The commanding officer of Campbeltown Sea Cadets is on the crest of a wave after rising through the ranks to become a chief petty officer.
Alasdair MacPhail first joined TS Campbeltown as a new entry cadet in 2003, when he aged was just 12.
In 2009, after becoming the unit’s first leading cadet in more than 20 years, he became an adult volunteer.
After completing the required core modules, he became a full petty officer (SCC) in 2015, during which time he was a general instructor and had the role of boats officer, stores officer and was appointed 1st Lieutenant – second in command at the unit.
“I also had the chance to gain RYA [Royal Yachting Association] qualifications in powerboating and now have a RYA safety boat ticket,” said CPO (SCC) MacPhail, now aged 32.
“And, at the end of 2020, I was asked to take over command of the unit as officer in charge.”
For the first half of 2021, he worked hard alongside the unit’s three other instructors to re-open after Covid restrictions were relaxed.
“During those six months, I furthered my skillset by doing the online command course which dealt with a variety of topics including additional safeguarding and conflict management,” he said. “I completed this in June 2021 and was officially appointed commanding officer of the unit.”
Not content with that, CPO (SCC) MacPhail has continued to increase his experience and qualifications by completing further training.
In 2022, he went to the Port Edgar Boat Station, just outside Edinburgh, with the aim of becoming a Sea Cadet rowing instructor, which he achieved after passing an additional RYA essential navigation course.
And, this month, he travelled to Sea Cadet Training Centre (SCTC) Caledonia in Fife where, after a “full-on weekend” of training, he achieved the rank of chief petty officer.
“Never did I think 20 years ago when I stepped aboard that I would be in command of the unit one day,” he said, “but giving back to an organisation that gave me so much has always been my goal.
“I’ve been with the unit for so long and it has given me so much, from qualifications to confidence. Now that I have got more responsibility, I can do more within our district, more area events, I can mentor folk, I can do much more to give back.
“By furthering my own education, I am building up the cadet experience. At the end of the day, I’m there for the cadets and to see them progressing is heart-warming.”
CPO (SCC) MacPhail has seen many cadets go on to have maritime careers, including joining the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Merchant Navy and the fishing fleet, and he finds it “very rewarding” to see them succeed in life.
“Even if cadets don’t go on to join one of these careers, they have had a good grounding for any career with the Sea Cadets,” he added.
“We offer many good life skills, not just in seamanship but in catering, aviation, meteorology, first aid – all sorts of varied topics.”
The Campbeltown Sea Cadets unit meets weekly, on Monday evenings, from 6.45pm to 9pm. Anyone interested in joining, is welcome to email cocampbeltownscc@gmail.com for more information.
“What you can get from the Sea Cadets is the world,” said CPO (SCC) MacPhail. “Joining any cadet force, even if it’s not Sea Cadets, opens your horizons to what else is out there.”