A 14-YEAR-old sea cadet from Bradford has achieved the challenging advanced seamanship qualification, which only 12 out of 14,000 cadets have passed so far this year.

Rebecca Taylor, from Wyke, joined sea cadets because she wanted to gain qualifications that would help her future career as a nurse in the Royal Navy. The qualification tested her knowledge of rope work, rigging, splicing and whipping, canvas work and decorative rope work. Practical tests included working in a team to rig equipment such as sheer legs, gyns and derricks.

She said: “I recommend any young cadet to take part in this qualification as it gives you vital skills that can be used later on in life.

“During my time at sea cadets, I have achieved qualifications in first aid, rowing, windsurfing and sailing. I especially enjoyed the summer camp, which I have attended twice. Sea cadets have taught me to believe in myself, team work skills, communication skills, self-discipline, and I know I will learn more in the next few years."

For more information visit sea-cadets.org.