FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Established in 1895 to ensure adequate naval defence, the Navy League of Canada’s main objective was to promote an interest in Maritime Affairs throughout Canada, while also keeping watch over policies relevant to Canada’s waters.

The two World Wars placed heavy dependence on the Navy League and its ability to support Merchant Navy and operate hostels. However, by the end of the Second World War and the closing out of its War Services operations, the Navy League was again able to turn its attention to its primary objectives: continued support of youth training and promoting a knowledge of Maritime Affairs. 

Today, the Navy League of Canada provides most of its services through our 260 local Branches. We promote Maritime Affairs by supporting Canada’s youth through maritime-themed programs. There are two separate programs: the Navy League Cadets, for youth aged 9 to 12, and the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet program, for youth aged 12 to 18, which is delivered in partnership with the Department of National Defence. 

The Navy League Cadet program aims to help young Canadians learn life skills including citizenship, teamwork and self-discipline. Our programming is designed to help cadets become more aware of the world around them, become self-sufficient and confident in their own skills. Throughout their training, Navy League Cadets learn what good leadership looks like, how to work together, and how to overcome challenges. Youth leave the program with a genuine interest in their community’s well-being and equipped with skills to become active citizens. 

Navy League Cadets learn many skills through fun activities, which vary depending on region. These activities can include: Sailing, Camping, Swimming, Music, Sports, Parades, First-Aid, Water Safety, Communications, and Trips. With such a wide variety of activities, you will be sure to find something for you! 

Please see the About Us link in the menu options on this website.

The cost of joining the program varies depending on the corps and the activities they offer. To help make the program accessible to all, cadets and their parents are required to participate in fundraising activities. 

The best description of our regular training night is as follows:

• 18:15 hrs - Attendance, Colours & Prayers Parade
• 18:50 hrs - Period 1 Classes
• 19:30 hrs - Stand Easy
• 19:40 hrs - Period 2 Classes
• 20:25 hrs - Sunset Parade
• 20:45 hrs - Liberty Boats (dismissal)*

(*) cadets assigned to Duty Division are not dismissed until their duties are complete and dismissed by the Officer of the Day.

We encourage the cadets to follow the corps chain of command where and whenever possible. This is for a number of reasons:

• Tradition
• Control of information and requests flow
• Opportunities for cadets to practice leadership

The first link in the cadet's chain of command will always be their Divisional Petty Officer (DPO). The DPO is the cadet who stands in front of a division during parades. Each Division has a Division Officer that the DPO and cadets of that division report to.

In the simplest terms a division is a group of cadets led by a Division Petty Officer (DPO) and Division Officer (DO). Cadets are assigned a division from administration and supervision purposes. 

#166 NLCC John A. Hamilton  has 5 regular divisions:

A (Mako) Division

B (Thresher) Division

Band (Requiem) Division

Boats Crew (Blacktip) Division

HQ (Hammerhead) Division

The Boats Crew is a special duty division that carries paddles on parade. The cadets who are members of the Boats Crew essentially form a guards division. There is an emphasis on teamwork, drill, dress, and deportment to be a member of the Boats Crew.

Extra training on a day other than parade nights may be required to be a member of the Boats Crew. 

This Division is open to all ranks.

Marching bands have a long history in relation to the Navy and other militaries all over the world. As the Navy League program is rooted in Canadian Naval traditions,  #166 NLCC John A. Hamilton offers a band program to its Cadets.

Extra training on a day other than parade nights may be required to be a member of the Band. 

This Division is open to all ranks.

Headquarters is the division made up of cadets we are assigned to various parade positions and NCO roles. They are the members of the Cadet Leadership team.

All these cadets have been in the cadet program for a minimum 6 months and have completed their Level 1 & 2 training. They have all volunteered to take on this extra duty and responsibility at the corps. Also, they have tried out for their desired role with the corps.

This division is open to cadets who have achieved the rank of Ordinary Cadet and have completed Level 1 & 2 of the cadet training. Space in this division is limited by the number of parade positions available to the cadets.

 Navy League of Canada Cadets assume non-commissioned officer (NCO) roles within their corps for several reasons: 

• Leadership Development: NCO roles provide cadets with opportunities to develop leadership skills, responsibility, and teamwork, which are valuable life skills. 
• Cadet-Led Structure: Cadet corps often operate with a cadet-led structure, where older and more experienced cadets take on leadership roles to help organize and mentor newer members. 
• Mentorship: It allows older cadets to mentor and guide younger ones, fostering a sense of camaraderie and creating a support system within the corps. 
• Practical Experience: Assuming NCO roles gives cadets hands-on experience in leadership, communication, and decision-making, which can be beneficial in future careers and life in general. 

