MINUTES OF MEETING 23-26 OCTOBER 2009 ISCA CONFERENCE MUMBAI - INDIA Note: Action Items arising from the current conference will be displayed in red. Action Items from previous meetings complete with their updates will be shown in blue. [1] Formal Opening: At 0900 Mr. Ahuja brought greetings on behalf of the Indian Sea Cadet Corps and warmly welcomed the delegates. Mr. Ahuja allowed for the fact that as ever, the world was experiencing complicated times and that he was very pleased that so many members were able to attend. Mr. Ahuja requested a motion to have Mr. Thomas appointed the meeting secretary and Mr. Campbell made the motion and the decision to appoint was unanimous. [2] Introductions and Appointment of Secretary: Mr. Ahuja asked the delegates to introduce themselves; the attendance at the conference follows: Mr. Peter Pemberton - Australia Mr. Keith Mullaly Canada Mr. Heinrich Dettmer Germany Mr. Ernest Chan - Hong Kong Mr. Sam Lau - Hong Kong Mr. Sohrab Kapadia India Mr. Hironori Homma - Japan Mr. Fujio Tamaoki Japan Mr. Jacques Brandt Netherlands Ms. Yana Zhilina - Russia Mr. Alexander Dubovikov - Russia Mr. Ian Loubser South Africa Mr. Olov Andersson Sweden Mr. Carl-Ake Nilsson Sweden Ms. Carley Northcott United Kingdom Mr. Duncan Rowles USA Mr. Michael Campbell USA Mr. Rabi Ahuja India Meeting Chairman Mr. Doug Thomas Canada Meeting Secretary 1
[3] Approval of the Agenda: The delegates were asked to refer to the agenda as distributed and put forward any requested changes or additions. As there were none the Chairman declared the agenda adopted. [4] Regrets: The chairman reported that Belgium, Belize, South Korea, Zimbabwe, Somalia and New Zealand had forwarded their regrets for not being able to attend the conference. The Chairman noted that there had been no response from Ghana or Singapore. [2009-1] Action Item: Regrets from those countries unable to attend the conference to be recorded in the minutes along with those countries that failed to provide any response to the invitation: Belgium, Belize, South Korea, Zimbabwe, Somalia and New Zealand all provided regrets where nothing was heard from Ghana or Singapore. Status: Completed. [5] Nomination of ISCA Member Representatives: Mr. Pemberton reported that he had been duly authorized by New Zealand to act on their behalf during the conference. The Chair both noted and accepted Australia acting on behalf of New Zealand. [6] Approval of Previous Minutes: The Chairman ascertained that there was a consensus to adopt the 2008 minutes as produced. It was noted that some small details needed to be applied to the final version. 2
[7] Matters Arising from Previous Conferences: [7.1] Any Open Items: [2008-4] Print and Distribute ISCA Articles of Association: Mr. Johan Fischerström (Sweden) agreed to print and distribute copies of the updated version of Articles of Association. Status: Sweden to print and distribute copies of the ISCA Articles of Association. Complete. [7.2] Escort Guide: [2008-5] ISCA Exchange Guide: Mr. Michael Campbell (USA) requested a one year extension on the project to update the ISCA Exchange Guide. Members were requested to provide input. Members were advised to make use of the current guide until such time as the new version was approved. Status: USA to complete the second version of the ISCA Exchange Guide and distribute it for review. Complete. [7.3] Use of E-Mail: It was determined that the ISCA Articles of Association had been amended to reflect the fact that ISCA could, where necessary, use E- Mail to pass resolutions and to vote. Status: Adopted. [7.4] Conference Fee to Cover ISCA Award: 3
It was pointed out that this subject had been previously tabled. Mr. Campbell stated that the US had recently donated enough money to cover the recent award to Japan. It was determined that the cost of the award was in the neighbourhood of being between $100.00 and 150.00 USD and that a system where a member volunteered to cover the cost was probably the best approach. Status: Ongoing. [7.5] Membership Principles: [2008-6] New ISCA Membership Certificate: Mr. Michael Campbell (USA) stated that he would have a new version of the ISCA Membership Certificate available for review at the 2009 ISCA Conference in India. Status: USA to create and distribute for review a revised ISCA Member certificate. Complete. [2008-7] New Membership Application Form: Mr. Eric Wahren (Sweden) requested that the conference give additional consideration to both the form all requested supporting material and re-visit it later on the agenda. Status: ISCA Delegates to review the proposal on a new membership application form and discuss it later in the agenda. Complete. [8.6] Requirement for Attendance: Mr. Campbell requested that the 2009 minutes reflect the requirement for both Belize and Somalia to attend at least one of either the 2009 or 2010 ISCA Conferences. 4
