Regulations Regarding the Entry of Naval Cadets into the Royal Navy

NAVAL CADETS

 Admiralty, 3rd October, 1848.

Each Flag Officer, being an Admiral or Commander in Chief, and each Commodore of the First Class being a Commander in Chief, is to be allowed to nominate two Naval Cadets on his appointment.

A Captain, on commissioning a ship, is to be allowed to nominate one Naval Cadet.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR NAVAL CADETS

 Admiralty, 1st April, 1849.

NAVAL CADETS must not be under 12 nor above 14 years of age. They must be in good health, fit for Service, and able to write English from dictation, and must be acquainted with the four First Rules of Arithmetic, Reduction, and the Rule of Three.

EXAMINATION OF NAVAL CADETS

 Admiralty, 13th February, 1851.

My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having had under their consideration the Examination of Naval Cadets on entering Her Majesty's Service, are pleased to direct that in future all young gentlemen who may receive Nominations as Naval Cadets at home shall pass their examinations at the Royal Naval College at Portsmouth, within two months of the date of the letter of Nomination, and a Certificate signed by the Professor or Mathematical Master of the Royal Naval College, approved by the Captain Superintendent, together with a Medical Certificate of physical efficiency, according to the prescribed regulations, will be required to be forwarded to the Admiralty before any Candidate can be entered as a Naval Cadet.

The Qualifications are the same as at present in force.

The Medical Examination is to be conducted by such Naval Surgeon as the Commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth may direct.

The Commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth is authorized to enter each Naval Cadet as a Supernumerary on board the Flag Ship at that port, from the date of the Candidate passing the required Examination (pending an appointment from the Admiralty to a sea-going ship), granting not more than a Month's leave to obtain an Outfit.

No Candidate will be allowed a Second Examination, and all Nominations are to be considered cancelled unless the party shall obtain his Certificate within the specified period of two months.

 By Command of their Lordships,

 W. A. B. Hamilton.

N.B. The Passing Day at the Royal Naval College for Naval Cadets, is the Second Wednesday in each Month, at 9 a.m.

CIRCULAR No. 288

(NAVAL CADETS—MIDSHIPMEN, &c.)

 Admiralty, 23rd February, 1857.

The Lords Commissioners of tbe Admiralty have established the following Regulations for the Entry of Naval Cadet, and for the Examination of Mates, Midshipmen, Naval Cadets, &c.,which will come into operation in May next, instead of those now in force.

To qualify an officer to receive a Lieutenant's Commission he must have attained the full age of 19 years, and have been borne on the Books of, and actually served in, one or more of Her Majesty's Ships not less than five complete years, eighteen months as a Cadet and three years and six months as a Midshipman, and shall have passed such Examinations as the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty may from time to time direct.

I. No Person will be nominated to a Cadetship in the Royal Navy who will be under 13, or above 15 years of age at the time of Examination [See Circular 393 below].

II. Every Candidate, on obtaining a nomination, will be required to pass an Examination at the Royal Naval College at Portsmouth, within three months of nomination.*

III. The Candidate must produce a Certificate of Birth, or Declaration thereof made before a Magistrate.

IV. The Candidate must be in good health and fit for the Service, that is, free from impediment of speech, defect ol vision, rupture, or other physical inefficiency.

V. Candidates, between the ages of 13 and 14, will be required—

1. To write English correctly from Dictation, and in a legible hand.

2. To read, translate, and parse an easy passage either from a Latin or French Author.

N.B.—The aid of a Dictionary will be allowed for these Translations.

And to have a satisfactory knowledge of

3. The leading facto of Scripture and English History,

4. Modern Geography, in so far as relates to a knowledge of the prinoipal Countries, Capitals, Mountains, and Rivers. To be able to point out the position of a place on a map when its Latitude and Longitude is given.

5. Arithmetic, including Proportion, and a fair knowledge of Vulgar and Decimal Fractions.

6. Algebra, including Fractions.

7. The First Book of Euclid to Proposition XXXII.

Candidates above the age of 14, in addition to the Examination required for those between the ages of 13 and 14 must have a knowledge of—

1. The use of the Globes, with correct definitions of Latitude, Longitude, Azimuth, Amplitude, and the other Circles of the Sphere.

2. Vulgar and Decimal Fractions.

3. Algebra, including Simple Equations.

4. The First Book of Euclid.

5. A practical knowledge of the Elements of Plane Trigonometry, and its application to the Numerical Solution of Easy and Useful Problems.

As Drawing will prove a most useful qualification for Naval Officers, it is recommended that Candidates for the Service should be instructed therein.

