navy League provides local support by way of accommodation, utilities, liability insurance, transportation and training aids not provided by the CF. Navy League branches rely on community support, in the form of direct donations of money and goods, trusts, and various forms of fund-raising efforts. These last include sale of various items, much like bake and chocolate bar sales, street-corner pin and tag sales by cadets, and funds raised through the attached cadet unit's own canteen.
** [[Canteen (place)|Canteen]]: Operated by the local sponsoring group with proceeds for corps activities, the canteen typically sells pop, chips, and the like at breaks in training. Some also offer cadets various necessities such as thread, boot polish, and starch. More ambitious corps canteens offer unit clothing, typically sweatshirts, T-shirts, belt buckles, etc., suitably emblazoned with unit insignia, [[motto]]s, and the like.

==Training and ranks==

=== Ranks ===
{{See also|Cadets Canada elemental ranks}}In accordance with QR and O Cadets 4.11 the following are the rank badges of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cadets.ca/seacad/resources-resources/symbols/index.htm|title=Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Badges - Insignes de la Marine royale du Canada|accessdate=6 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cadets.ca/_docs/cato-oaic/3301A_b.pdf|title=Promotion criteria: Annex A CATO 33-01|website=www.cadets.ca|accessdate=6 July 2025}}</ref>
In addition to the rank-specific criteria given below, all appointments are subject to the approval of the cadet's [[commanding officer]], who generally promotes based on the advice of Divisional Officers and unit training staff.

As a note, the official phrasing for the [[Petty Officer]] and [[Chief Petty Officer]] ranks is "Petty Officer Cadet First (or Second) Class," and "Chief Petty Officer Cadet First (or Second) Class." However, outside of Cadet Administrative and Training Orders (CATO), and Queen's Regulations and Orders (Cadets) (QR&O(Cdt)), custom omits "Cadet" in casual reference. Thus, Petty Officer First Class is the customary rendering. Generally, where there is a need to distinguish between cadets and Canadian Forces members, the [[Non-commissioned officer|NCO]] ranks will be written or spoken as Cadet Petty Officer First Class, abbreviated as C/PO1.    
   
Additionally, while it is customary within the organisation to refer to a cadet receiving a rank as being "promoted," the official documentation refers to such an act as an "appointment."
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Ranks of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets—Junior Cadet Ranks (OC-MC)
!'''CDT 1'''
!'''CDT 2'''
!'''CDT 3'''
|-
! align="center" width="325" | Ordinary Cadet—{{lang|fr|matelot de 3<sup>e</sup> classe}} !! width="325" | Able Cadet—{{lang|fr|matelot de 2<sup>e</sup> classe}} !! width="325" | Leading Cadet—{{lang|fr|matelot de 1<sup>re</sup> classe}}
|-
| valign="top" |[[File:Canadian RCN OR-2.svg|right|frameless|255x255px]]

* Rank of OC (Mat 3) granted upon enrollment, although customs dictate referring to cadets not yet sworn in as new entries;
* No prerequisites for this rank, except a minimum age of 12 years and a maximum age of 18 years;
* A new cadet may be sworn into the organization, making a promise of loyalty to the [[Monarchy in Canada|Crown]] and obedience to orders in front of the [[ship's company]]; also,
* Ordinary Cadets wear no rank insignia.
| valign="top" |[[File:RCSCC AB.png|alt=|right|frameless|254x254px]] In order to earn a promotion to AC (mat 2) a cadet must: 
* hold the rank of OC;
* maintain a satisfactory level of dress and deportment; and
* be recommended by his/her divisional officer.
* Hold a minimum of 6 months in previous rank.