[2009-2] Action Item: Both Belize and Somalia must, not having attended the 2008 Conference, attend the 2010 Conference in Washington. Status: Ongoing. [8.7] Requirement to Submit an Annual Report Mr. Campbell requested that the agreed upon practice whereby every member country submits a report to the Annual Conference be added to the 2009 minutes. [2009-3] Action Item: All ISCA member countries must submit a written report to the Meeting Chairman in advance of a given conference. An apology will not replace this requirement. Status: Ongoing. [2009 ISCA Motion 1] Moved that the Minutes from the 2008 Conference hosted in Sweden be adopted complete with the noted corrections. Moved by Mr. Mullaly. Seconded by Mr. Brandt. Carried. [8] (A) Status of New Zealand: Mr. Pemberton reported that he was in contact with the New Zealand Sea Cadet Corps but that due to financial reasons, they were unable to participate in the ISCA Conferences. Mr. Ahuja also reported that one of his Officers travelled to NZ and in doing so, visited a NZ Sea Cadet Corps. Photos from 5
the visit were distributed amongst the attendees and again, the issue of not having the money required for international travel was raised. (B) ISCA Exchange Guide: The Chair surmised how critical the exchange of youth and culture truly was and that in order to ensure the best possible outcomes it was critical that ISCA have a functional guide from which to work with. The Chair next asked that ISCA recognize the efforts of Mr. Campbell officially in the meeting minutes. [2009-4] Action Item: 2009 Minutes to reflect Mr. Campbell s efforts in preparing a revised version of the ISCA Exchange Guide. Status: Complete. Mr. Ahuja then turned the agenda item over to Mr. Campbell to speak to. Mr. Campbell reported that an updated version had been distributed and also requested that special recognition be awarded to Michelle Welsh of the UK for her efforts in assisting with the guide s production. Mr. Campbell stated that the guide had been significantly updated and modernized and included, for example, a section on the use of cellular phones and I-Pods. He also reported that special attention had been focussed on further restricting smoking since it was observed that those Cadets that did smoke formed their own sub-unit separate from the exchange. He further pointed out that alcohol consumption still represents a challenge in some countries. Mr. Campbell reflected on the fact that for many Escort Officers the guide would serve as their first introduction to ISCA. Mr. Nilsson from Sweden stated that the guide worked and presented the fact that his very own son had used the guide the summer just past when he escorted Swedish Sea Cadets to Canada. Mr. Loubser also reported that he too had used the guide and mentioned that it needed to be handled as a working document that should always be under review. Mr. Campbell recommended that the attendees take 15 minutes to go through the guide prior to adopting it. Mr. Campbell next provided each country an opportunity to comment on the guide, a capture of those comments follows: 6
Australia: [1] Page 5: Please update the Australian contact info. [2] Page 6: Travellers should be encouraged to check with their carrier with regards to luggage allowances and the like this since they can vary from one airline to another. [3] Page 7: Under the subject of media it was recommended that only the host country make contact or respond to any questions. [4] Page 9: In Australia there are no allowances for either smoking or alcohol consumption as both are forbidden. [5] Page 10: Travellers cheques are no longer used in Australia and the logistics of having them converted into the local currency can be onerous groups travelling to Australia need to arrive with local currency only. [6] Page 10: Jeans are now considered a standard and accepted form of civilian dress and recommend that they be removed from the do not bring list. [7] Have concerns regarding the subject of Official and unofficial exchanges. Agreed to work with Canada on a draft change to the paragraph to be submitted for review by the conference following the break. Mr. Pemberton suggested a change in wording to the para whereby it would read that ISCA encourages and supports. Canada: [1] The guide is just that and in the end, we have to rely on the good judgement of the Escort Officer selected. [2] The subject of alcohol consumption is not consistent between pages 9 and 20. Hong Kong: [1] Page 20: insert 2008 Conference. Holland: [1] Page 5: Please include the Dutch website to the list. [2] Page 8: Add: check with individual country s travel advisory information prior to embarking on trip. [3] Page 13: Suggest changing wording to may require you to produce. 7