VI. If the Candidate succeeds in pausing the required Examination, he will be at once appointed to a Training Ship at Portsmouth or Devonport, for a period of not less than three months, for the purpose of instruction in the subjects contained in Sheet No. I, as well as in the Rigging of Ships, Seamanship, the use of Nautical Instruments, &c.

VII. Quarterly Examinations will be held on board the Training Ship, when any Cadet, who may consider himself competent, may be examined in the subjects contained in Sheet No. 1, also, in the course of instruction, in the Rigging of Ships, Seamanship, &c., and if found qualified he will be appointed to a sea-going Ship.

VIII. If the Cadet does not pass the required Examination according to bis age, before or at the quarterly Examinations after his entry into the Training Snip, as below specified, he will be finally rejected from the Service.

Age at the time of his entry in the Training Ship.	Quarterly Examination after his entry in the Training Ship.
14 years 6 months.	2nd
14 years and under 14 years 6 months.	3rd
Under 14 years.	4th

Or if a Cadet by indifferent conduct or idle habits on board the Training Ship shall show his unfitness for the Service, it will be the duty ot the Captain to make a special report thereof to the Admiralty, in order that the Cadet may be at once removed from the Navy.

IX. No Cadet will be allowed to reckon more than three months of the period of bis service in the Training Ship owards his future Sea Time.

X. When a Cadet shall have served the full period of eighteen months, including the three months time in the Training Ship, he will be eligible for the Rating of Midshipman provided he passes the following examination, in which it is to be ascertained—

1. That he has kept up a knowledge of his former Instruction.

2. That he is able to work a Day's Work by Tables as well as by Projection, to find the Latitude by observation of the Meridian Altitude of the Sun, Moon, and Star, Longitude by Chronometer, and to work an Amplitude.

3. That he understands and can explain the use of the Sextants and Azimuth Compass, and the mode of observing with them. At each Examination the Candidate will be required to show that his Sextant and other Instruments are in good order.

4. He must produce Log Books kept by himself from the time of his entry into a Sea-going Ship, and Certificates of good conduct.

5. He will also be required to have a fair knowledge of steering and managing a Boat under Oars und Sail, of Knotting and Splicing, Rigging Lower Masts and Yards, &c, the use of the Hand and Deep Sea Lead, and also the Simple Exercise of the Great Guns.

XI. All Midshipmen, until they shall have passed their examinations for Lieutenant, are to keep a book in which the ship's reckoning is to be worked out and noted, and when they are at sea this book is to be sent in every day to the Captain, instead of the slip of paper containing a day's work, winch is now usually presented. It is also to be produced at their examinations; and during the last six months of their service us Midshipmen it must contain the working of the Observations as given in Sheet B.

XII. A Midshipman when he shall have served eighteen months in that rank will be required to pass an intermediate Examination. In addition to the subjects embraced in former Examinations he will be required to have—

1. A good knowledge of practical Navigation, showing that he understands tin? principle of Navignting a Ship from one distant port to another, by Dead Reckoning and by his own Observations; and that he can explnin the principles of the same; und that he can also take and work a double Altitude and Azimuth.

2. A sufficient knowledge of the Chart as will enable him to place iliereon the position of the Ship by Observation as well as by Cross Bearings; und to lay off the True and Compass Courses.

3. Such knowledge of Nautical Surveying as may enable him to measure a base line and determine positions by angles, and tba manner of ascertaining heights and distances.

4. If he has served in a Steam-Vessel, an acquaintance with the different parts and working of the Steam-Engine.

5. A proficiency in French.

6. He must be a fair practical observer.

7. He must produce Log Books kept by himself from the time of his entry into a Sea-going Ship, and Certificates of Good Conduct.

8. He will likewise be examined as to his progress m the knowledge of rigging of Masts, Bowsprits, &c., in getting tops over and placing a lower cap, in setting up rigging, and especially as to the precautions required in staying lower Masts; in hoisting a quarter or stern boat up in a strong breeze with a Sea on; in making up a course and topsail for bending at Sea; in shifting topmasts, yards, and sails at Sea, and the effect of the sails on the Ship both in tacking and wearing; in the detail arrangements for mooring and unmonnng Ships and getting under-way. He must likewise know the Great Gun and Small Arm Exercise, the use of Tangent Sights, tin- charges for the Guns of the Ship, and be able to Exercise the Men at his Quarters. A report of the progress he has made in each of the above subjects is to be made to the Secretary of the Admiralty in the Half-yearly Return,

XIII. The Examinations under Articles X. and XII. are to be conducted by the officer in command, not below the rank of Commander, and the next Senior Officer in the Ship; and the Examinations in Navigation, in the presence of a Captain or Commander, by two Naval Instructors when it may be practicable, or by a Naval Instructor and a Master, or where there is no Naval Instructor by two Masters: that in Gunnery by a Gunnery or other com relent Officer; and at these Examinations the Candidate is to be made to take and work out his own observations for Latitude, Longitude, Variation, &c, as the case may be. 1st or 2nd Class Certificates are to be given according to the merit of the Candidate, in the Form A, page 9, or he is to be rejected if found incompetent.

