Administered by the Canadian Forces, the program is funded through the Department of National Defence, with the civilian partner providing support in the local community.

Adult leadership is provided by members of the Canadian Forces Reserve Subcomponent Cadet Organization Administration and Training Service, composed mostly of officers of the Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) Branch, supplemented, if necessary, by contracted Civilian Instructors, authorized adult volunteers, and, on occasion, officers and non-commissioned members of other CF branches.

The aim of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness, and stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Forces.

The RCSC shares this aim with the Army and Air Cadets; however, each discipline focuses on its own parent element.

The League formed local branches throughout the United Kingdom and in other countries of the British Empire.

At that time, Canadian branches supported a cadet program called the Boys’ Naval Brigades, aimed at encouraging young men to consider a seafaring career and provide basic training in citizenship and seamanship.

In 1950, the Navy League of Canada established the Wrenette program for girls aged 13 to 18 years, though at least one corps (in Victoria, British Columbia) unofficially existed before that date.

The League promotes the same subjects today, as at its founding: knowledge of, and support for, maritime interests.

Each corps consists of officers from the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces, Civilian Instructors (CI), Civilian Volunteers (CV), volunteer Regular/ Primary Reserve Force members, and cadets.

The entirety of a given corps organizes itself as a ship's company, employing the naval divisional system.

Sea Cadet Units also house key departments such as Training, Administration, and Supply.

Sea Cadet CTCs are commissioned as "stone frigates," which is to say, naval shore establishments granted much the same standing as a seagoing unit.

Additionally, cadets may apply for a number of tri-service courses hosted by other training centres.

In addition, cadets may also wear any orders, decorations, and medals of Canada they have been awarded on the left side of their uniform.

A cadet who transfers from one element to another may continue to wear any medals awarded from their previous service, but in general, sea cadets may be eligible for the following nine honours and awards, and are in the order of precedence:[18] Fair Jeanne, built by Captain (N) Thomas G. Fuller, does fall and spring youth sail training group trips on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway for organizations such as the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Girl Guides of Canada, corporate groups and for people who are working towards The Duke of Edinburgh's Awards.

However, this order of dress is optional and the white shirt and tie are not purchased at public expense.