| valign="top" |[[File:RCSCC LS.png|alt=|right|frameless|255x255px]] In order to earn a promotion to LC (mat 1) a cadet must: 
* hold the rank of AC;
* successfully complete Phase I training from the LHQ program;
* maintain a satisfactory level of dress and deportment; and
* be recommended by his/her divisional officer.
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Ranks of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets—Petty Officers (PO2-PO1)
!'''CDT 4'''
!'''CDT 5'''
!'''CDT 6'''
|-
! align="center" width="325" | Master Cadet—{{lang|fr|matelot-chef}} !!width="325" | Petty Officer Cadet Second Class—{{lang|fr|maître de 2<sup>e</sup> classe}} !! width="325" | Petty Officer Cadet First Class—{{lang|fr|maître de 1<sup>re</sup> Classe}} 
|-
| valign="top" |[[File:RCSCC MS.png|alt=|right|frameless|255x255px]] In order to earn a promotion to MC (matc), a cadet must:
* hold the rank of LC;
* successfully complete Phase II from the LHQ program;
* maintain a satisfactory level of dress and deportment; and
* be recommended by his/her Divisional Officer.
| valign="top" |[[File:RCSCC PO2.png|alt=|right|frameless|255x255px]] In order to earn a promotion to PO2 (m 2), a cadet must: 
* hold the rank of MC;
* successfully complete Phase III from the LHQ program;
* maintain a satisfactory level of dress and deportment; and
* be recommended by his/her divisional officer.
| valign="top" |[[File:RCSCC PO1.png|alt=|right|frameless|254x254px]] In order to earn a promotion to PO1 (m 1), a cadet must:
* hold the rank of PO2
* successfully complete phase IV from the LHQ program;
* maintain a satisfactory level of dress and deportment; and 
* be recommended by his/her divisional officer.
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Ranks of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets—Chief Petty Officers (CPO2-CPO1)
!'''CDT 7'''
!'''CDT 8'''
|-
! align="center" width="325" | Chief Petty Officer Cadet Second Class—{{lang|fr|premier maître de 2<sup>e</sup> classe}} !! width="325" | Chief Petty Officer Cadet First Class—{{lang|fr|premier maître de 1<sup>re</sup> classe}} 
|-
| valign="top" |[[File:RCSCC CPO2.png|alt=|right|frameless|254x254px]] In order to earn a promotion to CPO2 (pm 2), a cadet must: 
* hold the rank of PO1 for at least 6 months;
* maintain a satisfactory level of dress and deportment; and
* be recommended by the Merit Review Board.
* Note: CPO2s are usually also given senior appointments such as Boatswain and sometimes Coxswain of their corps.
| valign="top" |[[File:RCSCC CPO1.png|alt=|right|frameless|254x254px]] In order to earn a promotion to CPO1 (pm 1), a cadet must: 
* hold the rank of CPO2 for at least 6 months;
* maintain a satisfactory level of dress and deportment;
* be recommended by the Merit Review Board; and
* be a member of a corps large enough to be allotted its one CPO1 position and in which that position is vacant, except in the case of a transfer or transfers from another corps or squadron).
* The cadet, upon being promoted to CPO1, is henceforth known as the "Coxswain" of their corps (should they not already hold that position).
*Promotion to CPO1 may be considered the pinnacle of a sea cadet's service.
|}

==== Forms of address ====
* Junior cadets are typically addressed by their last name by all ranks; however, a superior might address them as simply "cadet," especially in situations where names are not known, such as at multi-unit events.
* Petty officers are typically addressed by their juniors as "Petty Officer So-and-So," or, conversationally, as "P.O." Superiors and equals will often use last name only, sometimes prefacing it with "Mr." or "Miss."
* Chief petty officers are typically addressed by all personnel as "Chief So-and-So," or, conversationally, as "chief." Superiors and equals will rarely use last name only, though superiors might replace "chief" with "Mr." or "Miss."
* Additionally, cadets often hold an appointment in addition to their rank, and many of these are used as an alternate form of address, especially the following: coxswain (cox'n); corps gunner, chief gunner, or gunner's mate ("gunner"), [[Drum major (marching band)|drum major]] ("drum major" or "drummie"); bugler; messenger; and [[boatswain]], boatswain's mate, chief boatswain's mate, and chief boatswain ("bosun" or "buffer").
* In formal situations (for example, being called up for an award or promotion), a cadet's full rank and last name is used "Cadet (rank) name."

