Coastguard
What is the work like?
Coastguards are part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) service, which co-ordinates search and rescue along the British coast, and investigates illegal shipping activities and pollution incidents.
You could work in the coastguard service as a coastguard watch assistant, coastguard watch officer or coastguard rescue officer volunteer.
You would usually start as a coast guard watch assistant, providing administrative support and staffing operations rooms. Your tasks would include:
- receiving and handling 999 calls
- monitoring equipment
- providing information on safety at sea to the general public
- recommending safety procedures to skippers of small craft
- providing meteorological information and local weather reports
- updating logs and completing general administration.
As a coastguard watch officer you would be involved in all aspects of the service. Your tasks would include:
- working in operational centres
- taking part in cliff rescues, coastal searches and boat work (in some posts).
As a coastguard rescue officer volunteer you would be trained to respond to emergencies and would be paid for the hours you work.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Watch assistant
You would usually join the coastguard service as a watch assistant. You need:
- a good standard of literacy and numeracy
- IT and typing skills.
Watch officer
To become a watch officer you need:
- a good standard of hearing and eyesight
- a good standard of literacy and numeracy
- extensive experience of the sea.
Your seagoing experience could be from:
- the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force or the Merchant Navy
- other activities involving boat work and navigation
- experience as a coastguard rescue officer volunteer.
Coastguard rescue officer volunteer
To become a coastguard rescue officer volunteer you must be at least 16, with an interest in, and concern for, safety at sea.
What further training and development can I do?
As a new coastguard, you would first receive training at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Centre at Highcliffe, Dorset.
After this, you would join a programme which combines classroom-based learning, self-study and on-the-job training.
As a volunteer you would be expected to do regular training.
Where can I go for more information?
Human Resources Recruitment TeamBay 3/19 Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
Tel: 023 8032 9308
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for watch assistants can between £12,500 and £14,400 a year.
- Watch officers can earn around £20,000 a year.
Coastguards also receive shift allowances.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would be employed either at one of the 18 maritime rescue centres around the coast, or at the headquarters in Southampton. You would usually work 42 hours a week, on a shift system over seven days. Part-time hours may be available.
You would be based in a busy operational centre equipped with a range of communications equipment, such as radio and satellite tracking devices.
As a watch officer you may go to sea in all weathers, on patrol or rescue missions, and be involved in cliff and coastal search and rescue.
As a coastguard watch officer you must be prepared to work anywhere in the UK.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an interest in the sea and maritime issues
- an understanding of the use of communications equipment
- the ability to work under pressure and in emergency situations
- the ability to assess situations quickly and make sound decisions
- a clear speaking voice
- the ability to work as part of a team
- leadership ability as you may have to take charge in an emergency situation.
What opportunities are there?
You would be employed by the Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA) in locations around the UK coast.
Rescue officer volunteers and watch assistants are recruited locally – you should contact the District Operations Manager at your nearest coastguard station for details of opportunities. See the MCA website for locations.
Watch officer vacancies are advertised in the press and on the MCA website.
With experience, you could be promoted from coastguard watch assistant to watch officer, then to watch manager or section manager and beyond.
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