MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE …iscaworld.com/documents/ConferenceMinutes/2003 Australia...Hong Kong: Due to the SARS outbreak Hong Kong declined to participate in outgoing programmes

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL SEA CADET ASSOCIATION

HELD AT FREMANTLE WESTERN AUSTRALIA

FROM 1 – 7 NOVEMBER 2003

ISCA Promoting international and intercultural understanding, goodwill and friendship among young people who have and interest in nautical activities world wide.

Item Subject/Report Motion Mover/Seconder Actions required(responsible

country shown in bold) 1 OPENING

Welcome by CAPT Gavin Reeves, National Commander Australian Navy Cadets to delegates attending the 2003 ISCA Conference held at the Council Chambers City of Fremantle Western Australia Opening Addresses were given by: The Chief of the Navy VADM C Ritchie AO RAN Mr M McGowan MLA on behalf of the Premier of Western Australia and MAJGEN D Low Choy AM MBE RFD, Director General of the Australian Defence Cadets

Copies of speeches are included as attachments

2. ATTENDANCE Australia CAPT G F Reeves ANC CMDR E R Fisher ANC LCDR Z Gardiner ANC Austria LCDR F Spieglegraber Dr H Roder Belgium LCDR R De Waegemaeker (observer) Canada LCDR J Lecours CF Mr D Thomas Mr J Aubry Hong Kong CAPT E Chan HKSCC CMDR S Lau HKSCC India CDRE (SCC) R Ahuja

Item Subject/Report Motion Mover/Seconder Actions required(responsible country shown in bold)

Japan Mr F Tamaoki Mr R Yagi Netherlands CDRE P Boegborn Sweden CAPT J Fischerstrom United Kingdom CMDR M Pickering RN LCDR (SCC) B Madden RNR United States of America LCDR M Campbell USNSCC

3 APOLOGIES Apologies were received from the following member countries: Bermuda, Germany, Korea, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, Singapore Zimbabwe.

4. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS CONFERENCE The minutes of the Conference held in Mumbai, India in 2002 had been previously circulated to members and the Chairman called for corrections

That the minutes of the 2002 Conference be confirmed

United Kingdom/Hong Kong

Carried

5 BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 5.1 Financial Report

Canada tabled a bank statement showing a C$505-04 balance with a query as to how it might best be used. Discussion deferred to General Business


5.2 Membership Status 5.2.1 Status of Austria Dr Roder advised that LCDR Spiegelgraber had previously personally funded the Austrian Sea Cadets including uniforms and general expenses. Between 1998 and 2001 they had 40 members. Due to lack of support they had suspended the organization, and advised ISCA in 2002. In this time they have been working towards re establishing the Corps, and have approached the Austrian Army for support. This has not been successful. They are currently seeing support via a Naval Association, and the IMC (International Maritime Corps). Questions: Sweden: How many recruits currently listed: None. They have handed out information brochures to students.

That Austria presents its current situation, so delegates may vote on their status to include or exclude.

UK, Seconded Canada.

Hong Kong will contact Singapore re attendance in Canada New Zealand is unable to attend due to funding constraints, but intends to attend 2005 Conference. Bermuda unable to attend due to cost. Canada will report on Russia in General Business. Carried


Japan: Why are you trying to get assistance from Military – there are other organizations who may assist. We will try others. USA: What are you trying to do? Trying to get the Sea Cadets started again in Austria. Hong Kong: ISCA supports only one Sea Cadet type organization in any country, does the Austrian Government support another organization? There are many organizations the Government supports.

That the Austrian delegated be asked to leave the meeting to allow a decision to be taken That Austria be admitted probationary membership status of ISCA for 2003/2004 until such time as they petition for non-probationary membership.

Moved Netherlands seconded UK - Moved USA seconded Netherlands

Carried Carried. Austria to provide a status report on the enrolment of sea cadets to the 2004 ISCA Conference to enable the Conference to consider continued membership of ISCA.


5.3 Website 5.4 Cadet exchange Feedback Form 5.5 ISCA Promotion Australia, USA and UK reported on material used 5.6 Cadet Exchange Guide Some updates remain outstanding. 5.7 ISCA Award of Excellence 5.8 International Chat Rooms

Resolved that the use of feedback forms be optional

Deferred to General Business

Canada to update guide Deferred to General Business USA advised that these are now heavily restricted and the problem appears to have ended.

