1. Citizenship: Presently ALL Officer/Instructor/Midshipmen applicants must be United States Citizens.

2. Age: Perspective Adult applicants must be 21 years of age and normally no older than age 75. Midshipmen applicants must be 18 years of age and a High School graduate but not yet 21 years of age.

3. Moral Character: The adult applicant must possess high moral standards, adhere to ethical standards of behavior, be citizens of good standing in the community, and have NO felony convictions. Felony convictions after enrollment will normally be cause for discharge from the Sea Cadet Program and or revocation of officer appointment.

4. Background Checks: A background check will be conducted on ALL applicants. Adults may be contacted and given the opportunity to rebut issues that are discovered during the background check. Serious violations are grounds for dismissal or termination of enrollment in the NSCC.

5. Physical Standards: Adult applicant must be in good health commensurarate with their age group and be free from any aliments or condition that would prevent them from satisfactorily performing their primary duty of supervising youth. NOTE: Adults not physically qualified to perform all duties may still participate with a waiver from NHQ considering the parameters of their expected contributions to the NSCC program 

6. Educational/Professional Qualifications: There is no specific educational or professional requirements other than the applicants must be able to support and contribute to achieving the goals of the NSCC program. Applicants with Navy and Coast Guard experience, members of other military services, and anyone with a sincere interest in maritime services and American Youth, are encouraged to participate.