College of the Sea

A £2.65 million appeal was launched in the presence of HM The Queen in the summer of 2006 to enable the charity to commission a new 24 metre motorised vessel to replace the TS Earl of Romney, which was decommissioned in 2004 on account of the high maintenance costs due to the age and construction of the ship.

The commissioning of a new 24 metre motorised vessel, a sister ship to TS John Jerwood, will enable the charity to meet, more effectively, the aspirations of Sea Cadets, Marine Cadet and CCF Detachments and other youth groups who submit applications for adventure training at sea. During the 6 day voyage, cadets as young as 12 are able to learn about the workings of a ship (engineering, electronic communication and chart systems), the need to be vigilant and keep watch, healthy eating, the value of living in a tidy and disciplined environment and the need to employ sound social and communication skills when working in a team. Furthermore, participants in the off shore experience are able to work towards nationally recognised qualifications in sailing (RYA), canoeing (BCU) and The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

For many of these young people, especially those from more deprived backgrounds, this is often a voyage of adventure and personal discovery out of which may come a more confident and self-reliant individual, who is more than capable of coping with the modern work place. It also enables them to discover more about the coast and ports of our island nation, seafaring as a whole and, more importantly, it instils a love of the sea whilst fostering good citizenship. These young people may also, as a direct result of this experience, feel inclined to pursue a maritime career either on or offshore.

For more information or to make a donation:

Telephone: The fundraising department at headquarters on 020 7654 7000.

Email: fundraising@ms-sc.org


By post: send a cheque (payable to The Marine Society & Sea Cadets) to the Fundraising Department, The Marine Society and Sea Cadets, 202 Lambeth Road, London SE1 7JW.