Security, Armed Services and Emergency Services - Coastguard
Security, Armed Services and Emergency Services - Coastguard
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Coastguards help prevent the loss of life along the coast and at sea by co-ordinating and supporting search and rescue operations.
- 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
As a Coastguard, you could work in an office or at sea.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.
Coastguards tend to work between 41 to 43 hours a week. You could work evenings, weekends and bank holidays away on shifts.
Starting: £20,000
Experienced: £30,000
You could start by becoming a coastguard rescue officer volunteer, then apply for a paid position when vacancies are advertised. 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.