The organisation promotes activities, both on land and in water, with the key objectives of building self-confidence and developing teamwork and leadership skills.

In 1901, Chief Gunner Robert Kearns of the Victorian Navy pioneered the Boys Naval Brigade movement, forming the first group near Swan Island, Port Phillip.

March 1907 saw the recruitment for the Australian Navy's 'Australian Naval Cadet Corps', which began activities in July of 1907.

Once again in 1939, with the breakout of the Second World War, the ANC Corps deferred training as all Naval personnel were needed in the fight.

In 1920, a second private Sea Cadet body was formed following the formation of the third Navy League Branch in New South Wales.

This NSW Branch, established the Navy League Sea Cadet Corps for young boys.

Other states gradually formed Navy League branches along with their own Navy League Sea Cadet units.Unlike the ANC Corps who had halted operations during the Second World War, the private NLSCC remained operational but was reduced in units as many volunteer trainers had enlisted to serve in the war.

The Australian Sea Cadet Corps, now with support from the Navy, expanded rapidly under the leadership of its volunteer ex-service trainers.

The Royal Australian Navy expressed concerns about the increasing number of cadets and the cost that would come along with maintaining them.

Representatives from the Navy League and the RAN talked about their shared concerns in 1972 on the rising costs of managing and sustaining the ASCC program.

The ASCC members of the Navy League were transferred into the new Naval Reserve Cadets (NRC) of the RAN in January 1973.

The end of 1975 saw the Whitlam government voted out, and Malcolm Fraser elected the 22nd Prime Minister of Australia.

The Australian Navy Cadets provide nautical training that involves primarily water-based activities.

The position of Director General Australian Navy Cadets (DGANC) is responsible to CN, through the Deputy Chief of Navy (DCN), and to CJC, through the Head of Joint Services Support Division, for the following responsibilities: The current DGANC (as of July 2024) is CDRE David Greaves, RAN.

The program aims to develop a cadet’s personal qualities and life skills: resilience, teamwork, confidence, loyalty, respect, and a sense of service to others.

A cadet will gain an appreciation of the mechanical and electrical systems used in watercraft and in larger maritime vessels.

The Maritime Operations category develops a cadet with an interest and ability in seamanship and general mariner skills.

Electives are optional courses that give cadets the chance to specialize in one or more areas of interest and advance their present level of ability.

Promotion to ranks of Cadet Seaman and Cadet Able Seaman only require the completion of the core Skills Development Package (SDP) and the promotional checklist, the checklist includes skills ranging from drill to general unit activities.

Australian Navy Cadets are members of the ISCA and have the chance participate in the ANC International exchange program.

Cadets are given the opportunity to attend a week-long National Camp at a RAN Shore Establishment such as HMAS Cerberus.

The schedule of a parade night can vary from TS to TS, but will normally have a Colours Ceremony (raising of the flag), Drill Training, Lessons, Action Based Learning (ABLs), Stand Easy (a time to eat) and a Sunset Ceremony (lowering of the flag).

The Australian Navy Cadets teaches the skills required to operate small powerboats safely including weather awareness, basic navigation, and seamanship knowledge.