Nautical Training Corps (NTC)

The Nautical Training Corps (NTC) is a National Maritime Training and Uniformed Youth Organisation based in the United Kingdom. The NTC was formed in 1943, and officially registered and recognised in 1944 by the founding Commodore, Cdre Frank Froëst-Carr MBE NTC. At the time the NTC was established in order to provide opportunities for young people to become useful and worthy citizens within their communities across England, through learning and vocational training developed with the Merchant and Royal Navies. By participating in the corps programme, young people would be able to use their service time in the NTC to assist them in joining the armed forces. Units were inspected by the Royal Navy and training records were provided to the admiralty. After successive strategic defence reviews formal support from the Ministry of Defence, and the Royal Navy reduced, with the Ministry of Education picking up some of those support arrangements over time. In modern times, The Nautical Training Corps receives no formal ongoing support from His Majesty's Government. But does still enjoy regular opportunities to engage and develop opportunities with its armed forces, albeit informally and flexibly. Cadets and officers wear uniforms similar to that of the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, with a rank structure again sitting between the two services. Units are named after HM serving or retired ships and are issued with a crest bearing some resemblance to that of its serving or retired counterpart. In 2014 The Ministry of Defence awarded the Nautical Training Corps a defaced red ensign, as recognition of the opportunities it has given young people since its establishment. The first such award for over 40 years. Today the NTC has units spread across the South Coast of England and provides opportunities for young people between the ages of 8 and 18, to learn maritime skills and take part in adventurous activities, both on land and at sea.