Overall, NCO roles within Navy League of Canada Cadet Corps help young individuals develop leadership skills and character traits that can serve them well in various aspects of life.

NCO Positions vary based on the size of the Navy League Cadet Corps. At #166 NLCC John A. Hamilton we have the following posistions that are filled by the cadets:

• Coxswain (Coxn)
• Regulating Petty Officer (RPO)
• Gunner (Guns PO)
• Divisional Petty Officer (DPO)
• Quartermaster (QM)
• Messanger (Msgr)

The Messenger shall be responsible to the OOD for all assigned duties.

The Messenger shall be responsible for:

• Carrying messages as directed by the OOD (i.e., Executive Officer at Colours and Evening Quarters). Correct reporting and bearing is essential.

The Quartermaster shall be responsible to the Commanding Officer, through the OOD, for carrying out all assigned duties.

The Quartermaster shall be responsible for:

• Supervising Quarterdeck Personnel in all aspects of duties and responsibilities about Quarterdeck procedures
• Paying proper marks of respect to all Officers, Branch Executive members and visitors (as required)
• Ensuring that all pipes, ship's bells, and bugle calls (if applicable) are punctual and correct, according to the Ship's routines.
• Ensuring safe custody of the Ship's Log
• Reporting the names of cadets who are late to the Ship's office.
• Returning all equipment, gear, i.e.: flags, quarterdeck stand, Ship's Log, Ship's bell, etc., to the Ship's office or stores
• Ensuring that all visitors sign the Ship's Log and/or Control Register. All Officers and Instructors are to sign the Ship's Log IN PENCIL

Ensuring that the following material and equipment is located at the Quarterdeck, unless otherwise directed:

• Ship's Log and Control Register
• Flags
• Ship's bell, Crest, Kisby ring, etc
• Copy of Ship's routine and duty roster
• Corps Standing Orders
• Boatswain's Call
• Pencils

Divisional Petty Officers shall be responsible to the Commanding Officer, through the Executive Officer and Divisional Officer, for carrying out all assigned duties.

Each Division has 1 assigned Divisional Petty Officer. The DPO is the cadet's first link in the Chain of Command.

The Divisional Petty Officer shall be responsible for:

• Maintaining discipline and order within the ranks of their division
• Taking Attendance for their Division
• Channeling all requests directly to the Divisional Officer
• Setting a good example in appearance, attendance and conduct for the cadets in his/her division
• Assuming responsibility in the absence of the Divisional Officer
• Placing on defaulters, when necessary and in accordance with policy, any cadet who commits a breach of conduct.

The Gunner shall be responsible to the Commanding Officer, through the Executive Officer, in carrying out all assigned duties. The Guns PO shall assume the role of Coxn in the Coxn and RPO’s absence.

The Gunner shall be responsible for:

• The overall Drill, Dress & Deportment standards of the Ship’s company
• Ensure the parade square is setup correctly prior to the Colours parade.
• Correcting drill of cadets while on parade
• Ensuring the parade is formed and dressed correctly.
• The GUNS PO shall oversee the Corps Drill Team

The Regulating Petty Officer (RPO) shall be responsible to the Commanding Officer, through the Executive Officer and the Administration Officer, in carrying out all assigned duties. The RPO is the second most senior cadet and shall assume the role of Coxn in the Coxn’s absence.

The Regulating Petty Officer shall be responsible for:

• Assisting with general procedures in the Ship's Office as delegated which may include:
• entering attendance on the Master attendance record
• general filing
• phoning absentees and entering on leave register (reason for absence)
• assisting the Officers upon request with prior approval of the Administration Officer
• answering the phone
• other duties as assigned.
• Assisting the OOD in administering Requestmen and Defaulters routine when required
• Administering and maintaining, through the Executive Officer, a Chiefs and Petty Officer's Mess, when such exists

The Coxswain (Coxn) is the Corps senior cadet and is responsible to the Commanding Officer through the Executive Officer.

