OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN SEA CADETS

South African Navy Sea Cadet Mid-Year Camp

South African Navy Sea Cadet Mid-Year Camp

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Eighty six Sea Cadets with three adult Officers from nine national Training Ships attended the annual South African Navy Sea Cadet camp at SAS Saldanha during the mid-year school holidays.

During the two weeks of “sea-rious fun” they were exposed to Naval life and way of doing things under the watchful eyes of seasoned MTR1 and sailing instructors. This included an early rise for PT after wakey wakey, standing inspections, Colours and Sunset ceremonies, “flying on the upper deck”, stand easy, drill, drill, more drilling polishing and ironing to ensure that things were shipshape.

The South African Navy instructors also ensured that they completed the theory and practical’s IRO radio communication and a variety of water work (pulling, man overboard drills, raft building, inflatable rafts, capsize drill) and rope work in setting up a jackstay. All of these formed a display at the end of the camp enjoyed by the SAS Saldanha staff and their parents.
Sea Cadets marching out of the Castle of Good Hope.
Sea Cadets having “sea-rious fun” - Castle of Good Hope.
In addition, the Sea Cadets completed a survival/environmental route march, buddy aid, firefighting and mustering’s activities. Several Sea Cadets who were proficient in Level 3, 2 and 1 First Aid actively assisted the South African Navy First Aid instructors.

The highlight of the camp was a trip to Simon’s Town dockyard and the Castle of Good Hope. Each Sea Cadet also received copies of Navy News and Reserve Forces Volunteer magazines which contained articles of Sea Cadet activities.

A church parade on Sunday morning was also held with Midshipman Hendricks from TS Birkenhead officiated as the padre and included Sea Cadets giving testimony. The singing was excellent and enjoyed by all.

An evening program managed by the Sea Cadet Officers and instructors ensured that after supper and before the Cadets security rounds the 13 to 17 year olds were purposefully occupied. The objective of the program was to compliment the South African Navy program whilst supplementing information and having some “sea-rious fun”.

The objective of the program was to compliment the South African Navy program whilst supplementing information and having some Sea-rious fun.

Malcolm Alexander from TETA spent the first evening motivating the youth and sharing the various maritime careers they may be interested in along with where they could apply for bursaries. His message was very clear in that the career decisions that they would take now would impact their grandchildren.

This was achieved by competitive team games (minesweeping and mystery frigate operation/exercise), lectures (SS Mendi and Naval Customs and Traditions lectures), training ship unit presentations, movies with a message (Battleship, Master and Commander, Forever Strong) and discussion thereafter. Donations of Coke and pop corn ensured that the youth had some snacks and drinks too. During the evening sessions each Sea Cadet had an opportunity to at some stage to face their fear of speaking in public in order to build their confidence.
Sea Cadets marching through the historic South African Navy dockyard towards another adventure.
The final Friday culminated in a closing parade and water display with the OC SAS Saldanha Captain (SAN) Berlinah Madonsela as guest of honour with her ships company as well as more than fifty parents and family members who travelled in from out of town.

The Sea Cadets are indebted to the South African Navy and especially the Officer Commanding and staff of SAS Saldanha for making this opportunity available. Perhaps many of the Sea Cadets who attended the camp will apply to join the South African Navy and live their dreams.

Glenn von Zeil

Executive Officer: Cdr (SCC)

South African Sea Cadets (NPC)

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