Coast Guard

In this career guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about coastal guard as a career, from roles and responsibilities, to work environment and roadmap to becoming a Coast Guard.

Who's a Coast Guard?

Does the idea of working out of a ship at sea thrill you? Would you be interested in carrying out surface and air operations that help protect our country’s national interests?  If so, look at becoming a coast guard!

As a coast guard, you would protect the country’s maritime interests and enforce maritime law. You would also control marine operations and enforce maritime laws within the country’s economic zone. As a coast guard, you would serve the country both at the air station along the coast of India as well as the ship. Interested to know more about your roles as a coast guard? Click here to find out.

Responsibilities

What will you do?

Conducting surveillance.

You would be responsible for ensuring safety at both offshore development areas and other seaboards. You would do this by conducting regular surveillance.

Example: Regular patrolling will help you keep a tab on any and all the work done and understand if the maritime laws are enforced properly.

Protecting fisherman.

You would carry out regular community interaction programmes with the fisher-folk to guide them on safety measures they need to practice at the sea.  You will also have to guide them on maintaining boats and other fishing gears. Carrying out search and rescue efforts would also be an important part of your job.

Example: You would conduct learning sessions and set parameters for fishermen during a stormy climate.

Ensuring the safety of ships.

You would have to regulate the passage of ships and do regular checks on the ships that set course. You will need to use different equipment to ensure that the ships are safe and not carrying illegal material.

Example: To protect the country’s maritime interests, you would operate various weapons and sensors to detect any illegal activity.

Protecting the maritime environment.

You would have to coordinate with environmentalists to ensure that the country’s maritime environment is protected.

Example: You will ensure there is no oil spill or other kinds of damage caused to the sea.

 

Assisting the customs department.

You would have to regularly coordinate with customs and other enforcement agencies to ensure anti-smuggling operations are not carried out via sea.

Example: You would report any illegal substances or ships that you detect when patrolling the coast.

Take the Mentoria career assessment test, to find out how well-suited you are as a Coast Guard.

Workplace

Where will you work?

Sea Coast

You will set sail and keep watch on the goings-on at sea. You will be checking incoming ships and ensure the safety of ships from storms and other external threats. 

Air stations

You will be protecting both the coast and the aerial boundaries of the countries and work out of an air station for the same.

Customs Office

You will visit the customs office from time to time to report to your findings.  

Education

How do you get there?

STEP 1: XI-XII/ Junior College

If you’re interested in subjects like political science, history, etc., choose arts in junior college.

STEP 2: Graduation

You can opt to do your graduation in any stream or pursue a career in B.Tech to get admission in the engineering and electrical branch in the field. You can do your engineering in naval architecture, aeronautical engineering, aerospace engineering or others. Score minimum of 60% in your engineering exams.

If you do not wish to do a degree course, then you can pursue diploma in mechanical or electrical engineering. Holding a diploma degree makes you eligible to work as a yantrik sailor i.e. you will have to undergo training for three weeks.

STEP 3: Entrance Exam

Appear for the entrance exam that is conducted in two stages i.e. in the form of objective questions and picture perception and discussion. The recruitment is conducted twice a year and the advertisement is given in the leading Hindi and English newspapers. Candidates shortlisted for the tests are called for an interview at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or other centres.

STEP 4: Qualification

Candidates selected in PSB and PPDT go through group discussions and interviews. This is followed by a medical examination to select eligible candidates.

STEP 5: Training

Yantrik: Yantriks (Diploma Holders) are trained at INS Chilka for nine weeks. Thereafter, they are deputed to CG ships for afloat training for three months followed by Technical training at INS Shivaji/ INS Valsura/ NIAT (Naval Institute of Aviation Technology) / Ship Wright School spanning 90-100 weeks depending upon the branch.

Navik (General Duty):  Naviks (GD) are trained at INS Chilka for 24 weeks. Post branch allocations at INS Chilka, the GD Naviks are deputed for afloat training for three months followed by cadre training. This training depends upon the cadre and varies from four-six months.

Navik (Domestic Branch): The Naviks (DB) undergo 15 weeks of training at INS Chilka followed by three months afloat training and approximately six months of branch training at INS Hamla at Mumbai.

 

Thinking of a career as a Coast Guard? Take the Mentoria assessment test & talk to our career counsellors to get personalized step-by-step guidance for your future career path.