XIV. A Midshipman, when he shall have passed the Examination referred to in Article XII. must continue to serve in that rank for a further penod of two years, and having completed such two years, he may, if he has attained the age of 13 years, present himself to pass his Examination for the rank of Lieutenaut.

XV. The Examination for the rank of Lieutenant is to be conducted before three Captains or Commanders, by order of the Commander-in-Chief or Senior Officer of two or more ships present together; but a Midshipman,having completed his term ot service, and being 19 years of age, who is serving in a ship or vessel so far separated from other ships that the foregoing Regulation cannot be complied with, may be provisionally examined by the Captain or Commander of such ship or vessel, with the aid of other competent officers—Lieutenant, Master, or Second Master, and if they find him to be duly qualified, they are to give him a certificate to that effect, dated on the day of such examination, and the Captain may forthwith give him an acting order as Mate; but he must be re-examined on the first opportunity that shall afterwards offer by three Captains or Commanders, as before required, and if he passes successfully, he will receive from the Commander-in-Chief, or Senior Officer, an acting order as Mate, to take rank according to the date of the first certificate.

As the above is the final Examination in Seamanship, the Examining Officers are to be most strict in their investigation of the qualifications of Officers, and they are to see that everything required by these Reflations has been complied with by the Candidate, and that he produces Certificates of good conduct from Captains he has served under for five years.

XVI. All Midshipmen and Acting Mates will be required to undergo the following final Examinations—

1. In Gunnery—On board the Excellent.

2. In Navigation and the Steam Engine—At the Royal Naval College.

Acting Mates who have already passed abroad are to present themselves for Examination on board the Excellent, at the first Examination Day after their arrival in England, or alter being paid off, and having passed in Gunnery, they are then at liberty to select cither the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Examination Day at the Royal Naval College.

XVII. Any Officer rejected on his first Examination at the College will incur the forfeiture of three months' seniority in his rank as Mate. He may present himself on the next Examination Day, but a second rejection will incur the forfeiture of three months more seniority; he may again present himself on the next Examination Day, but a third rejection will cause his name to be removed from the List of the Navy.

XVIII. Officers when they have passed their final examination at the Royal Naval College, as provided for in those Regulations, will be confirmed Irom the date of their first Certificate.

The non-appearance of an Officer for Examination at the Royal Naval College at the times required by these Regulations will be considered as an acknowledgement of his not being qualified, and he will he dealt with in the same manner as if be had been actually rejected on each day on which he may have omitted to appear, unless under certified ill-health, to be duly reported at the time.

XIX. Naval Instructors are to keep a School Journal or Register, which is to be produced when required by the Captain of the Ship or the Examining Officers, and the Captain is to allow them reasonable access to the charts and chronometers, for the purpose of instructing the Officers in their use.

XX. The Examinations under Articles X. and XII. are to commence with those Officers who shall enter the Service after May, 1857, and the final Examination at the Royal Naval College, required by these Regulations, is to commence in August, 1862; but any Midshipman, previous to that date, when he may have completed five years' service, and who shall have attained the full age of 19 years, may present himself for final examination in Seamanship, Gunnery, and Navigation, in accordance with the foregoing Regulations, instead cf having to serve six years as now required; but if he fails in passing his first Examination he will not be allowed to come up for re-examination until he has completed his six years' service.

XXI. With reference to Circular No. 58, of the 17th December, 1849,—The final Examination at the Royal Naval College, established by the foregoing Regulations, for the rank of Lieutenant, shall also be extended to the Examination of Officers for the rank of Master, with the exception of the knowledge of French; and the Regulations in regard to the rejection of Candidates shall equally apply to them. Officers passing for the rank of Master will not be required to pass a Gunnery Examination.

XXII. With reference to Circular, No. 97, of the 9th December, 1851,—The foregoing Examination for the entry of Naval Cadets under 14 years of age shall be extended to Masters' Assistants, between 14 and 15 years of age, and the foregoing Examination for the entry of Cadets above 14 years of age shall be extended to Masters' Assistants between 15 and 16 years of age. The knowledge of Latin, French, and English History, will not be required of Masters' Assistants at these Examinations.

XXIII. The Captains of H.M. Ships are to take care that a convenient place is set apart and proper hours are fixed for instruction by the Naval Instructor, and nil Acting Mates and Acting 2nd Masters, as well as all executive Officers under that rank, are to attend, and care is also to be taken that they are regularly instructed in Practical Seamanship, Rigging, and the Steam Engine, and a Monthly Examination Day is to be established.

