The Naval Reserve Cadets is established by S38 of the Naval Defence Act 1910. Section 38 of the Naval Defence Act 1910 states:
Establishment and constitution of Naval Reserve Cadets
38(1) There is hereby established a body to be known as the Naval Reserve Cadets.
38(2) The Naval Reserve Cadets shall consist of:
a)persons appointed in accordance with the regulations to be officers in that body
b)persons appointed in accordance with the regulations to be instructors in that body, and
c)subject to Subsections (5) and (6), persons who volunteer, and are accepted, in accordance with the regulations as cadets in that body.
38(3) A person appointed to be an officer or instructor in the Naval Reserve Cadets does not become a member of the Navy by virtue of that appointment.
38(4) A cadet is not a member of the Navy.
38(5) A person is not entitled to volunteer, or to be accepted, as a cadet unless he:
a)has attained such age as is prescribed, and
b)has not attained the age of 18 years.
38(6) A person ceases to be a cadet when he attains the age of 19 years.
38(7) The regulations may make provision for or in relation to the organization, maintenance, regulation, control and discipline of the Naval Reserve Cadets and, in particular, for and in relation to the periods and conditions of service of members, other than conditions of service with respect to which determinations under Section 58B of the Defence Act may be made.
38(8) In Subsection (7), 'member' means an officer, instructor or cadet in the Naval Reserve Cadets.