6. REPORTS ON NATIONAL MEMBER ORGANISATIONS Canada: An outline of the Canadian Sea Cadet movement, with Navy League cadets aged between 9 and 13, Sea Cadets aged from 12 – 19. Hong Kong: The Power point presentation was not compatible with the system available, so photo’s and annual reports highlighted the activities.


India: Commencing in 1938 with some 13 young boys it was decided to fashion the Indian Cadets on the UK SCC. In 1951 the change from sea scouts, to sea cadets occurred. In 1958 the ISCC rejected an offer to be part of the National Cadets (Tri). The organisation benefits much from the Navy, including using establishments, but no funds are provided. Cadets pay a small annual amount, and are encouraged to participate in water activities. Japan: Prior to WW2 Japan had similar cadet organisations, which were disbanded. In the last 52 years the Junior Sea Friends have developed. There are differences within the JSF, with local sponsorship, support and interests. General sponsorship has been from Merchant shipping companies but funding is getting tight. National Cadet Assemblies are conducted every second year and where possible overseas cadets may be invited. Netherlands: A PowerPoint presentation outlining the Netherlands SCC. The National Committee and main sponsors, Royal Netherlands Navy and Merchant Navy. In 2005 the NSCC with celebrate their 50th anniversary. Sweden: The SSCC is a voluntary defence organization totally independent of the military, which provide support, vessels and manpower to assist in protecting the coast. Cadet ages range from 15 to 30. Training is conducted at Summer camp – 3 week period, followed by a Winter camp in February. The retention rate of cadets is around 78%. Those cadets who progress through the system attending up to 4 Summer camps can become Instructors. The Adult Programme includes Naval volunteers, recruiting for different maritime activities including Navy, Merchant Navy etc.


United Kingdom:An outline of the infrastructure, training and personnel was presented. The Juniors are aged between 10 and 12 years. The Blue Jackets and Marine Cadets are aged between 12 and 18 years. Numbers are slightly increasing and ongoing updating of training, accreditation and leadership was outlined. Requested time to present a short Power-point presentation the following morning. United States of America: The Dept of Defence supports the USNSCC and almost 90% of the budget is used for training, and the remaining 10% on background checks to all personnel. A further amount of $1.5M has been obtained to assist with the programme. This funding enables all cadets to pay a minimum standard fee for extra activities such as training, scuba, seals, and International Exchanges. Australia: A brief history of the ANC, then the Strategic plan was outlined, with goals of self esteem and self development, to enable cadets to make informed opinions. The newly developed Cadet Midshipman programme was outlined.

The Conference adjourned at the conclusion of Day 1

7 EXCHANGE REPORTS United Kingdom:Numbers of cadets requesting participation up. SARs warnings prevented participation in Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea exchanges. Able to send cadets to Japan. Funding has been withdrawn for a cadet to travel via sea to South Africa. New ideas are being considered. There is an ongoing problem obtaining Escort Officers but the 2003 outgoing programme saw 32 Officers and cadets from overseas join the annual HMS Bristol Summer camp, including the first


Singaporean contingent. 74 Officers and Cadets joined most exchanges in 2003. Report tabled. United States: The US has a fully funded programme which enables a rigid selection process and participants only incur a $175 US fee. Not including the Canadian programme, the US sent 16 Cadets and 5 Officers to UK, Sweden, Netherlands Bermuda and Australia. Report tabled. Hong Kong: Due to the SARS outbreak Hong Kong declined to participate in outgoing programmes. By the time the ‘all clear’ notification was official it was too late to host the 2003 exchange. When they select Escort Officers, they are personally selected by Capt Chan. Japan: Due to the SARS outbreak most International outgoing exchanges were cancelled. Japan hosted 24 Officers and Cadets including an Escort Officer and two cadets from South Africa / Zimbabwe, Sweden, Holland UK and Canada for the National Assembly. The major problem for overseas participation is the English language and available Escort Officers.