[4] Page 20: Travellers should check medical policies prior to travel regarding prescription medication and should also ensure they travel with full prescription information. Immunization records should also be checked carefully prior to a trip. [5] Page 25: Under health and safety show English as language of choice. [6] A Safety Officer should be clearly identified by the host country and any programme that is issued should note that the programme is subject to change. Sweden: [1] Page 11: Note that sleeping bags may be required. UK: [1] Please add the UK web address. [2] Page 20: all involved should note food allergies and be proactive in both asking about them and ensuring that adequate steps are taken to protect any person who may suffer from food allergies. [3] Page 8: Stating that the best available Escort Officer has been selected is not accurate since sometimes the best officer is not engaged. [4] Page 25: Escort Officers need to be briefed on the role of a Health and Safety Officer. [5] Page 33: Indemnify and Waiver is to be used as a resource. [6] In the event there is an accident those on site should take photos of the area and even any injuries where deemed appropriate. USA: [1] During the last camp they hosted the group was confronted by the requirement to sign a third party waiver prior to going kayaking. For those under 18 years of age a parent or guardian was required to sign on their behalf. [2] Suggest that bullet points contained within the guide be assigned numbers for easier reference. [3] Page 29: Under Preliminary Procedures members should inquire about any existing or anticipated political situations that may require special considerations in advance of an activity. 8
[4] Versions of the guide should be dated and numbered to aid in ensuring that outdated versions of the guide are easily indentified and either destroyed or updated. Guides should only be posted in PDF format to ensure they are not unofficially altered. Revised versions should be e- mailed to each member country. [2009-5] Action Item: Each version of the ISCA Exchange Guide should be numbered and dated. Guides should also be posted in PDF format to ensure that are not altered. Once amended each ISCA member should receive a new version by e-mail. Status: Ongoing. (C) ISCA Member Certificate: Mr. Campbell reported that in response to the 2008 decision he had created a membership certificate for each member of ISCA. He displayed an example of the certificate and allowed for how it could be removed from its portfolio and framed if so desired. Mr. Campbell then proceeded to present certificates to each country present. The Chair thanked Mr. Campbell on behalf of the attendees for his efforts in this regard. (D) New Member Form Application: Mr. Campbell distributed a draft of the form the US proposes be adopted by ISCA. He added that he was still prepared to act as the collection point and provide a review of submitted forms prior to their being sent on to the greater membership. Mr. Pemberton suggested that in addition to printed materials that potential members could submit along with their application they should also be encouraged to include DVDs and photos. He also recommended that the signature block include the name and title of the person entitled to sign. 9
(E) Water Safety: Mr. Campbell requested that related water safety items of concern be forwarded in advance of the 2010 Washington ISCA Conference to either himself or the ISCA Secretary. Mr. Campbell reflected on the very informative session held in both Hong Kong and Sweden and subsequently requested that the Power Point Presentation from the Hong Kong meeting be posted to the ISCA Website. [2009-6] Action Item: Hong Kong to forward the Water Safety presentation as shown at the 2008 ISCA Conference to the ISCA Secretariat so that it can be posted on the ISCA Website. Status: Ongoing. Mr. Campbell stated that the US thought the subject of water safety was so important to what it was ISCA did that it should be added as a permanent agenda item to every ISCA meeting. It was further suggested that incidents and best practices could be posted to a member s only portion of the ISCA Website to in fill an educational role. All were in agreement that the review of accidents could be very beneficial in preventing future accidents. Mr. Chan reported that Hong Kong had already created a water safety document that was based on best practices collected from other ISCA members. [2009 ISCA Motion 2] Moved that the subject of Water Safety be added to all future ISCA Conference agendas as a permanent item. Moved by Mr. Mullaly. Seconded by Mr. Chan. Carried. (F) Risk Assessments: The Chair stated that the working group as assigned at the 2008 ISCA meeting in Sweden was to review the issue and present what they thought was the best way to address the issue. Ms. Northcott added that it arose as a 10
