On October 7, six sea cadets and one officer from Training Ship Springs of the South African Sea Cadets were selected to attend a specialised training course in Durban hosted by their fellow sea cadets of Training Ship Tiburon.
During the September school holidays, the cadets and the officer were trained at the Grindrod Shipping Training Academy in the basic elements of sea survival, first aid, fire fighting and rope-work.
The contents of this and all their courses are based on the syllabus prescribed by the SA Maritime Qualifications Code and are a requirement before any person is allowed to work on-board any ship. To have such a certificate at this age is a tremendous boost to any person contemplating a career at sea.
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The discipline and enthusiasm that these cadets displayed impressed the Grindrod Shipping Training Academy staff to such an extent, they offered two of the cadets free entry to the Short Range
Marine Communication course they have on offer, valued at over R 7 500 each.
Cadet Leading Seaman, Akeel Brown and Cadet Able Seaman, Julian Hoole are currently still busy with this course and will only complete it in January of next year, at the next contact session.
The cadets and officer also underwent a Harbour Craft Course, at the Sail Africa Youth Development Foundation, during this period.
Considering that some of these cadets had never even seen the sea in their lives before, is a testament to the training they receive and that they could successfully complete these difficult courses.
The South Africa Sea Cadets is a non-profit organisation dedicated to training and preparing school-going boys and girls for a career in the maritime industry.
The youth of South Africa is in desperate need of support, direction and a safe place to grow and develop.
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They face many issues including lack of role models, crime, drug abuse and unemployment.
By joining the Sea Cadets, many of these needs and issues can be positively addressed.
Training Ship Springs (known as TS Springs) has been in existence since 1916 and is run by adult volunteers.
All young adults between the ages of 13 and 17 are invited to join the Sea Cadets and to experience “Serious Fun” while positively impacting on their lives by developing confidence, leadership, team player skills, positive habits, adaptable thinking and motivation.
TS Springs meet every Saturday at the Springs Central Scout Hall in Colliery Road, Lodeyko.
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