- 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
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Your day-today duties may include:
- handling emergency distress calls
- monitoring radio and satellite communications
- giving information on safety at sea
- recommending safety procedures to skippers of small craft
- giving weather reports
- co-ordinating operations
- supervising or assisting in search and rescue operations
You may need to wear a uniform.
You could work in an office or at sea.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
With experience, you could be promoted from coastguard watch assistant to watch officer, then to watch manager or section manager.
You can find out more about becoming a coastguard from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Civil Service Careers.