result of the UK s practice to conduct a risk assessment prior to any activity and that in the UK all foreign activities were deemed to require such a review. It was determined in the end that it would be very difficult to create a one size fits all approach given the complexities of each country s operating orders. It was further determined that the current approach whereby each country followed their own respective regulations was probably best and fully met the requirement. (G) ISCA Future: The Chair turned this agenda item to Mr. Campbell. Mr, Campbell questioned aloud who it was ISCA thought would be prepared to support the organization, how ISCA could go about seeing financial assistance on an international level and how would it ever be controlled or managed. An even larger barrier he perceived was that of ISCA not being a registered charity. Mr. Campbell added that in order to attract assistance ISCA would indeed need to register and if so, would have to determine how best to go about it. Mr. Mullaly stated that he could not foresee Canada lending support towards the objective of ISCA seeking NGO status. He stated that the Canadian Forces in Canada supported the Navy League of Canada as an NGO. Holland agreed with Canada s perspective but also noted that ISCA would never gain any influence internationally without support. Hong Kong added that they too thought that any attempt to raise funds internationally might detract from their own efforts within Hong Kong. Mr. Campbell concluded by stating that he was unable to envision ISCA ever qualifying for international aid of any description. [9] (A) ISCA Website: The ISCA Secretary provided a brief update on the fact that the site s administrator had changed within the Navy League of Canada s office and that it was now expected that changes to the website would be far more prompt. Mr. Thomas encouraged all members to provide as much relevant material as they could that could in turn be posted for the benefit of the ISCA membership. Mr. Campbell requested that the ISCA Award of Excellence be advertised on the website and all agreed that it was more than appropriate. 11
[2009-7] Action Item: ISCA Secretary to make arrangements to have the ISCA Award of Excellence posted on the ISCA Website. Status: Ongoing. (B) Membership: Mr. Thomas reported that at present there was interest on the part of The Bahama s that Canada was following up with. He added that the Army Cadets in Canada had a long standing strong relationship with their counterparts in The Bahamas. Mr. Thomas also advised the conference that he was in discussion with the Mexican Navy Attaché in Ottawa regarding potential interest in the creation of a Sea Cadet programme in that country. Mr. Campbell suggested that he would be more than prepared to assist in the development of relations between ISCA and Mexico. (C) ISCA Articles of Association: Mr. Thomas advised the conference that an updated version of the Articles of Association would be posted following a review of the 2009 Minutes. The review, he explained, would ensure that any changes were captured and introduced to the Articles. (D) Outstanding Action Items: There was a general consensus that the minutes of the meetings should be produced, in their entirety, in a more timely manner. It was recognized that a summary of the Action Items was useful but that without the minutes to refer to the Action Items were hard to place in context. Mr. Pemberton suggested that the ISCA New Member application should contain a signature block for the individual and their title entitled to sign on behalf of a respective country or organization. It was determined that the Chairman of the organization applying for membership should sign the membership application form. 12
