The two-week trip is part of an Easter International Exchange between Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps and other countries.

The exchange, aimed at boosting cultural ties, has been running 15 years.

This year's international group is made up of four cadets from the UK, five from Canada and three from America. There was an escort from each country.

Yesterday, the group visited Youth and Sport Minister David Dyer and Police Commissioner Colin Coxall.

Today they will see Governor Lord Waddington and Tourism Minister David Dodwell.

The group is staying at St. George Sea Cadet Unit headquarters.

Lieutenant Commander W. Anthoni Lightbourne, from the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps, said his organisation had been able to develop an overseas training programme.

This year, three cadets would be training in Scotland and the south of England for four weeks.

Another six cadets, said Lt. Cdr. Lightbourne, would train with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets at HMCS Acadia in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

And up to four cadets would visit America on an international exchange including cadets from Belgium, the Netherlands, Britain, Canada, Japan and Sweden.

"Rounding out the summer overseas programme is a cultural exchange with the Japan Federation of Junior Sea Friends.'' Lt. Cdr. Lightbourne added: "Bermuda has been successful in strengthening its overseas training and exchange programmes mainly through its membership in the International Sea Cadet Association (ISCA), which provides a medium for exchanges between member organisations.

"Bermuda is also a founding member of the association that was formed in 1995. One of the objectives of the ISCA is to create provisions for international and intercultural understanding, and goodwill and friendship among young people who have an interest in maritime and naval activities.''