=== Training ===

==== Additional Training ====
Along with their mandatory weekly training, sea cadets may also participate in one or more of the teams below:

*Range Team: Most units will have at least one trained Range Safety Officer (RSO) and conduct, as part of the mandatory training programme, training in [[Firearm safety|safe]] and effective marksmanship using the [[Daisy Air Rifle]]. A number of corps field range teams, competing in cadet tri-service matches at the area, regional, and national level, while others simply offer a well-supervised recreational shooting program.
**Firearm safety is given the highest priority throughout this training.
* [[Biathlon]]: An increasing number of RCSC Corps have formed biathlon teams, adding a new aspect to the long-standing marksmanship programs, and encouraging a high degree of athleticism and physical fitness. Ideally, cadets train and compete with Anschutz .22 target rifles; however, some corps train with air rifles in accordance with [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] [[marksmanship]] standards.
** Firearm safety is given the highest priority throughout this training as well.
* Sail: The RCSC sailing program uses [[Canadian Yachting Association]] levels and material for all training. The Sailing program uses small [[Dinghy sailing|dinghies]], typically [[Echo (dinghy)|Echo-]] or [[420 (dinghy)|420-class]] vessels, although other comparable designs are used, including [[Laser (dinghy)|Lasers]], the Olympic-class [[470 (dinghy)|470]], [[Flying Junior]]s, as well as the older [[Albacore (dinghy)|Albacores]]. At the corps level, the sailing program is often conducted in two parts: on-ground classes during a training night/sail weekend as well as on the water experience with Sail instructors during a sailing weekend. Sail Instructors are typically CIC officers / Civilian Instructors who are members of the Area Sail Center. The Area Sail Center consists of a Coordinating Officer, several [[Canadian Yachting Association]] (CYA) certified Head Instructors and volunteer staff cadet instructors. Advanced training focus on competitive sailing and race organization and is normally done at a CTC during the summer.
* Band: Most units will try to support some sort of musical ensemble, whether drum and [[bugle]], drum and bell ([[glockenspiel]]), a [[military band]], or just a drum line. A few corps have a piper or two, while an even smaller group maintain [[pipe band]]s.
* Guard/ Honour Guard: Many units have a division called "Guard". The Guard is a division where anyone from the rank of AB and up can join. Most units carry the Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk. 1 Long-Branch Rifle and wear webbing. The Guard Commander usually carries a cutlass in lieu of a rifle. The Guard normally parades after the Flag Party in ceremonies.

==== Summer training ====
Cadet Training Centres (CTC), provide additional training intended to support or complement that offered at the home unit from September to June. Across the board, cadets applying for summer training must have 75% attendance over the training year, as well as meeting certain course prerequisites.

Cadet Training Centers are staffed by members of the Canadian Forces, primarily members of the CIC, but also including other branches of the CF, as well as Civilian Instructors and senior cadets selected for employment as staff cadets. Sea Cadet STCs are commanded by a CIC officer of the rank of [[commander]]. Staff cadets are employed at the ranks of Petty Officer Second Class through Chief Petty Officer First Class, with a CPO1 being appointed as Cadet Cox'n. Staff cadets are paid at a daily fixed rate for the duration of their time as a Staff Cadet.

Sea Cadet CTCs are commissioned as "[[stone frigate]]s," which is to say, naval shore establishments granted much the same standing as a seagoing unit.