STEP 1: XI-XII/ Junior College

If you enjoy doing accounts and learning about business, take up commerce in junior college.

STEP 2: Graduation

You can opt to do your graduation in any stream or pursue a career in B.Tech to get admission in the engineering and electrical branch in the field. You can do your engineering in naval architecture, aeronautical engineering, aerospace engineering or others. Score minimum of 60% in your engineering exams.

If you do not wish to do a degree course, then you can pursue diploma in mechanical or electrical engineering. Holding a diploma degree makes you eligible to work as a yantrik sailor i.e. you will have to undergo training for three weeks.

STEP 3: Entrance Exam

Appear for the entrance exam that is conducted in two stages i.e. in the form of objective questions and picture perception and discussion. The recruitment is conducted twice a year and the advertisement is given in the leading Hindi and English newspapers. Candidates shortlisted for the tests are called for an interview at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or other centres.

STEP 4: Qualification

Candidates selected in PSB and PPDT go through group discussions and interviews. This is followed by a medical examination to select eligible candidates.

STEP 5: Training

Yantrik: Yantriks (Diploma Holders) are trained at INS Chilka for nine weeks. Thereafter, they are deputed to CG ships for afloat training for three months followed by Technical training at INS Shivaji/ INS Valsura/ NIAT (Naval Institute of Aviation Technology) / Ship Wright School spanning 90-100 weeks depending upon the branch.

Navik (General Duty):  Naviks (GD) are trained at INS Chilka for 24 weeks. Post branch allocations at INS Chilka, the GD Naviks are deputed for afloat training for three months followed by cadre training. This training depends upon the cadre and varies from four-six months.

Navik (Domestic Branch): The Naviks (DB) undergo 15 weeks training at INS Chilka followed by three months afloat training and approximately six months branch training at INS Hamla at Mumbai.

 

Thinking of a career as a Coast Guard? Take the Mentoria assessment test & talk to our career counsellors to get personalized step-by-step guidance for your future career path.

STEP 1: XI-XII/ Junior College

If you want to study subjects such as chemistry, physics and mathematics, take up science in junior college.

STEP 2: Graduation

You can opt to do your graduation in any stream or pursue a career in B.Tech to get admission in the engineering and electrical branch in the field. You can do your engineering in naval architecture, aeronautical engineering, aerospace engineering or others. Score minimum of 60% in your engineering exams.

If you do not wish to do a degree course, then you can pursue diploma in mechanical or electrical engineering. Holding a diploma degree makes you eligible to work as a yantrik sailor i.e. you will have to undergo training for three weeks.

STEP 3: Entrance Exam

Appear for the entrance exam that is conducted in two stages i.e. in the form of objective questions and picture perception and discussion. The recruitment is conducted twice a year and the advertisement is given in the leading Hindi and English newspapers. Candidates shortlisted for the tests are called for an interview at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or other centres.

STEP 4: Qualification

Candidates selected in PSB and PPDT go through group discussions and interviews. This is followed by a medical examination to select eligible candidates.

STEP 5: Training

Yantrik: Yantriks (Diploma Holders) are trained at INS Chilka for nine weeks. Thereafter, they are deputed to CG ships for afloat training for three months followed by Technical training at INS Shivaji/ INS Valsura/ NIAT (Naval Institute of Aviation Technology) / Ship Wright School spanning 90-100 weeks depending upon the branch.

Navik (General Duty):  Naviks (GD) are trained at INS Chilka for 24 weeks. Post branch allocations at INS Chilka, the GD Naviks are deputed for afloat training for three months followed by cadre training. This training depends upon the cadre and varies from four-six months.

Navik (Domestic Branch): The Naviks (DB) undergo 15 weeks training at INS Chilka followed by three months afloat training and approximately six months branch training at INS Hamla at Mumbai.

 

Thinking of a career as a Coast Guard? Take the Mentoria assessment test & talk to our career counsellors to get personalized step-by-step guidance for your future career path.

What skills would you need?

Communication Skills

Communication Skills

Communication skills are the ability to clearly express ideas, information, and feelings, both verbally and in writing, so others can easily understand. This includes listening effectively, using the right tone, and being aware of non-verbal cues like body language. These skills help you explain your thoughts clearly, build relationships, and work better in teams. Good communication is important in almost every job, from customer service to leadership roles, because it ensures that tasks are understood and done correctly, and it helps prevent misunderstandings. build this skill
Promotion levels

How do you make it to the top ranks?

