Dwayne Trott believes everyone should be a positive role model. It’s a lesson his father Calvin taught him. He has shared it with countless young people in the many years he has volunteered with the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps.

“We mirror the positive influences in life and my father led by example,” he said. “It’s something that’s very important in this day and age, that children follow people who provide a good example.

“One of the things we pride ourselves on is developing cadets into young leaders.”

The 53-year-old joined the cadets at 11 and never left.

He progressed through the ranks and became commanding officer of TS Admiral Somers, the St George’s unit. About ten years ago he was made commander of the entire organisation.

His efforts have not gone unrecognised: in 2009 he was given a Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour.

On Saturday, he and Bermuda Pacers coach Cal Simons will receive community service awards from the fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, as a thank you for the years they have spent mentoring young men.

Mr Trott’s father suggested he join the sea cadets.

“Cub Scouts was finished and I was around the house being a pain in the backside to my parents,” he said. “My father said, ‘Sea Cadets looks like a good organisation, have a look and see what you think’.

“I didn’t do anything about it so he took me one Friday and I guess the rest is history. The interesting part is that at 82, he’s still involved.”

In spite of that family history, Mr Trott’s son Nathan never signed up with the organisation.

“He was always big into football and the biggest thing in my family is that you have to be doing something constructive,” Mr Trott said.

The 17-year-old goalkeeper joined West Ham United in January.

“He’s doing something positive and following his passion. As long as he’s not making himself a pain in the butt as I was doing, it’s OK.”

The Bermuda Sea Cadets is based on the traditions of the Royal Navy. It is designed to shape girls and boys between the ages of 10 and 18 into responsible leaders, exposing them to naval traditions through a variety of activities on and off the water.

The training gives access to careers such as boat design and building, communications, ferry operations, charter and tour boat operations, fishing and fishery protection and marine police.

“It’s a fantastic programme,” Mr Trott said. “Over the years I’ve travelled with them for training, from Japan to South America. At 18, they have the opportunity to move on and be part of the Junior Officers Programme but [before that] they do everything imaginable — march, participate in parades, any sort of sea activity; we also do small-bore shooting.”

About 30 children are involved although the charity is hoping to grow that number.

“We’re in need of adults who are consistent, people who will come every Friday to assist with the programme; that has been difficult,” Mr Trott said.

“For me it’s just giving back. It’s what I’m about. Giving back has far greater value for me than any form of remuneration. I’ve seen children go from youngsters to adults, from high school to college; I’ve seen them get married and have their own children.”

Mr Trott said he was familiar with the fraternity — its president Philip Trott was a cadet — but surprised to be singled out.

“I said, ‘I’m not into all that’,” he said. “For me, it was to see the guys that had gone through the programme develop into young men. There is a pathway.

“We’ve sent people on training courses to provide them with guidance and leadership skills. I don’t want to be there forever. We have young, talented men coming through and it’s so good to see them work their way through the ranks.”

• Mr Trott and Mr Simons will receive their awards at the annual Black and Gold Ball. Tickets, $150, are available by e-mail, info@bermudaalpha.bm, or call 534-1906