Sweden: Captain Fischerstrom advised the meeting that CMDR Peter Palm was moving on and all contact is now to be directed to him. A comprehensive slide presentation of Summer camp activities and the general programme was shown. Activities attended by UK, Canada, India, and USA. India: Hosted Officers and Cadets from UK, Sweden, Holland and Canada during the Cadet muster in 2002. Sweden sponsored one cadet, and India provided sponsorship for another to attend the Swedish Summer Camp.


Propose to conduct an international regatta in either 2004 or 2005 – Could some time be allocated towards the end of the conference for further discussion. Netherlands: The ILO’s Ron Van der Lem and David Smitt worked tirelessly to host the Youth for Europe exchange. The Netherlands SCC won an award with this programme. The SCC Summer camp was held in Middleharnes and included a visit to Den Helder National Fleet review, and normal activities. Netherlands sent cadets to Canada, UK, Japan and India. Canada: A large exchange programme involving 11 Officers and 54 Cadets outward: The feedback from Swedish exchange was brilliant. Hosted 3 separate exchanges with participants from most member counties. A reminder that Canada supports a reciprocal arrangement – and invitations may not be issued if the exchanges are only one way. Canada is willing to support Officers who want to leave the programme (not take part in some activities), but do not want to be left in charge of their cadets. Some activities, such at the overnight hike, overnight sail have physical demands and changes must be advised early. Identification of an arriving group at airport is essential: Suggest identical clothing / T-shirt etc. All Canadians are issued with a White T-shirt with a red maple leaf motif on the pocket. Feedback indicates extra training involvement, and less tourist type activities are preferred. Australia: Hosted 16 Officers and Cadets from USA, Canada and United Kingdom. Hosted 14 Cadets and 4 officers from New Zealand. Outgoing: One Officer, 2 Cadets to UK.


1 Officer and 5 Cadets to Canada. Currently sending 12 Cadets / 2 Officers to Singapore in December. Sweden, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea and Japan nominations were cancelled.

8 MEMBERSHIP OF INTERNATIONAL MARINE CADETS BY ISCA MEMBERS This question was raised by Austria

Resolved that this was a matter for decision by Austria as there was no implied connection with ISCA

Netherlands: CDRE Boegborn will research the organisation and advise members of the information.

9 REPORT BY CANADA ON THE SEA CADET ORGANISATION IN RUSSIA Mr Doug Thomas reported on his recent visit to Russia and contact with the organization. His impressions are favourable, and seamanship is foremost in their activities. He has established good contacts and expects representation from Russia in 2004. Photographs of cadets and activities were tabled.

10 THE FUTURE DIRECTION OF ISCA Canada – We need to seek new members – intend to look at South America. USA: This was raised in ’99. What are our expectations, future – expansion – financially - we don’t have ability for funding. Need to do more outside our borders. UK: The same points are raised every together year. Funding and challenges in members own countries restrict international efforts.


Australia: Experience this year as the Chair nation has shown that despite several reminders, agenda items and nominations for the ISCA Award of Excellence were late, and of those received, not all in an acceptable format. Some agenda items were received within hours of the conference commencing, which placed great pressure on finalising the agenda. Given the few agenda items received, it was decided to accept them to add value to the Conference. UK: We are all our own worst enemies, we don’t carry out intentions. We need to follow through. On the positive side – UK send 2 cadets abroad in 1986. In 2003 has 50 cadets abroad and more wanting to participate. Canada: The Conference is a forum for exchanges / information / exchange purposes / topics dear to our hearts / a place to bounce ideas. Disagree with an annual theme – exchanges should take priority. Want to know more about others training etc, do what we do, and do it well. Sweden: It is not the most important thing to improve ISCA, it’s more important to improve exchanges for youth, and get together face to face annually. India: We are on the right track, priority for own organization with own decisions. A reminder perhaps, is say a 6 monthly report of ISCA action required? USA: Is it better to stay at home or attend? ISCA Procedures


Discussion centred on Conference relevance, actions and procedures, which produced the following motion and a standard agenda for future conferences: Standard Agenda

That: The incoming chairman produce a mid term report for members. The mid term report to contain- 1. Progress report on action items from preceding conference 2. Progress report on outstanding action items from earlier conferences. 3. Progress on planning for forthcoming conference. 4. All members are strongly encouraged to support ISCA activities and submit conference agenda items in a timely fashion.

