OFFSHORE PROGRAMME
The offshore residential voyages programme for 2025 can be viewed by clicking on the image below:
Cost of travel to and from offshore voyages
From 2025, the parent/carer will be responsible for organising and paying for travel to and from a vessel for an Offshore voyage. The cadet contribution has been reduced to reflect the average travel costs to one of our voyages, which historically were incorporated into the contribution costs.
This means parents and carers will be responsible for arranging and financing all travel to and from the offshore fleet. Units may, should they wish, assist with travel, though the MSSC will not support claims for recovering expenses.
Alongside this change, we ask that volunteers seek to encourage parents and carers to book their cadet(s) on a voyage (wherever possible) close to home to maximise travel options open for the parents/carers to arrange. This will also be a consideration for the selection process for accepting cadets onto each voyage.
Frequently Asked Questions
To assist CFAVs, cadets, parents/carers in choosing the nearest port to their unit, please see a full list of usual ports and the distances to Sea Cadets Units.
ETIAS requirement for overseas visits to Europe
The requirement to have a valid ETIAS visa for entry into Europe will commence during 2025. The date for this has yet to be confirmed. All cadets traveling on an overseas voyage will require a valid ETIAS visa in addition to a valid Passport. Non-UK nationals may also require an ETA visa to gain entry back into the UK.
Duke of Edinburgh Expedition
After the success of our cadet DofE voyages, we will be offering two CFAVS Gold Expeditions, giving our adult volunteers working towards their Gold DofE award an opportunity to achieve their award. This will be targeted to those, that might not have had the opportunity, as cadets to fulfil their expeditions. There will also be the opportunity for cadets to achieve their Gold DofE
CFAV Offshore Opportunities
The Offshore Team will continue to provide a CFAV sea voyage onboard the TS John Jerwood. The aim of which is to develop the knowledge and understanding of what the Offshore Experience delivers – whilst also providing opportunities to develop seamanship skills and interest in supporting offshore. Although VA cannot be claimed during these adult-only voyages, there are no costs borne to the volunteer and travel costs can be claimed back via expenses.
The offshore team are always looking out for Adult Supervisors for the Power Vessels and other volunteers right across the fleet. If you have nautical qualifications or experience in areas such as catering or engineering, then reach out to aedmonds@ms-sc.org to register interest. A full list of the roles and required qualifications can be found upon request.
Booking Process:
2025 will continue to utilise the Portal Course Bookings system, with a staged release of voyages over three months. This will provide Unit Training Officers up to 28 days to submit bids for their cadets to voyage with us via Westminster. When the booking window closes, an internal selection process, prioritising first-time cadets and those nearer the port of embarkation will allocate them to a particular voyage. Though travel is no longer supported, we are currently not supporting whole unit/ district bookings, except those identified as Growth Challenge Week prizes.
Successful bids will automatically generate an email to the parents/carers, commencing the payment online process. For those eligible, any bids for MSSC funded bursaries, will also forms part of Portal Course Bookings system.
Voyage Cadet Contributions:
From the beginning of the Offshore Season, 15 March 2025: The cadet contribution for a single-week voyage during the 2025 season is £340. Two-week long voyages will require a contribution of £680.
Bursaries are available to help with the cost of the courses – please speak to the unit.