Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Achilles and Sea Cadets?
Sea Cadets is a youth organisation with branches throughout the country. Each branch is known as a 'Training Ship' or TS for short. TS Achilles is the Central Auckland training ship.
How old do I have to be to join Sea Cadets?
New cadets must be at least 13 years old and no older than 16, however cadets may stay at the unit until they are 19 years old.
How often do the cadets meet?
TS Achilles has what's called a parade night every Thursday night during school term from 6.30pm - 9pm and we meet approximately every second weekend for activities such as sailing, camping, regattas, shooting and competitions. The days and frequencies of weekend activities vary - usually due to the time of year.
How much does it cost?
The cost to be a cadet at TS Achilles is $100 per year. This includes uniform use, supervision, training, use of boats and other equipment and transport where possible.
What do I wear to cadets?
When you become a cadet you will be issued with several pieces of uniform, one uniform known as 'full blues' will be for formal occasions such as ANZAC Day. The 'half blues' uniform is worn on a normal Thursday parade night and the AWDs uniform is a casual uniform for events such as shooting or other activities where cadets are likely to get dirty. For water activities, cadets generally wear civilian clothes such as board shorts, t-shirts, thermals, waterproof jackets and boat shoes.
What activities do we do and who teaches us?
Weekend activities are carried out on the water or on the shooting range, cadets are always actively engaged. Thursday nights also include hands-on activities but are usually based in a classroom or the boat shed where cadets can learn skills such as knot tying, navigation, fire safety, the rules of the road at sea and range safety. The unit has experienced officers who instruct the cadets and a training plan is followed to ensure cadets are attaining a broad depth of knowledge.
What if I can't make it to a parade night or weekend activity?
TS Achilles strongly encourages commitment however we understand that it is not always possible to make it to every activity. You will be provided with contact details when you join the unit so you can let us know when you can't attend.
I've heard that I can earn NCEA credits through Sea Cadet activities, how does this work?
That is correct. If earning NCEA credits is something you would like to pursue we can provide you with the relevant information once you have joined the unit.
How many boats do you have and what are they like?
Come down to the unit and see for yourself! We have lots of equipment to show off and we love visitors. You can pop in any Thursday night between 7.15pm and 8.30pm and we'll show you around. We are located at 19 Tamaki Drive, Orakei underneath Hammerheads Restaurant.