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Coastguard apprenticeships

Protective service associate professionals n.e.c. > Coastguard

Emergency and uniform services | Government services

Coastguard apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • working towards this role
  • volunteering
  • applying directly


    • 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.

    Direct Application
    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
    • the Merchant Navy 
    Activities involving boat work and navigation experience as a coastguard rescue officer volunteer.

    Coastguard apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • 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 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to:

    • meet the Civil Service nationality requirements
    • be over 18 years of age 
    • pass a medical check 
    • pass a fitness test
    • have a full driving licence
    • pass background checks
    • pass security checks
    You'll need to live within 30 minutes of the coastguard rescue location you wish to work for. You must be prepared to work anywhere in the UK.

    Coastguard apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    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
    Working environment
    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.

    Career path and progression - Coastguard apprenticeships

    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.

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