===== Current Sea Cadet Training Centres (CTC) =====
* CTC {{HMCS|Quadra}}, located in [[Comox, British Columbia]], has operated as a Sea Cadet training facility since 1953.  It was commissioned in 1956 and is the second largest summer training facility.  It employs over 100 officers and 150 staff cadets each year. The centre occupies Goose Spit opposite Comox, and makes use of [[École Highland Secondary School|Highland Secondary School]] as an auxiliary training facility for classroom work, [[first aid]], and music training. ''Quadra'' is the only Sea Cadet Training Centre in Canada to include all four trades plus two of the three specialty trades ([[Engine department (ship)|Marine Engineering]], and [[Shipwright]]). Cadets undergoing training as [[boatswain]]s and marine engineers also undergo training in damage control at [[CFB Esquimalt]].  ''Quadra'' plays host to a number of international exchange cadets. In recent years, these have included contingents from South  Korea,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sekh.or.kr/new/eng/main.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121220004836/http://www.sekh.or.kr/new/eng/main.html|archive-date=2012-12-20|title=	
From Sea Explorers of Korea (11/03/16)|website=www.sekh.or.kr}}</ref> Japan,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jsf-japan.or.jp/english/index.html|title=Junior Sea Friends's of Japan|website=www.jsf-japan.or.jp|accessdate=6 July 2025}}</ref> the [[United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps|United States]], [[Sea Cadet Corps (United Kingdom)|United Kingdom]], [[Germany]], [[Sweden]], [[Australian Navy Cadets|Australia]], [[New Zealand Sea Cadet Corps|New Zealand]], [[Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps|Bermuda]], and the [[Netherlands]]. Since 2022, this has been the only training centre still with the HMCS prefix.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.today/20030615195441/http://www.regions.cadets.forces.gc.ca/pac/quadra/intro_e.asp|title=HMCS ''Quadra's'' website|accessdate=6 July 2025}}</ref>
* CTC [[CFB Trenton|Trenton (HMCS ''Ontario'')]] is a detachment located in [[Kingston, Ontario]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.today/20070927011044/http://www.central.cadets.ca/hmcs/index_e.html|title=HMCS ''Ontario's'' website|accessdate=6 July 2025}}</ref> HMCS ''Ontario'' Sea Cadet Summer Training Centre began life as Cadets Camp Frontenac (sailing camp) on 4 July 1977, and was officially redesignated as HMCS ''Ontario'' Cadet summer Training Establishment on 13 July 1981 thus allowing ''Ontario'' to expand and to offer a wider range of training opportunities to sea cadets from across Ontario and Canada previously disciplines such as music, drill and ceremonial and the two-week general training course, and now only sail and seamanship.  In the summer months ''Ontario''{{'}}s small cadre of full-time staff are supplemented by 110 officers, non-commissioned members and civilian instructors of the COATS and sea cadets who are offered summer employment as staff cadets. HMCS ''Ontario'' is also a year-round operation, responsible for sail training and the operational standards of nine sail centres and a staff of 80 part-time officers and civilian instructors who staff the sail centres located across the province of Ontario in the spring and autumn months.  From 1982 to 2019 HMCS ''Ontario''{{'}}s main headquarters has been located at [[CFB Kingston]] with the main summer training centre located on the grounds of the [[Royal Military College of Canada|Royal Military College]]. From 2022 onwards, its headquarters has been combined under CTC Trenton, and is now a detachment used for the Sail course.

Additionally, cadets may apply for a number of tri-service courses hosted by other training centres.

===== Former SCSTC =====
* {{HMCS|Haida}}, the historic destroyer that fought in World War II and now a National Historic site,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/haida |title=HMCS Haida National Historic Site |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=October 2, 2023}}</ref> was home to a unique six-week-long boatswain trade training course during the summer months in the 1970s. At that time ''Haida'' was a [[museum ship]] located in [[Toronto]], Ontario. Approximately 30 Sea Cadets would live aboard, sleep in hammocks like the original crew, and follow a realistic ship's routine for six weeks while training. They would also double as museum guides for periods during the day. On at least one occasion, select cadets were offered the opportunity to use their new skills after graduating from the course. In 1975 four cadets were selected to serve a three week stint aboard [[Canadian Coast Guard]] vessels at sea, sailing from [[Halifax, Nova Scotia]].
*SCSTC HMCS ''Avalon'', located in [[St. John's, Newfoundland]], was, at its closing, the smallest SCSTC in Canada. It offered training in either basic sail or beginner band.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cadets.net/atl/avalon/intro_e.asp|title=HMCS Avalon|website=www.cadets.net|accessdate=6 July 2025}}</ref>
* SCSTC {{HMCS|Qu'Appelle}} was located at the Echo Valley Conference Centre, formerly the Fort San sanatorium, near [[Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan]], an hour north east of [[Regina, Saskatchewan]]. HMCS ''Qu'Appelle'' offered the introductory Two-Week General Training course, and Trade Groups One through Three of the Music and Sail courses. HMCS ''Qu'Appelle'' last offered courses in 2004.<ref>[http://www.regions.cadets.ca/pra/quappelle/ HMCS Qu'Appelle's website]{{dead link|date=October 2023}}</ref>
* SCSTC HMCS ''Gimli'', HMCS ''Qu'Appelle''{{'}}s predecessor, was located in [[Hnausa]], [[Manitoba]].
* SCSTC HMCS ''Québec'', located in [[Sainte-Angèle-de-Laval, Quebec]], was the only SCSTC that was entirely delivered in [[French language|French]]. It trained cadets in all four trades as well as the Shipwright specialty course. ''Québec'' occupied a school during the summer season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cadets.ca/public/home-accueil.aspx?pageid=134266&LangType=4105|title=HMCS ''Québec''{{'}}s website|accessdate=6 July 2025}}</ref> The training centre opened its doors in 1975, and offered its last summer courses in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lapresse.ca/le-nouvelliste/actualites/201208/13/01-4564532-ncsm-quebec-la-fin-dune-grande-famille.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203000256/http://www.lapresse.ca/le-nouvelliste/actualites/201208/13/01-4564532-ncsm-quebec-la-fin-dune-grande-famille.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |title=NCSM Québec: la fin d'une grande famille - |work=LaPresse |language=French}}</ref>
* Camp Tillicum, located outside of [[North Bay, Ontario]] on [[Callander Bay]] was a detachment of HMCS ''Ontario'' offering Two-Week General Training and Basic Leadership courses.  The camp closed in 1986.
* SCSTC HMCS ''Micmac'' located in the Windsor Park region of Halifax, Nova Scotia.  It trained cadets in Boatswain and Submariner.  The camp closed in late 1988. Boatswain cadets were then transferred to HMCS ''Acadia''.
* CTC [[CSTC HMCS Acadia|HMCS ''Acadia'']], located in [[Cornwallis, Nova Scotia]], was the largest summer training facility.  During the course of the summer, ''Acadia'' was home to roughly 1,200 cadets who were undergoing training.  ''Acadia'' provided training in Music, Sail, Drill and Ceremonial, and Seamanship training. In 2006, ''Acadia'' celebrated 50 years as a Sea Cadet Summer Training Centre. ''Acadia'' closed to cadets in 2020, and was not reopened once summer training resumed in 2022.