Moved India seconded Netherlands

Carried

Canada (as Chair for 2004) UK – model agenda prepared and submitted to the conference for use from 2004. Copy attached.

11 MEMBERSHIP FEES Canada is considering changes to Cadet funding procedures and a document on proposed changes was handed to delegates.

A copy is attached.


12

WEBSITE Australia: A statement of costs has been obtained from South Africa, indicating that the annual running costs are almost $600 US. A statement will be included with the minutes. Sweden: If money is required for Website, incoming chair to discuss funds and include the amount in the conference fees. UK: Agree that costs should be annual cost to all. India: Should the cost be levied at just those attending the conference? Canada: The current Website is in need of updating and reworking. Canada may have access to someone who can revamp the site at no cost, via Canada. Netherlands: The site needs updating, some information has not been updated, or has been done late There is a need for cadet opinion and chat access. Canada: Would like to discuss with the Webmaster the time required to maintain the site, and any relevant information to assist the site.

Statement attached This item was adjourned by general agreement until the following day to enable further consideration of the issue. See item 15.


13

CADET EXCHANGE ISSUES Concerns were expressed at the number of overseas Cadet organizations bypassing the Liaison Officers to arrange private visits. United Kingdom advised that all details of overseas visits are to be on the Liaison Officers desk no later than 90 days prior to departure. No authorisation is issued to wear uniform overseas unless the visitation has followed the correct procedure. Unauthorised visits are to be of a tourist nature only. Some Escort Officers failed to join in or assist with operations. Some cadets are too young / inexperienced/ have problems understanding English. Sweden will provide an Escort Officer to take care of member cadets if an Escort Officer is not able to attend their summer exchange.

14 ISCA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – CRITERIA As no nomination was received either in the prescribed format and/or on time the Chairman convened a special out of session meeting of the senior delegates from each country to consider the situation prior to formal discussion at the conference. All nominations were reviewed and it was agreed that none met the required criteria.

Following the out of session meeting this item was carried forward – see item 16.

15 ISCA WEBSITE This item was re-introduced see item 12 A current cost of annual expenses has been advised from South Africa: Annual cost of maintaining website: $570 US (equivalent to 4,000 Rand) It is suggested by CAPT Bartie that 17 members may

That the outgoing Chairman 1. Confirm, as a matter of urgency, the Financial status of the ISCA Web-site

Moved India seconded UK

Australia


be in a position to assist in maintaining the website at a cost of $30 US each. Funds can be directed to PO Box 76 81, Newton Park, Port Elizabeth 6055 South Africa, or directly deposited into the bank account in the name of SA Sea Cadets ISA Account: Branch code: 262 050 account No: 53431093061 As a separate but related matter the future use of the ISCA bank account was considered in conjunction with the Website proposals vice item three of the motion carried at the conference.

as managed by South Africa: This will include precise statements of: Ongoing costs Frequency of payments Conditions of any contract South Africa has committed to. Balance of Creditors/ Debtor held by South Africa. 2. Canada to produce an options paper for the future of the ISCA Web-site (To be included within the Mid – year report by the incoming Chairman) identifying, as a minimum, other platforms for the site, potential costs and provision of Webmaster support. 3. Canada to produce an options paper for the future of the ISCA Account, including at least policy for income and expenditure, management and statement of account (to be included within the mid-year report by the incoming Chairman) 4. Both position papers are to be tabled, for decision at the 2004 ISCA Conference.

Canada Canada Canada

16 ISCA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE This item was re-introduced - see item 14 There were some excellent names and achievements put forward to support this award, however it was

Resolved that: 1. A template to assist nominations will be

Moved UK Seconded USA

USA


agreed that in accordance with the criteria set out at the 2002 Conference in India, no nominations met the specified criteria as agreed in 2002 in Mumbai. None were received within the specified time. Several were not received in the presentation format required. Several were not comprehensive, only containing a name and a short sentence of support. There was general agreement that this was unacceptable for an award of excellence and that no award would be made this year.

developed by USNSCC. 2. The template and explanatory guidelines will be included in the ISCA Chairman’s 6 monthly update report. 3. The Host Country will provide the award. 4. All members be invited to resubmit nominations

USA, Canada Canada All member countries as desired

17 INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM 2004 Australia April 03 – 17, 2004 16 Cadets / 4 Officers Magnetic Island Queensland April 17 – 30, 2004 16 Cadets / 4 Officers Perth Western Australia. Canada July (start either weekend of 17th / or 25th ) for 2 ½ weeks. Hong Kong 2nd or 3rd week of August – approximately 10 days. Netherlands Between 1st – 3rd week in July - To be confirmed. Sweden July 05 – 21. Will supply an escort officer if required.

