Coastguard

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• working towards this role
• volunteering
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Work

You may be able to work your way into this role by starting as a watch assistant and applying for promotion when you've got more experience.

You'll need literacy, numeracy and IT skills, as well as seagoing experience.

Volunteering

You could start by becoming a coastguard rescue officer volunteer , then apply for a paid position when vacancies are advertised.

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for jobs if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this role.

You'll need a good standard of literacy and numeracy, good hearing and eyesight to become a watch officer.

Employers will often ask for seagoing experience, for example from:

• the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force or the Merchant Navy
• activities involving boat work and navigation
• experience as a coastguard rescue officer volunteer

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of public safety and security
• customer service skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• physical fitness and endurance
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• knowledge of building and construction
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• leadership skills
• active listening skills
• observation and recording skills

What you'll do:

Coastguards help prevent the loss of life along the coast and at sea by co-ordinating and supporting search and rescue operations.

In this job, you could:

• monitor vessels' radio and satellite communications
• give information and advice about coastal and sea safety
• offer navigational advice along particular stretches of water
• send out weather and tidal reports
• respond to emergency distress calls
• supervise and assist search and rescue operations
• handle reports of wreckage, pollution or debris along the coast or at sea
• co-ordinate training

Location : You could work in an office or at sea.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

41 - 43 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could be promoted from coastguard watch assistant to watch officer, then to watch manager or section manager. You could also work in other parts of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.