List of Instruments and Books which each Cadet will be required to have on entry—

Sextant.

Case of Mathematical Instruments, containing a good Protractor.

Spy Glass.

French Grammar and a Dictionary containing Sea Terms.

A Book on Navigation.

Euclid's Elements

Book of Geography. (Sullivan's 2s. ed.)

Book on use of Mathematical and Nautical Instruments.

A Book on the Steam Engine.

Colenso's Arithmetic and Algebra.

Jeans's Trigonometry.

The Ship's Library will contain Books of Instruction.

No. I.

The Examination on leaving the Training Ship will embrace all the subjects of the former Examination, except Latin, and in addition to them it will include—

In Arithmetic—Involution, Extraction of Square RcLt.

In Algebra—Simple Equations.

The Elements oi Geometry, as contained in the textbook published for the use of the Boys of Greenwich School by John Murray, 1854.

Plane Trigonometry and the Solution of practical and useful Problems.

Spherical Trigonometry, the mode of Solving Triangles, and its application to Simple Astronomical Problems.

In Navigation—A Day's Work and Meridional Altitudes, Longitude by Chronometer.

Nautical Instruments. To explain and use the Sextant, Azimuth Compass, Artificial Horizon, anil Theodolite.

Some knowledge of the mode of Surveying, and the Construction of Charts.

French, as far as 50 lessons of Ollendorff's method of learning French, and the reading and translating of an easy passage from a French uuthor without the aid of a dictionary.

Explanatory Lectures will be given on the Steam Engine, practical Astronomy, Nautical Implements, Mechanics and Hydrostatics, and other subjects of general interest and instruction.

Certificates must be produced, approved by the Captain, from the Master of the Ship, that the Candidate has gone through and is competent in the course of instruction in Rigging and Seamanship, and from the Naval Instructor, as to the Candidate's attention to the various branches of his education, as well as to his general conduct whilst on board the Training Ship.

 By Command of their Lordships,

 R. Osborne.

CIRCULAR No. 298

 Admiralty, 26th June, 1857.

NAVAL CADETS,—MIDSHIPMEN, &c. (INTERPTRETATION OF CLAUSE 20 IN CIRCULAR 288).

Doubts having arisen as to whether Midshipmen who entered the Naval Service prior to May 1857 (and who may present themselves for examination as to their qualifications In seamanship for the rank of Lieutenant, under the 20th clause of the Circular Order No. 288, of the 23rd February, 1857), are required to have completed a period of three years and a half in the rating of Midshipman, Mv Lords Commissioners oT the Admiralty are pleased to direct that Midshipmen, under such circumstances, shall not be required to have completed more than three years' service in that rating, provided they shall have served for n total period of five years in the Navy, including two years as Naval Cadet, and not less than three years as Midshipman, and provided also that they shall be of the required age of 19 years, and shall be prepared to undergo the examinations prescribed by the Circular above quoted.

 By Command of their Lordships,

 R, Osborne.

To all Commanders-in-Chief, Captains Commanders, and Commanding Officers of Her Majesty's Ships and Vessels.

NAVAL CADETSHIPS ALLOWED TO FLAG OFFICERS AND CAPTAINS

 Admiralty, May 12th, 1857.

Every Flag Officer on hoisting his Flag shall be allowed two nominations for Naval Cadets.

Every Captain appointed from Half-Pay to command a Ship newly commissioned may nominate a Naval Cadet.

If an Officer, appointed to command a Ship newly commissioned, be an Officer already on Full-Pay afloat, and be transferred from another Ship for which he had already received a nomination, he shall not be entitled to nominate another Cadet, but the nomination shall be given to his successor in the other Ship, provided such successor be an Officer from Half-Pay, or an Officer who, if serving, has not already received a nomination.

The Permanent Harbour Flag Ships at the Ports are to be allowed a nomination for a Cadet every three years, after being paid down and recommissioned, and the nomination shall be given to the Captain then serving.

Captains from Harbour Guard Ships, appointed to sengoing Ships newly commissioned, may be allowed a nomination in the same manner as Officers from Half-Pay, and not otherwise.

No nominations are allowed on commissioning the 'Excellent,' 'Victoria and Albert,' Steam Guard Ships, Training Ships, or Coast Guard Ships.

Admirals superintending Dockyards, and Officers appointed to stationary ships abroad, are not entitled to nominations.

Exceptional cases, not provided for in the foregoing rules, should be referred for the decision of the Board.

 Admiralty,29th February, 1866.

Commodores of the First Class, when not Commanders-in-Chief, to be allowed one nomination.