== Honours and awards ==
The Canadian Cadet Movement maintains its own Honours and Awards system. Cadets may be awarded these based on many criteria including bravery, citizenship, service, outstanding performance on a summer training course, and are worn on the right side of the cadet uniform, under their name tag. In addition, cadets may also wear any [[orders, decorations, and medals of Canada]] they have been awarded on the left side of their uniform.

Within the system, there are several honours and awards common to all three cadet elements and some that are unique to each. A cadet who transfers from one element to another may continue to wear any medals awarded from their previous service, but in general, sea cadets may be eligible for the following nine honours and awards, and are in the order of precedence:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://portal-portail.cadets.gc.ca/en/Repository/National/CATO/3.%20Volume%20I%20-%20Administration/13-16%20-%20NATIONAL%20CADET%20HONOURS%20AND%20AWARDS_D%C3%89CORATIONS%20ET%20R%C3%89COMPENSES%20NATIONALES%20DES%20CADETS/13-16.pdf|title=Login}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Medal
!Image
!Description
|-
|  Cadet Award for Bravery
|  [[File:Cadet Award for Bravery.tif|center|frameless|200x200px]]
|The Cadet Award of Bravery may be awarded to a cadet who performs an outstanding deed of valour involving risk of life in attempting to save the life or property of others.
|-
|  [[Lord Strathcona Medal|Lord Strathcona Trust Fund Medal]]
|  [[File:Lord Strathcona Medal.tif|center|frameless|200x200px]]
|The Lord Strathcona Trust Fund Medal, most commonly referred to as the Lord Strathcona Medal, is the highest award which can be bestowed upon a cadet in recognition of exemplary performance in physical and military training.
|-
|  [[Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence]]
|  [[File:Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence.tif|center|frameless|200x200px]]
|The Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Cadet Medal of Excellence is awarded in recognition for individual endeavours in citizenship that meet or enhance the aims and objectives of the cadet movement.
|-
|  [[Navy League of Canada]] Medal of Excellence
|[[File:Navy Leauge of Canada Medal Of Exellence.png|center|frameless|200x200px]]
|Awarded annually to the most proficient cadet(s) within each Division of each corps. 
|-
|  [[Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada]] Cadet Medal of Merit
|  [[File:Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans in Canada Cadet Medal of Merit.tif|center|frameless|200x200px]]
|The [[Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada]] (ANAVETS), as a legacy to its desire to promote excellence and awareness of the CCO, has established the [[Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada]] Cadet Medal of Merit. One medal shall be awarded at each CTC to the top cadet, male or female, for each Instructor level course.
|-
|  [[Order of St. George (disambiguation)|Order of St. George]] Medal
|  [[File:Order of St. George Medal.tif|center|frameless|200x200px]]
|Awarded to the top Staff Cadet(s) at each CSTC.
|-
|  [[Sea Cadet Service Medal]]
|  [[File:Sea cadet service.svg|center|frameless|200x200px]]
|This medal is presented to a Sea Cadet that has successfully completed four years of honourable service within the RCSC program. Single bars are awarded for each additional year of service. 
|-
|  Cadet Certificate of Commendation
|
|Awarded for outstanding deeds in attempting to save the life or property of another person. This award is not part of the order of precedence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cadets.ca/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=51443|title=Cadet Administrative Training Orders 13-16 (Annex C)|format=PDF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504083443/http://www.cadets.ca/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=51443|archive-date=May 4, 2012|url-status=dead|access-date=June 15, 2011}}</ref>
|}

