On August 28, 2017 a solemn cadet initiation ceremony was held on the Khersones sailing ship in Sevastopol. The ceremony involved schoolchildren of first and five forms of Secondary General School No 36.

The ship's captain, Dmitry Teslenko, and the crew of the sailing vessel welcomed the children aboard the legendary ship. Representatives of Admiral Ushakov Maritime State University, the Moscow Budgetary Education Institution “Secondary General School – Kindergarten No 36” and parents also came to support future sailors.

During the ceremony, a solemn parade was held. The flag of Admiral Ushakov Maritime State University was brought in to the strains of the march. These education institutions cooperate in implementing vocational maritime-oriented programs: in addition to general education, children are taught in the spirit of patriotism and moral and study maritime disciplines.

Addressing the participants in the ceremony, Dmitry Teslenko expressed hope that children would be proud of the cadet rank.

 “Today the Russian society's priority is to educate a citizen and a patriot. We are sure that this solemn ceremony will remain in the hearts of young cadets forever and help them chose professional career. At present, cadets of Admiral Ushakov Maritime State University are undergoing training on the ship. Some of them have chosen this profession since childhood. We hope that the love of sea will become the cause of your life,” the ship's captain said.

During the ceremony, the children took the cadet's oath by pledging to love Motherland, stick by maritime traditions, show honor to the name of Admiral F.F. Ushakov Maritime State University, and wear the cadet's uniform with respect as a tribute of adherence to maritime ideals. Future sailors have taken an oath to comply with the Code of Honor of Admiral Ushakov Maritime State University and be worthy of the memory of the Blessed Warrior St. Fyodor Ushakov. As the oath says, “The life to Motherland, the soul to God and the Honor to Nobody!”.

Then a solemn ceremony of giving shoulder marks took place whereafter senior mates, cadets of the Khersones sailing ship, conducted an excursion for their successors.