Sea Cadets Develop Skills at 2010 Mid-Year Camp Article and photos by Lt Glenn von Zeil, SA Naval Reserve

The focus of the mid-year Sea Cadet Camp at TS Woltemade in Lakeside was on the new entry class with the goal that they would be proficient Seamen by the end of the camp. In true naval tradition they were supported in their training by a selected group of experienced Sea Cadets from Seamen, Able Seamen and Leading Seamen.

WO1 Andrew White (MAA) shared his leadership and management knowledge with the Leading Seamen promotion class to ensure that they were able to take charge and put these skills to good practical use during the camp. This, along with the work of the officers and instructors, resulted in all the new entries qualifying as Seamen at the end of the camp.

New Able Seamen promoted after the 2010 Mid-Year Camp at TS Woltemade. Note the smiling faces!

In addition, 10 Leading Seamen and Able Seamen qualified in an accredited Fire Fighting STCW 1995 course. This training was provided at cost by Red Watch under the guidance of Mr Ken Parker.

The Sea Cadets learnt the theory and practical skills required to put out fires with a variety of items from newspaper, lids, fire blankets, fire extinguishers and fire hoses. The qualification is valid for a five-year period and can be used by Matriculating Sea Cadets in finding employment after their schooling.

The TS Woltemade Sea Cadets who recently qualified in the Marine Fire Fighting course (STCW 1995) kindly facilitated by Red Watch	The traditional Sea Cadet Camp Endurance Hike, including water obstacles, undertaken under the watchful eyes of the instructors and rescue boat

Due to a lack of wind, theoretical sail training was supplemented with pulling. The discipline and practical skills learnt will assist these Sea Cadets in all areas of their lives.

The traditional Sandvlei endurance hike was a highlight with the Sea Cadets covering the route, including the water obstacles, in record time whilst under the watchful eyes of the instructors and rescue boat.

The Camp Concert provided some light relief and the quality of singing, dancing as well as the humorous skits was of a high quality. Two Sea Cadets, with natural talent, will no doubt be competition for local Cape comedians Mark Lottering and Nic Rabinowitz!

The victuals for the 80 plus Sea Cadets, instructors and officers were prepared on site in a newly fitted-out galley by Cadet Chefs who were supplemented on the odd occasion by food prepared by willing parents.

Sea Cadets learning to rig a Saldanha dinghy which was built on site by the Cadets with donated funds	The three young Chefs who prepared the majority of the meals in the Galley, wearing their new aprons
Esn Paul Jacobs, 1st Lt TS Woltemade, congratulating Cadet Petty Officer Chante Taylor on her award as the Mid-Year Camp Cadet	The camp concert was enjoyed by all, including those who staged productions

A special thanks to benefactors, mainly SANDF/SAN Reserve Officers, who supported the Sea Cadets financially by ensuring that all the cadets who wished to attend the camp were able to do so.

Bravo Zulu to Cdr Philip Miller, Esn Paul Jacobs, Mid Lucille Jacobs, Mid Bertram Groenewald and Staff Instructors Abe Mertz and Graham McKenzie who gave up their time to manage the camp and provide opportunities to the youth who have an interest in the sea.

Anyone wishing to provide assistance to the Sea Cadets is requested to contact Cdr Philip Miller at fishtrader@iafrica.com or 083 6581666.