Royal Belgian Sea Cadet Corps

The Royal Belgian Sea Cadet Corps, officially the Royal Sea Cadet Corps (Dutch Koninklijk Marine Kadettenkorps, French Corps Royal des Cadets de Marine) is a voluntary youth organisation sponsored by the Belgian Navy.

History
The Belgian Maritime League formed a Corps of Cadets in 1922, initially to train young people for service in the Belgian navy or Belgian merchant navy.

In 1969 the Belgian Navy signed a convention, officially recognising and supporting the Sea Cadet Corps. The Sea Cadet Corps was awarded the use of the title "Royal" on its sixtieth anniversary in 1982.

Organisation
There are 7 units across Belgium, with a total membership of a few hundred cadets and officers. Units meet every week or two weeks, usually on a Sunday, providing training and recreational opportunities for cadets. The curriculum includes seamanship, navigation, sailing, rowing and general boatwork, drill, first aid and other nautical subjects. Staff are all volunteers.

The 7 units are located at:-
 * Antwerpen (Antwerp)
 * Brussel/Bruxelles
 * Eupen
 * Hasselt
 * Ittre
 * Leuven/Louvain
 * Oostende (Ostend).

The Belgian Sea Cadet Corps is a uniformed organisation and receives logistical support from the Belgian Navy under a covenant with the Ministry of Defence. There are no further ties with the military, and in contrast to most other sea cadet organisations, the Belgian Sea Cadet Corps does not use weapons or includes marksmanship in its programme. Cadets and staff are not required to undertake military service and are not particularly expected nor encouraged to join the military.

The Belgian Sea Cadet Corps operates a fleet of some half a dozen small vessels, including a sailing yacht and several motor vessels. These are used for day training at sea or on inland navigation waters. A few times a year, longer cruises are organised either within Belgium or neighbouring countries.

Two annual training camps are organised; the main annual camp being held in Ostend each Summer. This event is referred to as 'Orka' and offers cadets a wide range of fun activities on a nautical theme during a period of seven to ten days.

A system of ranks is used, with badges being distinctly different from the military. Progression is based on merit and length of service. Cadets generally leave at the age of 18, with a small number becoming volunteer staff.

The Belgian Sea Cadet Corps is also a member of the International Sea Cadet Association and sometimes participates in international exchange programmes.

Fleet
The Royal Belgian Sea Cadet Corps owns a fleet of vessels including:
 * Libération (P902)
 * MRB24
 * Riviersnelboot Sambra
 * Riviersnelboot Leie
 * Training Ship T25
 * Various small power boats and sailing boats

Cadets
Membership of the Belgian Sea Cadet Corps is open to all young people aged 12 to 18. There is no specific recruitment time; cadets can join or leave at any time. Cadets pay a small annual membership fee.

Staff
All cadet units are staffed by unpaid officers and instructors, although some units may also have volunteer instructors. Recruitment is on a vacancy-only basis.

Other naval cadet organisations

 * International Sea Cadet Association
 * Other Sea Cadet organisations