“I find it interesting to note your comments from people concerned about the lack of safety for the children in independent Units, and apparent lack of insurance. I can only speak for the Navy Training Corps, which does have all people coming into contact with the Cadets, fully CRB cleared, the same way as every other youth organisation has to. All Staff and Cadets in the NTC are fully insured, and it is not difficult to get the Cadets insured even at the age of eight. The Executive Council of the NTC consists of a barrister, two JPs, an ex Police Inspection and a Sea Captain, plus others who have ex RN and Cadet experience, and some who do not, but who have much to offer. The NTC isn't a fake Sea Cadet Organisation, it is an independent National Youth Organisation, registered with the neccessary local authorities and FINTO, the Federation for Independent Nautical Training Organisations. The Scout Organisation take children younger than eight, and are probably the most successful youth organisation around, with thousands of children happily enjoying a wide range of activities the same way that NTC Cadets are now doing. The NTC also funds itself. No money is spent on Headquarters or staff to run them. Everyone is a volunteer, and therefore every penny that is raised is spent on providing facilities for the Cadets. The NTC doesn't have MOD recognition, so isn't entitled to go into Naval Bases. That is why efforts are being made to set up our own Training Facilities, which again will be paid for by ourselves. All of this allows us to set up Units, which may possibly be deemed not viable for the established Cadet Units, due to being seen as not in a viable area. To sum up, the Navy Training Corps is a new National Youth Organisation, which hasn't set out to copy anyone, and wants to be independent. and does put the safety of the Staff and Cadets at the top of everything that we do. We will help and support and work with any other youth organisation that wants our support. We recently acted as marshals on a Macmillan Nurses Moonlight Walk, and I think the truest reflection of what we do is by people who know all the facts about us, and are grateful for what we offer many young people in several towns, and growing every month, across the UK. If anyone wants to know more about the Navy Training Corps my e-mail address is below and not just a name, and location.

Richard Tyrrell
Captain
Navy Training Corps.
captainntc@gmail.com”

“I am getting concerned seeing these "break-away" fake Sea Cadet groups opening up all over the place.
The RN and MOD have strict guidelines in place and the Sea Cadets has a set up in headquarters consisting of Royal Navy Captains etc, that basically ensure all units are run SAFELY and correctly. The Head office has legal teams in force to ensure things are run properly and the Sea Cadets have a proven safety record second to no other Cadet group.

I fear these groups will take staff/funding/cadets away from the properly run units which is dangerous. Why are they playing with childrens lives, just to promote themselves?! They wouldnt even be allowed on a RN base.

They even accept kids at age 8, which the Sea Cadets can't get insurance for...so I ask how on earth do they manage to find insurance> Do they have any?”

“The point being missed by these people is that the SCC is regulated by the RN to safeguard the cadets. Unfortunately the independent naval cadet units are popping up all over the country and normally by former SCC personnel who no longer want to be controlled by such strict guidelines. They will have it that they want to be able to run which courses that they want and not stick to a strict format. This is not the case. The SCC offers a wide range of activities and it is down to indiviual units to choose what they want to do. Strangley these break away instructors (who if in the SCC would have to go before an Officers Interview Board to ensure they are have the required abilities to look after young people) usually promote them selves from junior to very senior members of staff. For example it is not unusual to find an SCC Petty Officer join these organisations and promote themselves to Lieutenant Commanders over night. This i feel is in an attempt to massage their own ego's and not for the benifit of local kids who have nothing to do. I would warn parents who are thinking of taking their kids to one of these look-a-like units to be carefull. Please be aware of what the SCC has to offer by visiting their websites and ask yourself why these people have taken themselves out of the (safe and well regulated) loop.”

“i think that these people are just trying to help out other kids. and for those people who are saying bad things against it are just sad. they need to grow up, of course they are going to have a the right child protection to start it up otherwise you wouldnt do it. and for all your information the scc have only just got their ful child protection. the scc are just scared that this is going to do better then them, witch i wouldnt be suprised about, as i have been in the scc and was treated wrongly by a few members of staff”

“as an scc parent it upsets me reading the past comments, any organisation that get kids off the streets and doing something constructive with their lives should be encouraged and not bad mouthed. as they are just starting the corps there are bound to be obstacles along the way, however 5yrs down the line I'm sure it will be well established with all issues ironed out. i wish them the best of luck.”