==Vessels==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Vessels
! Type
! Details
! Origins
|-
| [[Club 420|420]]
| Sailing dinghy
| Double or single hand, monohull
|
|-
| [[Pirate (dinghy)|Pirate]]
| Sailing dinghy
| Double or single hand, monohull
|
|-
| [[Echo 12|Echo]]
| Sailing dinghy
| Double or single hand, monohull
|
|-
| [[Laser (dinghy)|Laser]]
| Sailing dinghy
| Single hand, monohull
|
|-
| [[Laser 2|Laser II]]
| Sailing dinghy
| Double or single hand, monohull
|
|-
| [[YAG training vessels|YAG (Yard Auxiliary General)]] 
| Training tender
| Ceased operations summer 2008
|
|-
| {{sclass|Orca|patrol vessel|4}}
| Patrol craft training
| Royal Canadian Navy training and patrol tender
|
|-
| [[Cape Islander]]
| Sea Cadet training vessel
| Leased vessels used at HMCS ''Acadia''
|
|}

[[File:SV Fair Jeanne.jpeg|thumb|right|''Fair Jeanne'']]
{{ship|STV|Fair Jeanne||2}}, built by Captain (N) [[Thomas G. Fuller]], does fall and spring youth sail training group trips on the [[Great Lakes]] and [[St. Lawrence Seaway]] for organizations such as the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, [[Girl Guides of Canada]], corporate groups and for people who are working towards [[The Duke of Edinburgh's Award]]s.

==Symbols==

===Flags===
The Sea Cadets have used a variety of flags during their history: some corps flew the [[White Ensign]] until 1929; they then used the [[Canadian Blue Ensign]] and the flag of the [[Navy League of Canada]] until 1953. In that year, the Chief of Naval Service approved a design for the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Flag: a white flag with the [[Union Flag]] in the canton, and, on the fly, the badge of the Cadets, a gold anchor on a blue roundel surrounded by red maple leaves and surmounted by a [[Naval Crown]]. In 1976, the [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Sovereign]] approved a new design, which replaced the Union Flag in the canton with the [[Canadian Flag|Maple Leaf Flag]].<ref>[http://www.cadets.forces.gc.ca/_docs/cato-oaic/1205_b.pdf CATO 12-05 Cadet Flags and Banners]</ref>

{|
|-
|valign="top"|[[Image:Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg|thumb|120px|Royal and Commonwealth Navy's White Ensign, from formation until 1965]]
|valign="top"|[[Image:Blue Ensign of Canada (1868–1921).svg|thumb|120px|Canadian Blue Ensign, the Royal Canadian Navy's jack, 1910–1922]]
|valign="top"|[[Image:Canadian Blue Ensign (1921-1957).svg|thumb|120px|Canadian Blue Ensign, the Royal Canadian Navy's jack, 1929–1953]]
|valign="top"|[[Image:NLC Flag 1929-65.svg|thumb|120px|Flag of the Navy League of Canada, 1929–1953]]
|valign="top"|[[Image:RCSC Old Flag.svg|thumb|120px|Flag of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets (approved by the Chief of Naval Service in 1953), 1953–1976]]
|valign="top"|[[Image:RCSC Current Flag.svg|thumb|120px|Current flag of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, 1976–present]]
|}

=== Badge ===
The badge is the service emblem of the RCSC, and it is worn on cadet-issued parkas. It is also depicted on the flag of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. It is used as a cap badge on the beret worn with Order of Dress C4C.

===Uniform===
These are the uniforms of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. The uniforms are classified by a number system that lays them out as uniforms C1, C2, C5, etc. Uniforms C1A, C3A, C3B, C5, and C5A are issued upon joining, along with Winter Accoutrements.