MEMORANDUM

 Admiralty,30th August, 1858.

Candidates for Naval Cadetships will be allowed a second examination, although at the time of such second examination they may exceed the age of 14 years.

CIRCULAR No. 393

 Admiralty, 23rd October, 1859.

NAVAL CADETS, MIDSHIPMEN, ETC.

The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have established the following Regulations for the Entry of Naval Cadets, and for the Examination of Mates-, Midshipmen, Naval Cadets, &c., which will come into operation in April next, instead of those now in force. Cadets.

I. No person will be nominated to a Cadetship in the Royal Navy who shall be under 12, or above 14 years of age at the time of his first Examination.

II. Every Candidate, on obtaining a nomination,will be required to pass an Examination at the Koyal Naval College at Portsmouth, within three months of nomination.* [*These Examinations will take place on the first Wednesdays in the Months of March, June, September, and December.] In the special cases of nomination granted to the sons of natives of Her Majesty's Colonies, a Candidate will be allowed to pass a preliminary examination on board the Flag or Senior Officer's ship on the Station; but such examination must be passed in strict accordance with these Regulations, and should the Candidate be found qualified, it will still be necessary that he should be sent to England, to be entered on board a Training Ship, where he will be subject to the same regulations as other Cadets.

III. The Candidate must produce a Certificate of Birth, or Declaration thereof made before a Magistrate.

IV. The Candidate must be in good health and fit for the Service, that is, free from impediment in speech, defect of vision, rupture, or other physical inefficiency:—

Candidates will be required—

1. To write English correctly from Dictation, and in a legible hand.

2. To read, translate, and parse an easy passage from Latin, or from some Foreign Living Language.

N.B.—The aid of a Dictionary will be allowed for these Translations.

And to have a satisfactory knowledge of—

3. The leading facts of Scripture and English History.

4. Modern Geography, in so far as relates to a knowledge of the principal Countries, Capitals, Mountains, and Rivers. To be able to point out the position of a place on a map when its Latitude and Longitude is given.

5. Arithmetic, including Proportion, and a fair knowledge of Vulgar and Decimal Fractions.

6. A knowledge of the Definitions and Axioms of the First Book of Euclid.

As Drawing will prove a most useful qualification for Naval Officers, it is recommended that Candidates for the Service should be instructed therein.

V. If the Candidate be found unqualified at his First Examination, he will be allowed a second trial at the next Quarterly Examination. Should he not pass this Second Examination, be will be finally rejected.

VI. If the Candidate succeeds in passing the required Examination he will be at once appointed to a Training Ship for the purpose of instruction in the subjects contained in Sheet No. 1, as well as in the Rigging of Ships, Seamanship, the use of Nautical Instruments, &c.

VII. Quarterly Examinations will be helil on board the Training Ship, when any Cadet may be examined in'tbe subjects contained in Sheet No. 1, and also in the course of instruction in the Rigging of Ships, Seamanship, &c.

VIII. If a Cadet be found, at the Quarterly Examinations, not to have made sufficient progress. or if, by indifferent conduct or idle habits on board the Training Ship, he shall show his unfitness for the Service, it will be the duty of the Captain to make a Special Report thereof to the Admiralty, in order that the Cadet may be at once removed from the Navy.

IX. When a Cadet shall have completed 18 months' instruction, exclusive of vacations, in the Harbour Training Ship, he will be examined: and should he obtain a Certificate of Proficiency, he will be discharged into the Seagoing Training Ship.

A 1st Class Certificate will entitle him to count 12 months' Sea Time.

A 2nd Class Certificate will entitle him to count 6 months' Sea Time.

A 3rd Class Certificate will not entitle him to count any Sea Time.

But should he not obtain a Certificate, he will he discharged as unfit for the Service.

X. On leaving the Harbour Training Ship it ia intended that the Cadet shall pass tbree months in a Sea-going Training Ship, for practical instruction in Seamanship and Navigation, which period will count for sea-lime, and at the end of this period, if his conduct has been satisfactory, he will be appointed to a Ship with the rating of Midshipman.

MIDSHIPMEN.

To qualify a Midshipman for a Lieutenant's Commission, he must have attained the full age of 19 years, end have completed 5£ years' actual service in Her Majesty's Navy, including the time awarded him on leaving the training ship.

XI. All Midshipmen, until they shall have passed their Examinations for Lieutenant, are to keep a book in which the Ship's reckoning is to be worked out and noted, and when ihey are at sea this book is to be sent in every day to the Captain, instead of the slip of paper containing a day's work, which is now usually presented. It Is also to he produced at their Examinations; and during the last six months of their service as Midshipmen it must contain the working of the observations as given in sheet B.

