Sea Org wear uniforms styled on the US Navy, and reflect cult founder L. Ron Hubbard's fascination with the sea. The hierarchy enjoy rankings similar to lieutenants, commanders and captains. They work up to 90 hours a week for wages as low as UKP10. The public image of the cult is Saint Hill Manor in East Grinstead. But the reality of life in the sect is at other centres, where members are packed in shabby dormitories with bunk beds piled high on top of each other.
Clothing is checked for body odour and even dust.
Anyone not measuring up is put on a charge. Those who do, see them for only one hour per week. Children are kept in a dormitory called the Cadet Org. Some start working at the age of 12. They are programmed on hard-sell techniques and forced to keep up course and book sales.