We need people who are happy to roll up their sleeves, get involved, and make a positive difference to teenagers who are often struggling in today’s world and their communities. 

“I got involved with Sea Cadets shortly after moving to the UK for work in 2004. I thought volunteering with the charity was an amazing idea, and although the prospect of sailing with 24 children was a little daunting, I decided I would give it a go. I have been doing it ever since, and try to do two voyages a year, working around my schedule. Volunteering with Sea Cadets has been great, because it gives me a different perspective and reminds me what is important in life. Every week I go I gain something, and for me, it’s important that you give something back". 

- Adeline Daly 

Gain excellent nationally recognised training qualifications along the way! 

We have a range of different roles to choose from: 

Watersports instructor

Share your love of being out on the water with the next generation, through the opportunity to teach watersports such as kayaking, sailing, powerboating, canoeing, rowing and windsurfing. Don't worry if you don't have prior experience, with us you can gain national qualifications with the RYA and BCU to teach, all you need is lots of enthusiasm!

Unit management team

If you aren't able to commit to a regular volunteering role, there's still plenty of ways you can get involved and make an impact – no commitment is too small and a role on a unit's Management Team could be a perfect fit. You could volunteer in roles such as Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary or Fundraising. These roles are perfect if you're not able to be at your local Sea Cadets unit every week, or if you have a specialist skill you'd like to share.

Unit instructor

Whether you opt to be a uniformed leader, or wear your own clothes, you can be hands-on, teaching cadets at your local unit. You'll run lessons, activities, games, projects and events that help cadets progress through The Sea Cadets Experience, gaining qualifications and confidence as they go. A role at a unit is ideal if you can support local young people on a regular basis, are happy to throw yourself into teaching activities and seek a rewarding role where you'll be the key to helping young people flourish into confident, capable young adults.

Join a band

If you can play the drums, a bugle, trombone, clarinet or even a glockenspiel, come and make some noise with us! A unit band can compete in things like our National Band Competition at the Tower of London, or take part in Trafalgar Day Parade, playing down The Mall, and your skills could get them there! If there isn't currently a band at your local unit, you could be the one to start one and help cadets discover a new passion!

Think outside the box

Whatever your experience and skills, they could be utilised to help young people flourish – photography, marketing, football coaching, IT, social media, finance, driving. The sky's the limit, so why not contact your local unit for an informal chat on how you can help them to keep the doors open.

Ready to join? 

Fill out our volunteer form to find out how you can make a difference. 

If you play an instrument, you could help lead your local Sea Cadets band