XII. A Midshipman when he shall have served two years and a half in that rank will be required to pass the following Examination.

1. In practical Navigation, showing that he understands the principle of Navigating a Ship from one distant port to another, by Dead Reckoning and by his own Observations; and that he can explain the principles of the same; aad that he can also take and work a double Altitude and Azimuth.

2. A sufficient knowledge of a Chart to enable him to place thereon the position of the Ship by Observation as well as by Cross Bearings; and to lay off the True and Compass Courses.

3. Such knowledge of Nautical Surveying as may enable htm to measure a base line and determine positions by angles, and the manner of ascertaining heights and distances.

4. If he has served in a Steam-Vessel, an acquaintance with the different parts and working of the Steam Engine.

5. A proficiency in French to he attained if he has had an opportunity.

6. He must be a good practical observer, and bis Sextant must be produced in good crder.

7. He must produce Log Books kept by himself from the time of his entrv into a Sea-going Ship, and Certificates of Good Conduct.

8. He will likewise be examined as to his progress in the knowledge of rigging of Masts, Bowsprits, &c., in getting tops over and placing a lower cap, in setting up rigging, and especially as to the precautions required in staving lower Masts; in hoisting a quarter or stern boat up in a strong breeze with a Sea on; in making up a course and topsail for bending at Sea ; in shitting topmasts, yards, and satis at Sea, and the effect ot the sails on the Ship both in tacking and wearing ; in thedetail arrangements for mooring and unmooring Ships and getting under wav, and the use of the Hand and Deep-Sea Leads. He must likewise know the Great Gun and Small Arm Exercise, the use of Tangent Sights, the charges for the Guns of the Ship, and be able to Exercise the Men at his Quarters. A report of the progress he has made in each of the above subjects is to he made ro the Secretary of the Admiralty in the Half-yearly Return.

This Examination is to be conducted by the officer in command, not below the rank of Commander, and the next Senior Officer in the Ship, and the Examinations in Navigation, in the presence of a Captain or Commander, hy two Naval Instructors, when it may he practicable, or by a Naval Instructor and a Master, or where there is no Naval Instructor by two Masters, that in Gunnery by a Gunnery or other competent Officer; and the Candidate is to be made to take and work out his own Observations for Latitude, Longitude, Variation, &c., as the case may be. 1st or 2nd Class Certificates are to be given according to the merit of the Candidate, in the Form A, page 239, or he is to be rejected it found incompetent.

XIII. A Midshipman, having completed his term of service, and being nineteen years of age, may be provisionally examined by the Captain or Commander of such Ship or Vessel, with the aid of other competent Officers—Lieutenant, Master, or Second Master, when no other Ships are present, in the Forms Nos. II., III., IV.; and If they find him to he duly qualified, they are to give him a Certificate to that effect,dated on the day of fuch examination, and the Captain may forthwith give him an acting order as Mate; but he must be re-examined on the first opportunity that shall afterwards offer by three Captains or Commanders ; and if he passes successfully, he will receive from the Commander-in-Chief, or Senior Officer, an acting order as Mate to take rank according to the date of the first Certificate.

The Examining Officers are to be moat strict in their investigation of the qualifications of Officers, and they are to see that everything required by these Regulations has been complied with by the Candidate, and that he produces Certificates of Good Conduct from Captains he has served under from the time of his discharge from the Training Ship.

XIV. All Acting Mates and Midshipmen will be required to undergo the following final Examinations:—

1. In Seamanship—on board the Training Ship at Portsmouth.

2. In Gunnery—on board the Excellent.

3. In Navigation and the Steam Engine—at the Royal Naval College.

Acting Mates who have already passed abroad are to present themselves for Examination on hoard the Training Ship at Portsmouth at the first Examination Day after their arrival in England, or after being paid off; and having passed in Gunnery, they are then at liberty to select either the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Examination Day at the Royal Naval College.

XV. Any Officer rejected on his first Examination at the College will incur the forfeiture of three months' seniority in his rank as Mate. He may present himself on the next Examination Day, but a second rejection will incur the forfeiture of three months more seniority; he may again present himself on the next Examination Day, but a third rejection will cause his name to be removed from the List of the Navy.

XVI. Officers when they have passed their final examination at the Royal Naval College, as provided for in those Regulations, will be confirmed Irom the date of their first Certificate.

The non-appearance of an Officer for Examination at the Royal Naval College at the times required by these Regulations will be considered as an acknowledgement of his not being qualified, and he will he dealt with in the same manner as if be had been actually rejected on each day on which he may have omitted to appear, unless under certified ill-health, to be duly reported at the time.

