Navy Cadet Ranks

Commander (CDR), NZCF

This is the highest rank an NZCF officer can hold. The rank is reserved for Sea Cadet officers holding the appointment of Assistant Commandant. If an Army Cadet or Air Cadet officer holds the appointment of Assistant Commandant then nobody will hold the rank of CDR. CDR rankslides consist of three gold braids

Lieutenant Commander (LTCDR), NZCF

This is a senior rank held by Sea Cadet officers with 12+ years experience. Typically officers holding the rank of LTCDR act as Area Support Officers (ASOs) or Cadet Unit Commanders (CUCDRs). LTCDR rankslides contain a thin gold braid between two regular gold braids

Lieutenant (LT), NZCF

An officer holding the rank of LT will often hold a senior position within a cadet unit such as CUCDR or Executive Officer (XO (2IC)). An officer who holds the rank of LT will have at least six years experience as an officer. A LT is depicted by two regular gold braids on their rankslide.

Sub Lieutenant (SLT), NZCF

SLTs are junior officers with 2-3 years post-commissioning experience. Generally an officer holding the rank of SLT will hold a staff appointment within a unit, or in some cases may be the XO or CUCDR. SLTs have a single regular gold braid on their rankslide.

Ensign (ENS), NZCF

This is the most junior Sea Cadet officer rank held by officers who have completed an NZCF Commissioning Course. ENS' generally hold junior staff appointments within a cadet unit. ENS rankslides contain a single thin gold braid.

Officer Cadet (OFFCDT)

This rank is held by Sea Cadet staff or former cadets undertaking the pre-commissioning process and/or attending an NZCF Commissioning Course. An OFFCDT is identifiable by the thick white stripe on their rankslides.

Under Officer (UO)

UOs are cadets who are completing the pre-commissioning process. The UO rank is currently in the process of being disestablished to be replaced by OFFCDT. The UO rankslide contains a row of horizontal chevrons between two thick gold stripes.

Warrant Officer Cadet (WOCDT)

WOCDT is the highest rank a sea cadet can achieve. A cadet holding the rank of WOCDT will usually hold the position of Ships Coxswain (similar to a CSM). Sea Cadets who are appointed as an Area or National Warrant Officer also hold this rank. The rank is depicted by the Royal Coat of Arm of the United Kingdom. A WOCDT is addressed as Sir/Ma'am.

Chief Petty Officer Cadet (CPOCDT)

CPOCDTs are Senior NCOs with several years of experience as a cadet. CPOCDTs may hold appointments within a unit such as Divisional P.O. or may act as the Coxswain in their absence. The CPOCDT rankslide contains a single anchor surrounded by laurel leaves below a crown. A CPOCDT is addressed as Chief.

Petty Officer Cadet (POCDT)

A POCDT is a cadet who has qualified on the Senior NCO Course and has at least three years experience as a cadet. POCDTs often act as Divisional P.O.s, responsible for a division of cadets. Their rankslide contains two crossed anchors below a crown. POCDTs are addressed as P.O.

Leading Cadet (LCDT)

LCDTs are Junior NCOs who have at least two years experience as a cadet and have qualified on a Junior NCO Course. LCDTs often act as Section Commanders within a unit. Their rankslide contains a single anchor. LCDTs are addressed as Leading.

Able Cadet (ACDT)

ACDTs are Junior NCOs who generally have 1-2 years experience as a cadet. They will typically act as Section 2ICs within a unit. ACDTs are identified by the single figure-of-eight knot on their rankslide. They are addressed as Able.

Ordinary Cadet (CDT)

CDT is the initial rank that cadets hold when they join a Sea Cadet unit.