[10] Reports from Member Organizations: The following is a summary of key points that members, in addition to their previously submitted written report, elaborated on: The Chair acknowledged that reports had been received from the following members who, for a variety of reasons, were unable to attend the conference: Belgium, South Korea, New Zealand, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Bermuda Belize, Singapore. In addition, the Chair also acknowledged that the following countries had not submitted reports: Ghana, Lithuania and Singapore. It was discussed and decided upon that reports should be uploaded to the ISCA Website in advance of the conference. Those members present that were prepared to speak on behalf of any of the absent members were invited to do so. [2009-8] Action Item: ISCA Secretary to make arrangements to have member reports posted on the ISCA Website. Status: Ongoing. Korea: Apologies for not being able to attend or submit a report were noted as was the fact that they were forced to cancel their 2009 summer programmes due to the H1N1 issue. New Zealand: It was noted that it had taken many years to finally establish contact with NZ but that now a strong connection was in place. NZ has stated that they fully support the ISCA objectives but are unable to participate due mainly to financial concerns. 13
Somalia: While it was noted that a report had been received there were some concerns regarding their programme s activities. A question was raised regarding the possibility that there may be a parallel organization in the more stable Somali Land and Mr. Brandt agreed to make inquiries. [2009-9] Action Item: Mr. Brandt of the Netherlands to investigate whether or not there is a Sea Cadet programmes in Somali Land. Status: Ongoing. Somalia s future in ISCA was further discussed and it was subsequently decided that time would be allocated at the 2010 conference in Washington to reviewing their status. [2009-10] Action Item: USA to allocate time in the 2010 ISCA Conference agenda to a discussion regarding Somalia s future in ISCA. Status: Ongoing. Zimbabwe: It was noted that Zimbabwe had submitted a detailed report and, was doing their level best to remain in contact with ISCA. This despite some very large challenges. Mr. Campbell spoke on behalf of Japan and reported that one cadet from Zimbabwe had been fully sponsored by Japan to attend their 2009 summer programme. He added that five Japanese Cadet Officers donated personal funds to provide the young man with spending money. Mr. Campbell advised the conference that Mr. Rolleston was 86 years old and was providing an invaluable service in Zimbabwe under incredible stresses and pressures. He applauded Japan s initiative and generosity. 14
Ghana: It was noted that that no report had been submitted by Ghana. Ms. Northcott reported that the UK had been quite let down by Ghana and their lack of planning with regards to the recent UK summer programme. Russia stated that just prior to their activity Ghana cancelled. Mr. Campbell reported that they had received one Cadet from Ghana to participate in their summer programme. The individual required a great deal of attention and support and ended up staying a full extra day due to poor travel planning. The extra day was all at the expense of the US. Hong Kong advised that they had experienced similar behaviour. Sweden recommended that ISCA take action and communicate with Ghana. [2009-11] Action Item: ISCA to send Ghana a letter of concern outlining recent issues of concern and stating clearly what is expected from member countries that participate in exchange activities.. Status: Ongoing. Bermuda: The Chair noted that a report had been submitted by Bermuda and that within the report they stated that they had exchanged Cadets with Canada. Lithuania: The Chair noted that no report was received from Lithuania. The Swedish delegates reported that their recent participation in a summer programme in Lithuania had not gone as well as they would have liked. Sweden does not plan on sending cadets there in the future. Singapore: The Chair noted that no report had been submitted by Singapore. Mr. Chan advised the conference that a new person was expected soon to replace Mr. Tan. The US reported that Singapore had sent a group there in 2007 and 08 but that the H1N1 had prevented any recent activity. 15