XVII. Naval Instructors are to keep a School Journal or Register, which is to be produced when required by the Captain of the Ship or the Examining Officers, and the Captain is to allow them reasonable access to the charts and chronometers, for the purpose of instructing the Officers in their use.

XVIII. The Captains of H.M. Ships are to take care that a convenient place is set apart and proper hours are fixed for instruction by the Naval Instructor, and nil Acting Mates and Acting 2nd Masters, as well as all executive Officers under that rank, are to attend, and care is also to be taken that they are regularly instructed in Practical Seamanship, Rigging, and the Steam Engine, and a Monthly Examination Day is to be established.

XIX. This Circular is to come into force on the 1st of April, 1860, and is to apply to all Cadets who may enter the Service after that date.

List of Instruments and Books which each Cadet will be required to have on entry—

Sextant.

Case of Mathematical Instruments, containing a good Protractor.

Spy Glass.

French Grammar and a Dictionary containing Sea Terms.

A Book on Navigation.

Euclid's Elements

Book of Geography. (Sullivan's 2s. ed.)

Book on use of Mathematical and Nautical Instruments.

A Book on the Steam Engine.

Colenso's Arithmetic and Algebra.

Jeans's Trigonometry.

Boyd's Naval Cadet's Manual.

The Ship's Library will contain Books of Instruction.

No. 1.—The Examination on leaving the Training Ship will embrace all the subjects of the former Examination, except Latin, and in addition to them will include—

In Algebra—Simple Equations.

The Elements of Geometry.

Plane Trigonometry and the Solution of practical and useful Problems.

Spherical Trigonometry, the mode of Solving Triangles, and its application to Simple Astronomical Problems.

In Navigation—A Day's Work and Meridional Altitudes, Longitude by Chronometer, Construction and use of Chart.

Nautical Instruments. To explain and use the Sextant, Azimuth Compass, Artificial Horizon, and Theodolite.

The use of the Globes, with correct definitions of Latitude, Longitude, Azimuth, Amplitude, and other circles of the sphere.

French and Drawing.

Explanatory Lectures will be given on the Steam Engine, practical Astronomy, Nautical Instruments, Mechanics and Hydrostatics, and other subjects of general interest and instruction.

Certificates must be produced, approved by the Captain, from the Master of the Ship, that the Candidate has gone through and is competent in the course of instruction in Rigging and Seamanship, and from the Naval Instructor, as to the Candidate's attention to the various branches of his education, as well as to his general conduct while on board the Training Ship.

MEMORANDUM

 Admiralty,10th December, 1863.

The non-appearance of a Candidate for a Naval Cadetsbip of the first or second class, or for an Assistant Clerkship, on the first examination-day after his nomination will be considered as a rejection (except in cases of medically certified ill-health); but tbe Candidate may present himself on the following examination-day. Should he again not appear, or fail to pass the examination, he will be finally rejected.

Regulations for the Entry and Examination, of Naval Cadets

 Admiralty, 6th February, 1865.

I. No person will be nominated to a Cadetship in the Royal Navy who shall be under 12 or above 14 years of age at the time of his first Examination.

II. Every Candidate, when nominated, will be required to pass au Examination at the Royal Naval College at Portsmouth, on the first Examination day after his nomination.

N.B.—The Examinations take place on the first Wednesday in the months of April and December, and on the third Wednesday in the month of August,

III. The Candidate must produce a Certificate of Birth, or Declaration thereof made before a Magistrate.

IV. The Candidate must be in good health and fit for the Service, that is, free from impediment of speech, defect of vision, rupture, or other physical inefficiency.

The Candidate will be required—

1. To write English correctly from dictation, and In a legible hand.

2. To read, translate, and parse a passage from French, or from some other Foreign Living Language,

N.B.—The aid of a Dictionary will be allowed for these Transitions. And to have a satisfactory knowledge of—

3. The leading facts of Scripture and English History.

4. Modern Geography, in so far as relates to a knowledge of the principal Countries, Capitals, Mountains, and Rivers, To be able to point out the position of a place on a map when its Latitude and Longitude are given,

5. Arithmetic, including Proportion, and a fair knowledge of Vulgar and Decimal Fractions.

6. A knowledge of the Definitions and Axioms of the First Book of Euclid.

Should a Candidate be able to speak French or any other Foreign Living Language, it will be noted in his favour, and as Drawing is a most useful qualification for Naval Officers, it is recommended that Candidates for the Service should be instructed therein.

V. If the Candidate be found not qualified at his First Examination, he will be allowed a second trial on the next Examination day at the Royal Naval College. Should he not pass this Second Examination, he will he finally rejected.

VI. If the Candidate succeed in passing the required Examination he will be at once appointed to a Training Ship for the purpose of instruction.

