Lieutenant Commander of Greenock Sea Cadets marks 50 years

Lieutenant Commander Jim Hearl has been involved with Greenock and District Sea Cadets Corps, man and boy, since he joined the organisation more than 50 years ago.

He has held several senior roles over the years and become synonymous with the institution.

Mr Hearl is fiercely proud of the corps, which is called T.S Tidesurge, and is recognised as one of the top sea cadets corps nationally.

"I've always enjoyed messing about on the water and watching the boats sailing up and down the river."

Jim is proud to report that the group is still going strong, as there are 42 members at the moment. The junior section is open to 10-12-year-olds and they wear a uniform of sweatshirts and baseball caps.

The seniors aged 12-18 wear naval uniform and there are also adult volunteers aged 18 and upwards.

Jim says his role in the corps has been very rewarding and he says he still meets former sea cadets who now have children of their own.

Jim said: "The best thing is seeing a kid coming in to join us at a young age with issues, maybe just shyness and not being able to mix with people, Then we see them develop to become a responsible adult with leadership qualities and in later life, a career. Some of them go into the Royal Navy, others the Merchant Navy and some join the army.

He said: "From the minute you walk through the door as a new recruit, you are part of the family.

"You can make friends in corps all over the world and technology makes it easier to do that now."

As well as making friends it has proved a good career move for many former cadets and the organisations they join.

Jim said: "A cadet is a good investment for an employer. It is a disciplined organisation with its training based on the standards of the Royal Navy but we offer a fun aspect to the discipline.

"We have had our successes here, we've had captains and engineers and a captain with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary."

Sadly ill-health forced Jim to retire early from a career he loved.

He has high hopes for the cadets this year and hopes to help more young people to go out and make a life for themselves in the world.

Jim said: "I've dealt with hundreds of kids over the years and I've met a lot of nice young people and if we have given them a head start in life, then we have done our job."