Australia: Mr. Pemberton spoke to his report and highlighted an interest within Australia to increase their recruiting efforts. Recent efforts, he reported had already resulted in a 10% increase in numbers. Mr. Pemberton distributed a number of magazines and samples of posters and fliers to the delegates. Canada: Mr. Mullaly spoke to his report and drew attention to the fact that Canada had sent a total of 43 Cadets abroad in 2009. He added that the programme in HMCS Quadra as provided for foreign cadets would be extended to 20 days and that the group would now participate in the Ceremony of the Flags in Victoria. Germany: Mr. Dettmer read a letter from Ms. Butt which apologized for the fact that she was unable to attend the conference in person. Mr. Dettmer reported that following a 19 year break from conducting exchanges with foreign countries Germany had finally managed to exchange with the Netherlands. Hong Kong: Mr. Chan reported that he had distributed a number of documents that morning including Hong Kong s report to ISCA. He added that Hong Kong regretted the fact that the H1N1 virus forced them to cancel their 2009 summer programme but that all agreed it was safer to exercise caution than to take any risks. Japan: Mr. Homma reported that the report from Japan had been posted in both English and Japanese. He added that during their recent programme in Japan they had held a youth led conference on the environment which, he added, generated some very interesting ideas from the cadets themselves. He added that they planned to show one of the videos as produced by a young lady from South Africa. 16
Russia: Ms. Zhilina reported that Russia s report had been distributed and that they had recently conducted a very successful 12 day exchange programme aboard their ship Novgorod the Great. The cruise covered over 300 miles and was so popular that next year they will extend it by two days thereby allowing the international cadets to participate in their annual civic holiday. Ms. Zhilina extended special thanks to Ms. Northcott for her personal assistance in helping organize the UK s involvement in the exchange. The Netherlands: Mr. Brandt advised the conference that his report had been distributed and pointed out the fact that his country s programme was intended to promote an overall maritime experience and not to educate. Holland had expected five visiting countries this past summer but due to the H1N1 only ended up hosting three. He added that one of the minesweepers had actually participated in the Normandy Landings Celebration. South Africa: Mr. Loubser spoke to his report and highlighted the fact that their cadet numbers were up 15%. This, they accredited in part, to the government recognizing their training and in turn issuing an educational credit which was proving popular with the cadets. Sweden: It was reported that the Swedish Navy was providing less support than before to the Sea Cadet programme and that the Swedish Navy League was now responsible for all new cadets. In 2010 they added there was room for only 220 new recruits. Sweden exchanged Cadets with five other countries and all the exchanges were reported as good. UK: The UK reported that they had experienced a very busy exchange period and that those Cadets unable to participate in exchanges due to H1N1 concerns had been re-routed to other activities. It was reported that Captain (RN) Mark Windsor had been appointed the Captain of the Sea Cadet Corps. 17
Ms. Northcott also added that a new training facility, thanks in part to the RN for a 3 million pound contribution, was due to be opened soon and that a new training ship was due to be launched in April. Furthermore, the UK advised that they had re-designed their pulling boat and that at 2000 pounds the new plastic fantastic would soon replace all the wooden hulled ASCs. The TS Royalist has been slated for replacement and 7.2 million pounds will be required for a new build. The UK Sea Cadets have been advised that the RN may not be able to support them as they have in the past. The UK have created the rank of Commander within the Corps and that at present there are only eight people holding that rank. As a result of an initiative called Independent Safeguarding over 21 million people in the UK need to be security screened. This may also apply to foreign Escort Officers given their access to Cadets under training in the UK. Finally, the conference was advised that the Westminster data management system is fully up and running and working quite well. USA: Mr. Campbell reported that the US had concluded a very successful summer exchange programme in Newport, Rhode Island, included having sent Cadets to nine ISCA member countries. He advised the conference that Sea Cadet numbers in the US had dropped in the past but were now finally on an upstream increase. Annual Department of Defence funding which now totalled 2 million needed to be increased and that they were waiting for President Obama to sign off on a new defence budget that would provide the much needed increase. He reported that the US Navy League provides approximately $470K USD per year and that new efforts were underway to raise additional funds. MR. Campbell advised the conference that the US Navy League operates three small ships in the Great Lakes and that they thoroughly enjoy the use Canada makes of them. He concluded by stating that there are presently 370 Sea Cadet units across the US including Guam and that there are 9000 Sea Cadets led by between 15-2000 Officers and just eight full time staff. India: Mr. Ahuja reported that there were 5000 Sea Cadets distributed across 13 different units. Mr. Ahuja added that an overall lack of volunteers was presenting a challenge but stated that the units are commanded by regular Naval personnel. 18