Actions by member countries as required.


United Kingdom July 22 – August 01. United States Late July - to be confirmed. Japan Only standing bi-lateral arrangements this year Korea Not known Singapore Not known New Zealand Not known Germany Not known

18 INTERNATIONAL REGATTA 2004 India has offered to develop a proposal to conduct an International ISCA Regatta. Date to be agreed upon, but not between June and September. A programme including sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, rowing etc. Possible seminar regarding racing rules for instructors. A minimum of 4 International teams (Cadets and Escort Officers) who will be responsible for their travel expenses only. Ideally Escort Officers should have boating qualifications. Accommodation and activities will be conducted from TS Jawahar in Mumbai. Tentative details will be emailed to all countries from India in January 2004, updated, and included in the 6 monthly Conference Information from Canada.

No formal motion was put to the Conference, however there was universal support for member countries to promote ISCA interaction in a maritime setting and India was commended for its initiative and encouraged to develop a proposal for consideration by member countries. Member countries indicated support for an International Regatta to

India


be conducted in Mumbai, India. Canada also advised a regatta is conducted in Kingston, and has been attended by US Cadets and expressed interest in conducting an ISCA regatta at a future time.

India, Canada Canada

19 IMPACT OF SARS ON 2003 EXCHANGES The unexpected outbreak of SARS saw Hong Kong adversely affected. All cadet activities suspended for up to 6 months. The Exchange programme needed to be cancelled, which disappointed many cadets. In fact, people develop pneumonia and die every year, and this year was no different. The authorities know how to tackle the problem. It has been seen as an over reaction by the media. Canada continued activities as normal despite having the same outbreaks. UK: We recognise the difficulties, but the problem the UK has is that there are Government advisories, and the SCC has no option but to follow the directions issued by the Government. Canada: We did send cadets to Japan and Korea, and had no problems with the Government, however the Air Cadets were not permitted to attend the same countries!

20 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Mr John Topley RFD

Speakers notes attached


Mr Topley spoke on the role of the government in the ANC and presented a workshop on contemporary youth issues. CAPT A Cawley RAN CAPT Cawley spoke on the role of the Royal Australian navy in supporting the ANC.

21 RETIRING MEMBERS Commodore Peter Boegborn was invited to address the delegates about his time in the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Sea Cadets. Commander Martin Pickering will retire from the Royal Navy in March. Mr Jacques Aubry will retire as the Canadian Navy League President.

All received a vote of thanks for their outstanding contributions to ISCA.

22 2004 CONFERENCE Presentation by Canada of the proposed Conference in 2004 to be held in Victoria, Vancouver Island, British Columbia between September 13 - 18. It is proposed that no registration fees will be applicable. Accommodation at the new wardroom at HMCS Esquimalt will cost in the region of $50 CA per night. A tentative itinerary was tabled,. A Cadet Muster to be conducted at the same time is likely, with cadets also accommodated at the base, and incorporated into many activities.

Attached Canada

23 2005 CONFERENCE


South Africa’s proposal to host the 2005 Conference in Cape Town was presented by Captain Reeves on behalf of Captain Bartie.

South Africa

24 OTHER BUSINESS Canada Tabled 2 papers: Information regarding Canada’s shooting programme. Is there a future for large vessel training?

attached

25 CHAIRMANSHIP HANDOVER AND CLOSURE Captain Reeves concluded the conference with a farewell speech, and invited Mr Jacques Aubry, and Mr Doug Thomas, Navy League of Canada, to accept the ISCA Flag, ISCA gavel and the Chairmanship for 2004.

Documents

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE …iscaworld.com/documents/ConferenceMinutes/2003 Australia...Hong Kong: Due to the SARS outbreak Hong Kong declined to participate in outgoing programmes