Springs Cadets train in Durban

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Six sea cadets and one officer from Training Ship Springs of the South African Sea Cadets were recently 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 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, and to have such a certificate at this age boosts their prospects of pursuing a career at sea.

The discipline and enthusiasm that these cadets displayed impressed the Grindrod Shipping Training Academy staff enough that they offered two of the cadets free entry to the Short Range Marine Communication course they offer, valued at over R7 500 each. Cadet Leading Seaman Akeel Brown and Cadet Able Seaman Julian Hoole are currently still busy with this course and will compete 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 testament to the training they receive that they could successfully complete these difficult courses, Officer Commanding TS Springs Lt Cdr Chris L Hand stated.

The South Africa Sea Cadets is a non-profit organisation dedicated to training and preparing school-going boys and girls (between 13 and 17) for a career in the maritime industry. Training Ship Springs (known as TS Springs) has been in existence since 1916, and is run by adult volunteers. TS Springs meet every Saturday at the Springs Central Scout Hall in Colliery Road, Lodeyko. Further enquires can be made to Lieutenant Commander Chris Hand at 076 226 6646 or [email protected].