The starting age he advised was between 10 and 11 and that a current issue was the fact that some Cadets were leaving the programme due to conflicting schedules where education remains the top priority. Their training takes place on Sundays and activities are restricted during the monsoon period. The Indian Sea Cadets were not able to take part in regular exchange programmes due to a lack of funds. However India had in the last seven years sent Sea Cadets thrice to Sweden and once to Hong Kong and have invited Member organizations to send Sea Cadets to participate in an International Muster in 2002 (along with the 2002 ISCA Conference) an ISCA Regatta in 2005 along with the ISCA Conference in 2009 complete with an ISCA Regatta. [11] Exchanges: Russia, Australia and the US all showed videos pertaining to recent exchange and recruiting activities. The Russian presentation provided the members with an informative perspective on the programme they offer aboard their training ship including cultural tours. Australia provided an example of their recent recruiting video that all agreed was very compelling. Mr. Campbell showed a video that has been prepared by a young Sea Cadet from South Africa in advance of the JSF exchange camp. The video was impressive, to say the least, and depicted the young lady s concerns regarding the global approach to garbage and relate pollution issues. A portion of the allocated time was spent discussing in detail concerns regarding the conduct of Cadets and Officers from Ghana. This had been addressed during an earlier portion of the meeting but warranted additional discussion. All agreed that in the event a member country embarked on an exchange with Ghana they needed to know up front to expect possible twists and surprises. [12] Business Arising from Bi-Lateral Exchange Discussions: The Chairman requested that any member country that was in a position to announce their 2010 exchange programme dates to do so, they follow: Hong Kong Russia The Netherlands USA - 06-18 August - 10-22 June - to be in July with final dates TBD - 26 June - 10 July 19
[13] Hosting the ISCA Conference every Second Year: Mr. Brandt stated that he desired to review ISCA s position on holding the conference on an annual basis. He added that the requirement to hold the meetings each year placed a significant burden on participating countries. To this end Mr. Brandt suggested that ISCA again give serious consideration to moving to a bi-annual schedule. Mr. Brandt also advised the conference that regardless of the decision Holland would adopt a bi-annual approach to the issue thereby placing the welfare of their respective cadets ahead of attendance at the conference. In support of his position Mr. Brandt also stated that the increased use of e-mail was serving to increase communication within ISCA to an impressive level and while he understands the benefits of face to face communication again finds it hard justify the expenses associated with the conferences. The chairman requested that each member nation present provide their perspective and that their opinion be noted in the meeting minutes. They follow: Australia: Canada: Germany: Hong Kong: Russia: Japan: South Africa: Sweden: US: UK: annual annual annual annual bi-annual annual bi-annual annual annual annual India: request that the issue be reviewed again in 2012 20
The Chairman determined that the present desire on the part of the vast majority was to continue ahead with holding the ISCA Conference on an annual basis. [14] ISCA - Charting a Course for the Future: The Chairman transferred the meeting over to Mr. Rowles who introduced the premise of his workshop. Mr. Rowles explained that he wanted to chart a course from Mumbai to Washington and then beyond. He added that if ISCA always does what it has done it will only ever become what it already is nothing more. Mr. Rowles suggested that ISCA needed to give serious consideration about how it communicates and then suggested that all present take a magic carpet ride whereupon it explores every option imaginable. He stated that brainstorming ideas that don t