• Carrying out Ship's Routines, re: Markers and Assembly of the Ship's Company
• Ensuring that parades start promptly, and that Duty Hands are at their stations.
• Adhering to the daily and special routines and parade state formations
• Supervising the NCOs in their assigned duties regarding efficiency, smartness, and correctness of orders
• Enforcing tactfully, the chain of command and proper marks of respect within the ranks, to Officers and Instructors and between Cadets
• Maintaining general discipline within the Corps
• Setting a good example in appearance and performance of duties
• Reporting directly to the Executive Officer, any problems, infractions, and misconduct within the NCO ranks
• Liaison between the cadets and the Officers as required.

The Divisional Officer (DO) of a Navy League of Canada Cadet Corps is like a mentor or leader for a specific group of cadets within the larger organization. They guide and support the cadets in their division, helping them learn and grow, similar to a teacher or coach overseeing a particular class or team. After the Divisional Petty Officer (DPO), this officer is the next step in a cadet's chain of command. The majority of questions that a cadet (or cadet's family) has should be first directed to the Divisional Officer.

The Officer Of the Day (OOD) in a Navy League of Canada Cadet Corps is like the person who takes charge of the day's activities and ensures everything goes as planned. They might be responsible for coordinating schedules, overseeing safety, and being a point of contact for questions, similar to a supervisor or manager overseeing a shift in a workplace.

The Supply Officer (SupO) of a Navy League of Canada Cadet Corps is like the person in charge of managing and providing all the necessary equipment and uniforms for the cadets. They ensure that everyone has what they need, similar to a supply manager who keeps a store stocked with essential items.

The Administration Officer (AdminO) of a Navy League of Canada Cadet Corps is like the behind-the-scenes organizer. They handle paperwork, records, and logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly, a bit like an office manager who keeps things organized and ensures everything is in order.

The Training Officer (TrgO) of a Navy League of Canada Cadet Corps is like the person responsible for teaching and developing the skills of the cadets. They plan and oversee the training programs, similar to a coach or a teacher who helps students learn and improve in specific areas.

The Executive Officer (XO) of a Navy League of Canada Cadet Corps is the second-in-command or assistant leader of the cadet group. They help the Commanding Officer (CO) run things smoothly and assist with planning and organizing activities, kind of like a vice principal or a team captain. The XO acts as in intermediary between the Commanding Officer and Officers in all matters that do not require the direct attention of the Commanding Officer. The XO is also responsible to ensure a high standard of discipline, dress and efficiency is maintained at all times by all Corps personnel.

The Commanding Officer (CO) of a Navy League of Canada Cadet Corps is the leader or manager of the Cadet Corps that teaches young people about the navy and maritime activities. They're responsible for guiding and organizing activities to help cadets learn valuable skills and values, similar to a scout leader or a school principal. The CO reports to the Branch President and Division Commander.

Cadet uniforms are provided by The Navy League of Canada. Cadets are required to maintain their uniforms and return them when they leave the program. 

The corps officers makes every effort to issue the cadets their Navy League cadet uniform within the first month of enrollment with #166 NLCC John A. Hamilton . Once issued it is the responsibility of the cadet to care for and maintain their issued kit.

The cadet must request a uniform exchange form on the website.

The basics equipment at home to take care of the cadet uniform is a coat hanger, iron and ironing board and a shoe polish kit.

We strongly recommend that cadets hang their uniform when not in use.

Kiwi brand Black Shoe Polish is ideal. It can be found at most major retailers or online at Amazon.

For Example: 

Walmart - Kiwi Polish & Kiwi Shoe Cloth

Every Navy League Cadet corps is formed under the supervision of a local Navy League Branch. The branch is the funding and administration arm of the cadet program. They are responsible to screen volunteers, set and approve budget request, and fundraise so that the Cadet Corps can operate.  

Bow Valley Branch

BowValleyPresident@abnavyleague.ca

The Navy League Cadet program is a non-profit organization.  As such, we receive no funding from the Government and its associated agencies. To support the operation of the Navy League Program, the Bow Valley Branch operates various fund raising activities throughout the year.   Major fundraising events are bingos (twice a month) and casino. All funds raised help cover the costs of rent, uniforms and Corps activities. Parents are expected to support and participate in all fund raising activities. 

PARENTS OF CADETS ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN A MINIMUM OF 8 BINGO EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE TRAINING YEAR. This is an essential part of how the program is funded. 

Please speak to a Branch Representative about how you can support the Corps in other ways. We are always looking for volunteers for the Branch and Officers to help run our program.