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Marine Society is delighted with its 100% pass rate for 2017 GCSE and A-Level results.

There have been some outstanding achievements this year for Marine Society learners. In summary:

  - 100% of learners achieved passes at A-Level, with 60% achieving A*- C grades.

  - 100% of learners achieved passes at AS-Level, with 100% achieving A*-B grades.

  - 100% of learners achieved passes at GCSE, with 63% achieving A*- C grades.

Marine Society offers a wide range of GCSE and A-Level courses to seafarers at affordable prices, and in a flexible format. Learners receive support from tutors and are able to take their exams on board ships or at Royal Navy and Royal Marines establishments, where necessary.

This year, 82.4% of students sitting exams were Royal Navy or Royal Marines personnel, while the remaining 17.6% serve with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) or Merchant Navy.

Carla Rockson, Seafarer Education Manager, said: “We have extensive experience of supporting seafarers through their personal and professional development. We understand the challenging situations that they work and study in. We adapt with the changing needs of our seafarers, further enhancing our support and have secured additional funding towards their studies.”

 Joan Pickering, Quality Improvement Manager, said: “For many years, Marine Society has successfully provided a bespoke service tailored to the needs of seafarers. We understand the invaluable service they provide and we do all in our power to give the support and encouragement to allow seafarers to fulfil their personal and professional potential.”

This year's National Band Competition at the Tower of London saw some stunning performances from cadets.

Soloists performed on the lawn of the Tower in the morning, while bands showcased their routines in the afternoon.

Southern Area won Best All-Round Band, with two soloists from this area also winning their respective bugler and drummer categories.

The Captain Sea Cadets, Captain Phil Russell RN, said: "It was great to see all the cadets' hard work pay off, and there were some truly great performances on the day. National Band Competition is only held every two years, and we are very lucky to be able to host it at such a fantastic venue. 

"Well done to all the young people who took part; they should be really proud of their achievements. Many of our cadets hadn't picked up an instrument until they joined Sea Cadets, which makes it all the more remarkable."

The winners were:

- Best solo bugler: Southern: AC Mayne
- Best solo drummer: Southern: Cpl Budden
- Best dressed band: Southern: Massed Bands of the Southern Area 
- Best original composition: Eastern: Cpl Smith
- Best cadet drum major: South West: POC Flook 
- Best Corps of drums: Southern: Massed Bands of the Southern Area
- Best marching display: Southern: Massed Bands of the Southern Area
- Best musical display: Southern: Massed Bands of the Southern Area
- Best bugle section: Southern: Massed Bands of the Southern Area
- Runners-up to best all-round band: South West: Massed Bands of the South West Area
- Best all-round band: Southern: Massed Bands of the Southern Area

Get behind the best musicians Sea Cadets has to offer at this year's National Band Competition.

The event takes place tomorrow (Saturday 19 August) in the moat of the Tower of London – one of the country's most iconic landmarks.

Solo buglers and drummers will showcase their talents in the morning, while bands representing Sea Cadets' areas will have their chance in the afternoon.

Keep a lookout on Sea Cadets' Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages for updates throughout the day. And if you are in the area, keep your eyes peeled for our very own National Band Competition geofilter!

TS Royalist made headlines when it returned to the UK after success in the 2017 Tall Ships Races.

Sea Cadets' flagship made its way down the Thames yesterday (Wednesday 16 August) for a victory sail, culminating in Tower Bridge raising.

It follows TS Royalist becoming the first British ship in 31 years to win Sail Training International's Tall Ships Races – a fantastic feat on its own, without taking into consideration it was TS Royalist's first race and the crew was mostly made up of teenagers.

Sea Cadets yesterday welcomed BBC London and London Live on board TS Royalist, with cadets and volunteers interviewed by journalists. To see BBC London's report, visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0911mhl/london-news-evening-news-16082017, and watch at 09:50 for a teaser, 18:57 for the main report and 27:41 for a merry farewell.

You can view London Live's report at: http://www.londonlive.co.uk/

Sea Cadets has launched a campaign to teach the public about the importance of staying 'water savvy' this summer. Sea Cadets’ Water Savvy campaign highlights the importance of staying safe in, on and around the water, and making others aware of the dangers.

There are a number of things you can do to ensure you, your family and your friends stay safe. When swimming in open water, stay close to the shore, make sure you are appropriately dressed, and let someone know where you’re going. If you fall in accidentally, cold water shock can be deadly and it’s vital you do not swim or try to get out. Instead, focus on floating and keeping your airway above the water.

You can find lots more tips and information by downloading our free Water Savvy guide at: www.sea-cadets.org/get-involved.