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Royal Navy and Royal Marines

The Royal Navy sponsors around 150 CCF sections, of which the majority are purely Royal Navy, the others are Royal Marines detachments, throughout the UK including Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. There are approximately 5,300 cadets and 640 adult volunteers.

Afloat training is the defining activity of the Naval Cadet Forces. The Royal Navy proficiency syllabus bases its training emphasis on leadership, afloat activities and adventurous training. Annual camps are held at Britannia Royal Naval College (Dartmouth), Portsmouth, Plymouth and Scotland training areas.

In addition to these camps there are over a hundred courses to choose from throughout the year, many leading to nationally recognised qualifications. As well as the afloat activities, cadets can do scuba diving try dives, mountaineering, mountain biking, rock climbing, leadership, first aid, National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), flying and there is even a band course for budding musicians. These courses are sponsored by the Navy and therefore cost a fraction of the civilian equivalent and provide individuals with the opportunity to experience living away from home on a Military establishment.

Lt Cdr Brian Taylor RN CCF A1

Where possible the courses follow the National Governing Body such as British Canoe Union for paddle sports and the Royal Yacht Association whilst afloat. Cadets routinely take part in Channel sailing, national regattas and the Round the Isle of Wight Race, achieving notable results. Cadets can where possible, also use some aspects of the courses to go towards the completion of a Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

There are Area Instructors who support around 12 schools each. Area Instructors are all experienced Royal Navy Chief Petty Officers or Royal Marine Colour Sergeants who work closely with the contingents in the delivery of the cadet syllabus and field days, where practical activities put the theory into action.

The Royal Marine sections have the ability to experience the unique Royal Marine skills such as leadership, fieldcraft, and marksmanship in a maritime environment. This is delivered through a blend of on-site training, field and range days as well as residential summer courses and the Pringle Trophy where RM sections demonstrate their skills in a round robin competition.

Lt Cdr Brian Taylor RN CCF 2

Key Activities available for RN and RM cadets

Afloat activities include: RYA Certified courses in dinghy, powerboat, yacht and motor cruising. We have power and sail boats in Portsmouth, Southport, Scotland and Torpoint providing a great opportunity to get afloat. All courses are under the RYA Governance and can be checked out at the RYA Website

Royal Navy and Royal Marines sections have the ability to take part in a range of adventurous training activities, such as paddlesports, mountain biking, mountain walking, rock climbing and scuba diving try dives.

Field days include visits to the Portsmouth Naval Dockyard including HMS Victory, DRUI (Damage Repair Instructional Unit) and Firefighting, Low ropes and Obstacle course at HMS Collingwood), Bridge trainer/Hindustan (BRNC), and activities in Scotland, HMS Raleigh and CTC Lympstone.

These activities include: Leadership skills and training at Military or school sites, Low and High Ropes, National Pool Lifeguard Qualification and an opportunity to take part in the highly competitive and challenging Special Flying Award scheme.