“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.”

“I have quite a few questions/comments.

Firstly, cadets in the Sea Cadet Corps DO chose their own specialisation and are only limited if a unit doesn't have qualified staff in a particular area. They also have the option of qualifying in any specialisation by going on a local or national training course, regardless of whether they can do it at their unit or not. These are run regularly throughout the year. This is inline with the Royal Navy and most of the national courses are held on actual RN bases/ships.

The SCC have a junior section 10-12yrs who still do boating, but don't follow specialisations. They do a variety of things based on 4 sections: Waterborne, Outdoors & Recreation, Community & Citizenship, Unit. These are more appropriate for 'primary school' age.

Secondly, as a teacher, I would argue that a set curriculum of learning is vital to ensure that there is consistent knowledge throughout the organisation. There has to be some sort of consistency and backbone.
It is to be run as the 'Navy' Training Corps, and is hoping to forge links with the Royal Navy, yet the RN have to follow set curriculums. Set curriculums are part of the 'naval discipline' that the NTC are claiming to offer.
At the end of the day, it is how you deliver the set curriculum that determinds whether it is 'fun' or not. The SCC give guidelines on what is required to obtain a pass in a subject, it is important that a cadet knows what is expceted of them and what they are working towards. It is then the instructors job to make it interesting and impart any additional pearls of wisdom that he/she feels fit!

Secondly, I was wondering how this is going to be funded if the MOD aren't supporting this? Is there guaranteed funding, not just for this year, but for following years? Or is it something that will fold in a year when the money runs out?

One of the appealing things about the Sea Cadet Corps is that they have lots of different types of boats in the docks on loan from the MOD. There are lots of questions surrounding this issue - Will the NTC have their own boats or will they have to hire them? Will sailing be the only boating it offers? Who will pay for the cadets to go sailing? The Sea Cadet Corps only charge £1 per night which covers all costs of power boating, sailing, pulling (rowing)!! Will the NTC be able to offer it at a similar price? Who will transport the kids to the water?

I'm sorry to sound so negative, but I just don't see how this is going to work without major funding. Why not just set up a SCC unit in Stockwood (nearest one is by Talbot Road, Knowle) and at least have access to MOD funding & resources?

It just feels like you are trying to 'fix' all that you think is wrong with the SCC, without being able to offer a comparible alternative.

I've only just heard of the NTC so don't know any more about it, other than the MOD refused the funding. If you were setting up as some local maritime group then maybe I could see it working, but the very nature of the name implies something greater than it is. 'Navy' gives the impression that you are affiliated to and supported by the RN, which clearly you are not.

And finally...don't even get me started on Child Protection Policy, Regulations and Guidance issues!!!!!”

“The Sea Cadet Corps is a well established organisation who put the safety of all Children first and foremost. When there is a possibility of a new organisation opening in the same community this is very much welcomed and not seen as a threat because this means more children are off the streets. I too have great concerns regarding the opening of the new NTC and the ¿Officers¿ (NOT) who will be running it. The article from ¿Concerned, Bristol¿ not only has a very valid point, but it is FACT. Furthermore the NTC will not be supported by the Navy or the Sea Cadet Corps. All Sea Cadet Units run on a strict Child Protection Policy.”

“The open day Saturday 11th July is from 12.00 midday to 4.30pm”

“Well done- Stockwood often misses out on things for the children to do and its nice to see someone trying to change that.
Good luck.”