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International Sea Cadets Association (ISCA)
Conference
Article and photos by Sea T.E. Baloyi
Enquiries: 021 787 4697 |
The International Sea Cadet
Association (ISCA), held a function onboard SAS
ISANDLWANA to mark the official registration and opening
of ISCA on 10 October 2012. Capt Andrew Blake, Vice
Chairman of the Sea Cadets gave a warm welcome to all
the guests. It is the second time that South Africans
have been awarded the opportunity to host the ISCA after
the last conference held in 1995. The ISCA programme is
held annually at various participating countries such as
Australia, Belgium, Bermuda, Germany, Portugal, Ghana,
Sweden, Hong-Kong, Japan, Netherlands, Russia, South
Korea, Canada and the United Kingdom. In the coming year
2013 the conference will take place in Bermuda.
Capt A.P. Blake officiating the conference by welcoming
the visitors
The conference aims to
identify and meet the public’s expectations of training
methods for sea cadets, bridging differences amongst how
cadet programmes are conducted globally. The
transformation will enable instructors to simplify and
standardise foreign cadet exchanges from various
countries, and also plan and improve their standard of
how things are executed during the programme. The Naval
Sea Cadets Programme exists in most of the maritime
nations of the world for the youth ranging between the
ages of 13 to 17. The objectives of the sea cadet
programme are to introduce the youth to naval life. To
develop in them a sense of pride, patriotism,
responsibility, commitment, courage, and self-reliance
and to maintain an environment free of drugs and
gangsterism so they can live a positive life.
Sea Cadets are instructed by
sea cadet officers, senior cadets and navy personnel who
volunteer to dedicate their services in their leisure
time. Cadets are taught through applied instruction in
subjects (theoretical lessons) such as basic seamanship,
military drill, fire-fighting, music school, seal team
training, swimming, sailing, scuba diving and musketry
(basic weapon handling techniques) just to mention a
few. Although emphasis is mostly on physical training
and endurance activities, cadets are also given
opportunities to have fun in a form of hosting gala
evenings and partaking in camps. Cadets also give back
to the community by raising funds for charities and
getting involved in community events and fun-fairs.
The night was still young
as our visitors were afforded the opportunity to tour
the vessel by OC SAS ISANDLWANA, Capt M. Nkomonde, who
personally delegated officers to interact and inform
visitors of our naval background. On completion of the
tour an ex German Naval Chief Petty Officer Heinrich
Dettmer, who served onboard (F218) Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
during the 1960’s exchanged gifts with Capt M. Nkomonde,
indicating high merit of good conduct and leadership of
the vessel. Bravo-Zulu to SAS ISANDLWANA!
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