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Assistant/Deputy Commandant

At the junior-most level, you are mainly involved in administrative work that will require being on your toes. Assistant Commandants are expected to keep fit and surpass all kinds of physical tests. You will be at this position for six years and an additional two years as the Deputy before you proceed to the ranks of Commandant.

Commandant

After serving two years as Deputy Commandant, you rise to the ranks of Commandant. At this stage, you work onboard small ships, making independent decisions and commanding a team of assistant commandants. The safety of your ship and your team is now your responsibility.

 

Deputy Inspector General

Eight years into serving as Commandant, you are eligible to proceed to the ranks of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG). DIGs overlook the operations of the ship including the sensors, controls and weapons on board. They are responsible for the ship’s movement as well as the safety of the crew during times of war.

Inspector General

You rise to the ranks of an Inspector General after serving for six years as DIG. This is the highest position in the Coast Guard and you are the head of all operations. From leading the crew during times of war to supervising operations of the ships, your responsibilities are mainly managerial in nature. You are also required to make important decisions that impact the functioning of each vessel and the crew on board.

Scope

Pursuing your career locally VS abroad

The Coast Guard has a dedicated and competent team of officers who operate ships and planes in the Indian EEZ to protect the country’s maritime interests. The Indian Coast Guard provides a variety of work options to the country’s youthful and educated youth. Officers, Yantriks (technicians), and Naviks are all options for joining the Indian coast guard (sailors). Officers in the Coast Guard are assigned to one of three branches: General Duty officer/General Duty (Pilot / Navigation), Pilot officer, Technical officer, or Law officer.

The Coast Guard is a unique component of the military tasked with a variety of marine responsibilities, ranging from insuring safe and legitimate trade to undertaking life-saving operations in extreme weather. The Coast Guard has about 42,000 men and women serving to defend international borders and safeguard the marine environment.

Payscale

How much would you get paid?


Specialisations

What are your career options?

General Duty

Only officers of General Duty can command ships in the Coast Guard. You will be responsible for operating weapons, sensors and other controls onboard the ship. You would initially undergo the Naval Orientation Course at INA, Ezhimala in Kerala for 22 weeks, after which you are deputed for afloat training for 24 weeks, followed by another 16 weeks of afloat training on Coast Guard ships at different locations. You will also have to pass the Seamanship Board Examination that evaluates their nautical skills.

Aviation/Navigation

Some officers from General Duty serve as pilots for the Coast Guard, which operates its special fixed-wing aircraft for surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone. You will work at the air stations at shore, participating in local surveillance and performing search and rescue operations at sea. Your training is similar to other General Duty officers, but you will have to pass the Aviation Medicals at Delhi, after which you are deputed for flying training to the Air Force Academy or the Civil Flying Academy for six months.

Engineering

Among the two main technical branches of the Indian Coast Guard, engineering is one of the most preferred options. You will be responsible for operations revolving advanced technology and sensor systems onboard ships and aircraft, as well as, onshore installations. You will complete your Naval Orientation Course like every other candidate, after which you are deployed to INS Shivaji or INS Valsura for a specialisation course. After over two years of training and 24 weeks of watch-keeping, you are finally assigned for staff appointment. This field of the Coast Guard is open to both men and women.

Electricals

Electricals is another technical branch of the Indian Coast Guard and the training of these officers is similar to those of engineers. You will complete your Naval Orientation Course and later pursue a specialisation course in electricals from INS Shivaji or INS Valsura. On completion of your specialised training, you can also choose to be delegated an Aviation Technical Course after four years of service. Both men and women are eligible for this field.

Law

The Indian Coast Guard also has its own legal wing, where officers act as legal advisers to their commanders. You will represent the Indian Coast Guard in all kinds of legal actions filed by the organisation or against it. You are similar to trial law officers but function out of the Coast Guard courts that are convened for the trials of CG personnel. The Directorate of Law is headed by a Deputy Inspector General who acts as the Chief Law Officer.

Domestic Branch

Apart from the officers who serve on ships for several months at a time, the Coast Guard also hires stewards and cooks for the officers on board. You will also undergo training for 15 weeks at INS Chilka followed by three months of afloat training and approximately six months of branch training at INS Hamla at Mumbai.

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