Order of Dress C1A (Ceremonial Dress):
* White-top
* Corps title cap tally
* Short sleeve white dress shirt
* Black tie
* Rank slip-ons
* Trousers
* Trousers belt
* Tunic
* Tunic belt
* Lanyard
* Wool socks
* Parade boots
* Medals and pins, if the cadet has earned them

Order of Dress C2 (Mess Dress): C1A, a white shirt and bowtie is worn by male cadets and a white shirt with crossover tie is worn by female cadets. However, this order of dress is optional and the white shirt and tie are not purchased at public expense. When the tie is worn, the lanyard is not worn. This is very rarely worn.

Order of Dress C3A (Service Dress): C1A, but ribbons replace medals.

Order of Dress C3B (Service Dress): C3A, minus the tunic

Order of Dress C3E (Service Dress): C3A, but black undershirt replace the short sleeve shirt.

Order of Dress C5 (Sea Training Uniform or STU):
* Black ball cap with Corps title
* Black undershirt
* 'Postman's blue' shirt
* Trousers
* Trousers belt
* Wool socks
* Parade boots

Order of Dress C5A (STU): C5, minus the Postman's blue shirt.

Order of Dress C5E (Sports Dress) (May be issued kit or personal):
* Sports shorts
* T-shirt
* Running shoes
* Tilley hat

Order of Dress C5B (Field Training Dress or Combats)
* Black beret with RCSC cap badge OR tan tilley hat OR black ball cap
* Olive drab field jacket
* Olive drab field pants
* Field belt
* Wool socks
* Combat boots

Order of Dress C5C (Field Training Dress or Combats): C5B minus the field jacket

Winter Accoutrements (for wear with any order of dress in cold weather):
* Cadet Parka with outer shell and removable liner
* Black gloves
* Black toque with white anchor insignia and the word CADET

====Special Orders of Dress====
These orders of dress are only used on particular occasions, or by cadets in a Highland pipes and drums band.

Order of Dress C1 (Traditional Dress):
* RCN Uniform (prior to unification)
* RCSC Shoulder flashes, traditional or current
* Seaman's cap with appropriate cap tally
* Chains may replace the lanyard if applicable

Order of Dress C1H (Highland Dress):
* Glengarry Headdress with Sea Cadet metal headdress insignia
* White Dress-Shirt
* Black Tie
* Lanyard
* Tunic (cut-away to accommodate the sporran)
* Kilt [[Regional tartans of Canada#Maple Leaf tartan|Maple leaf tartan]]
* Boots
* Hosetops
* Flashes, garter
* Spats
* White belt
* Sgian Dubh
* Sporran, hair
* Kilt Pin
* Medals
* Pins

Order of Dress C1H (same code): As above, without tunic.

==Key personages==

===Admiral of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets===
The first Admiral of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets was [[George VI of the United Kingdom|George VI]], [[Monarchy in Canada|King of Canada]], assuming the role in 1942, when the [[Navy League of Canada|Navy League]] Sea Cadets became the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets.

[[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]], as a member of the [[Monarchy in Canada#Canada's royal family and house|Canadian Royal Family]], was appointed Admiral of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets in 1953.

==Honorary Members==

* Captain (N) Dr. [[Marc Garneau]] was appointed as Honorary Captain of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets; the appointment was not renewed.

==See also==
* [[Cadets (youth program)]]
* [[Cadets Canada|Cadets Canada - corporate identity]]
* [[Canadian Cadet Movement]]
* [[History of the Cadet Instructors Cadre]]
* [[RCSCC Calgary]]

== References ==
<!--This article uses the Cite.php citation mechanism. If you would like more information on how to add references to this article, please see http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Cite/Cite.php --> 
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commonscatinline}}
* [http://cadets.ca Canadian Cadet Organizations]
* [http://www.cadets.ca/support/directory-repertoire/home-accueil.aspx?id=131646&LangType=4105 National RCSC Unit Directory]
* [http://www.iscaworld.com/ International Sea Cadet Association]

{{Cadets Canada}}
{{Canadian monarchy}}
{{Canadian Forces Maritime Command}}
{{Canadian Forces Personnel Branches}}
{{Canada topics}}
{{Naval cadets}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Canadian Cadet organizations]]
[[Category:Youth organizations based in Canada]]