seem feasible often lead to ones that are. Mr. Rowles in turn laid out a framework he suggested would assist the conference in capitalizing on the very valuable time available as a group. The four areas of interest he suggested be explored in turn by breakout groups follow: [a] [b] [c] [d] Website. ISCA Senior Cadet Forums. The sharing of education programmes. Identification of what makes the Sea Cadets special verses other youth programmes. Next Mr. Rowles displayed the following goal statements and challenged the members to determine what it was they wanted to accomplish. The follow: [a] [b] [c] [d] Specific goals. Realistic goals. Time related goals. mission related goals. Mr. Rowles next discussed the creation of a success statement whereupon how members would know whether or not their specific goals had in fact been achieved. He added that the group would need to identify obstacles and how to address them. The group was then broken up into four subgroups. The group performed the exercise after which Mr. Rowles collected the data produced with special attention being directed to the items the membership thought it best to focus on. Mr. Rowles then stated that the 21
second phase of the item would be placed on the 2010 AGM agenda for Washington and that those in attendance could expect to be re-engaged in the process. Mr. Ahuja requested that Mr. Rowles continue on as the overall project coordinator. [2009-12] Action Item: Mr. Rowles of the USA to be appointed the ISCA Coordinator for the Charting the Future initiative. Status: Ongoing. [15] ISCA Award of Excellence: Mr. Ahuja reminded the meeting that to date only two awards had been presented. One being to a JSF designate and another to Mr. Kim of South Korea in Victoria some years back. It was determined that the existence of the award needed more advertising and as such it was requested that the award along with its criteria be added to the ISCA website. [2009-13] Action Item: ISCA Secretary to post the ISCA Award criteria to the ISCA Website. Status: Ongoing. [16] Future ISCA Conference Locations: A brief review determined the following conference locations: 2010 - USA 2011 - Japan & South Africa 2012 - Bermuda 2013-2014 - Canada 2015 - Netherlands 2016 - Russia 22
[17] New Business: Mr. Campbell requested that the meeting give consideration to the creation of an award or series of awards that could be used to recognize individuals that make significant contributions to the programme. He suggested that it could take the form of a medal or certificate and would be intended for those members working within the organization unlike the ISCA Award that can be issued externally. Both Messrs. Mullaly and Pemberton spoke in favour of the use of a certificate. Mr. Brandt questions whether or not the use of a coin or plaque could be used. Mr. Campbell added that it was his desire to keep it as simple as possible and stated that he currently has 100 suitable blank certificates on hand. Mr. Brandt suggested that specific criteria be created so that such an award would remain special in an effort to ensure that everyone didn t end up receiving one. [2009-14] Action Item: ISCA Awards Coordinator to draft criteria for an ISCA certificate that would be available for issue to members that have made a significant contribution to ISCA at the working level. Status: Ongoing. [18] Presentation by 2010 ISCA Conference Host: Messrs. Campbell and Rowles provided a very informative presentation regarding what the membership could expect to see during the 2010 conference scheduled to be held in Washington from the 5 th to the 10 th of October. [19] Election of 2010 ISCA Chairman: The delegation from the US nominated Mr. Lawrence Lennot as the ISCA Chairman for 2010. In addition, they identified Mr. Campbell as the Deputy Chairman. The decision was unanimously in favour of the motion. 23
[20] Handing over the ISCA Gavel: Mr. Ahuja extended his personal and heartfelt thanks to all in attendance for their support of the conference. Mr. Ahuja extended special thanks to Mr. Campbell for his personal assistance in securing the required travel documents they needed. The Chairman added that it had been an honour for the Indian Sea Cadet Corps to host the conference along with the International Regatta. Mr. Brandt responded on behalf of the members present and thanked Mr. Ahuja and his very dedicated staff for their warm brand of hospitality and for accomplishing his self imposed goal of knotting things together. The membership demonstrated their appreciation through a very warm round of applause. Respectfully submitted - Douglas Thomas ISCA Secretary 25 March 10 24