VII. Lists of Books, Instruments, Clothing, &c, required while in the Training Ship, will be sent to the successful Candidates.

VIII. Periodical Examinations will be held on board the Training Ship, and if a Cadet he found not to have made sufficient progress, or if, by indifferent conduct or idle habits on board the Training Ship, he shall show his unfitness for the Service, it will be the duty of the Captain to make a Special Report thereof to the Admiralty, in order that the Cadet may be at once removed from the Navy,

IX. After having completed 18 months' instruction, exclusive of vacations, in the Training Ship, a Cadet will have to undergo the final examination. Should be be found qualified he will be granted a Certificate to that effect, and be appointed to a Sea-going Ship. Should he be found not qualified, he will be discharged.

N.B.—In the case of a Candidate nominated to a First Class Cadetship, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, as a native of one of the Colonies, he will be Examined in the first instance on board the Senior Officer's Ship on tbe station, and will then he required to join the Training Ship in England, as in the case of other Cadets. It is, however, to be fully understood that arrangements must be made for his lodging and maintenance during the vacations (6 weeks at Midsummer, and A weeks at Christmas'), during which periods he will not be permitted to remain in the Britannia.

Regulations for the Entry and Examination, of Naval Cadets

 Admiralty, September 1884.

1. Appointments to Naval Cadetships will be made by limited competition, with the under-mentioned exceptions:—

Four Cadetsbips given annually to sons of gentlemen in the Colonies, on the recommendation of the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Service Cadetships, the total number of which is not to exceed five in any one year. Service Cadets will be selected by the Board of Admiralty from (a) sons of Officers of the Army, Navy, or Marines who have been killed in action, or who have been lost at sea on active service, or killed on duty, or who have died of wounds received in action or injuries receded on duty within six months from the date of such action or injury, (b) sons of officers of the Navy who have performed long or distinguished service, and who hold or have held rank or relative rank on the Active List not lower than that of Commander; not more than two such latter Service Cadets will be nominated annually.

Applications for Service Cadetships should be addressed to the Military Secretary, Horse Guards, if the candidate is the son of an officer of the Army; to the Secretary of the Admiralty, if the candidate is the son of an officer of the Navy or Marines; and to the Military Secretary, India Office, if the candidate is the son of an officer of the Indian Army.

Colonial and Service Cadets will be entered on passing the test examination as specified in paragraphs 9 and 10, and will in all other respects be subject to these Regulations.

The educational examination of all candidates will be conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners (addressed Cannon Row, Westminster), who will deal with all questions connected with such examinations, and will announce the results. A fee of ten shillings will be required from each candidate.

2. Except in special circumstances not more than one-third of the number of candidates actually presenting themselves before the Civil Service Commissioners will be entered.

3. All nominations of candidates for Naval Cadetships are made by the First Lord, with the exception of a limited number which are at the disposal of individual members of the Board, and of the Secretaries to the Board of Admiralty.

A Flag Officer or a Commodore 1st Class appointed to the chief command of a station, or to a separate command, and a Captain, on first appointment as such to the command of a ship, will be allowed to nominate one candidate, provided the privilege is exercised within six months of appointment.

No Captain will be entitled to nominate more than one candidate during the time he holds the rank of Captain, but a Flag Officer or a Commodore 1st Class may claim the privilege each time he is appointed to a command as above.

In the event of a candidate's nomination being cancelled before he has commenced the examination, the Officer who nominated him will be allowed to select another candidate for the same or following examination.

4. The Nominations will be made half-yearly, as soon as convenient after the report of the last examination has been received from the Civil Service Commissioners.

5. The examinations will be held in London, and will commence on the second Tuesday in June and the first Tuesday in December in each year, and the appointments will date from the 15th July and 15th January following respectively.

6. No candidate will be eligible for the June examinations whose age will not be within the following limits on the 15th July following, viz., not less than twelve nor more than thirteen and a half years of age, nor in November whose age will not be within those limits on the 15th January following. 7. Every candidate must be in good health, and free from any physical defect of body, impediment of speech, defect of sight or hearing, and also from any predisposition to constitutional or hereditary disease or weakness of any kind, and in all respects well developed and active in proportion to his age. Before being examined by the Civil Service Commissioners he will be required to pass the medical examination according to the prescribed regulations, and must have been found physically fit for the Navy; rejection at such examination will finally exclude him from the Navy.

8. The candidate will be required to produce (1) a Registrar's certificate of the date of his birth, or a declaration thereof made before a magistrate (a Certificate of Baptism will not be accepted): (2) a certificate of good conduct from the masters of the school or schools at which he may have been educated during the two previous years, or, if educated at home, from his tutor or the clergyman of the parish in which be resides : and (3) proofs of good health.