Coast Guard Officer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of increasing maritime security, the spotlight on Coast Guard Officers has never been greater.

As our coastlines face a range of threats, the demand for skilled individuals who can protect, respond, and maintain our maritime infrastructure escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Coast Guard Officer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply intrigued by the duties and responsibilities of a Coast Guard Officer,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Coast Guard Officer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Coast Guard Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Coast Guard Officers are responsible for protecting America’s waterways and maritime interests both domestically and internationally.

They perform a wide range of duties, from law enforcement to maritime patrol, and also have administrative and leadership responsibilities.

The duties and responsibilities of a Coast Guard Officer include:

• Overseeing and coordinating maritime patrol and law enforcement missions
• Inspecting vessels for compliance with federal regulations and laws
• Leading and managing a team of Coast Guard enlisted personnel
• Responding to emergencies and coordinating search and rescue operations
• Enforcing marine environmental protection regulations and laws
• Providing maritime safety information and training to the public and to other maritime stakeholders
• Conducting investigations into maritime accidents, incidents, and crimes
• Participating in humanitarian and diplomatic missions as needed
• Coordinating with other military branches, federal agencies, and international partners to achieve mission goals
• Maintaining personal fitness and readiness to respond to emergencies
• Administering personnel management tasks, including training, evaluations, and promotions

 

Coast Guard Officer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and responsible Coast Guard Officer to join our team.

As a Coast Guard Officer, you will be responsible for protecting the public, the environment, and the economic and security interests of our country.

Your duties include maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, marine environmental protection and maintaining navigational systems.

Our ideal candidate has strong leadership skills, excellent problem-solving abilities, and is committed to public service.

 

Responsibilities

• Conducting maritime patrols and inspections
• Enforcing maritime laws and regulations
• Planning and coordinating search and rescue operations
• Responding to environmental hazards and protecting marine wildlife
• Supervising and training Coast Guard crew
• Maintaining navigational aids and systems
• Preventing illegal activities through strategic planning and surveillance
• Collaborating with other law enforcement and government agencies

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Completion of Coast Guard Officer Candidate School
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills
• Excellent physical condition and ability to pass a medical and fitness examination
• Ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to live and work in close quarters on board a ship
• Willingness to be stationed in any part of the country and to potentially work irregular hours

 

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage
• Pension and retirement savings plans
• Education assistance and professional development opportunities
• 30 days of paid vacation per year
• Tax-free housing and meal allowances
• Potential for career progression and specialization

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Coast Guard Officer
• Work Environment: Varies greatly, from ship to shore, office environments to outdoor conditions. Regular travel and potentially irregular hours are to be expected.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Commanding Officer or designated higher authority.
• Salary: Based on rank and years of service as per Coast Guard standards.
• Location: Various locations across the country and at sea
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Coast Guard Officer Do?

Coast Guard Officers are essential members of the maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement team.

They serve under the Department of Homeland Security, and their main focus is to ensure the safety and security of the U.S. coastlines and waterways.

They are responsible for enforcing federal laws on the high seas, the nation’s coastal waters, and its inland waterways.

They are often involved in search and rescue missions, environmental protection, and homeland security tasks.

Coast Guard Officers may command cutters, aircraft, small boats, and shore units.

They may also be tasked with maritime law enforcement, including anti-piracy operations and drug interdiction.

Besides, they are involved in the management and administration of the Coast Guard resources including personnel, assets, and budget.

They also play a significant role in disaster response management, providing immediate support during natural disasters.

Coast Guard Officers often work in harsh weather conditions, and their work can be physically demanding and stressful.

However, their vital role in protecting the nation’s waterways and maritime interests makes this a rewarding career.

 

Coast Guard Officer Qualifications and Skills

A Coast Guard Officer should have a variety of skills and qualifications, including:

• Physical fitness and stamina to handle the physically demanding nature of the job which may include long hours on the sea and in adverse weather conditions.
• Leadership skills to effectively command a team and make critical decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Strong swimming skills and knowledge of water safety are essential for search and rescue missions.
• Excellent communication skills to ensure clear and concise information exchange between team members and other agencies involved in operations.
• Ability to operate and navigate marine vessels and understand navigational charts and meteorological reports.
• Good problem-solving and critical thinking abilities to quickly analyze situations and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Basic medical knowledge for emergency medical situations that may arise while at sea.
• Knowledge of maritime law for enforcement of marine regulations and laws.
• Being adaptable and able to handle unexpected and rapidly changing situations.

 

Coast Guard Officer Experience Requirements

Becoming a Coast Guard Officer is a disciplined and rigorous process that requires specific training and experience.

Prospective officers generally need to have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a field related to marine science or engineering, though there are pathways for individuals with other degrees or experience.

Entry-level candidates often gain their initial experience through the Coast Guard’s Officer Candidate School (OCS), a 17-week program that provides a comprehensive introduction to the responsibilities and challenges of being a Coast Guard Officer.

This experience may include maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, or marine safety inspections.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience may have served in roles such as Deck Watch Officer, Operations Officer, or Executive Officer, where they have developed their leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and knowledge of maritime operations.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have held significant leadership roles, such as Commanding Officer of a Coast Guard vessel or Director of a Coast Guard station.

They may also have specialized experience in areas such as aviation, intelligence, or engineering.

Additionally, all Coast Guard Officers must meet the physical fitness and medical standards as outlined by the U.S. Coast Guard and possess a high level of personal integrity and leadership potential.

 

Coast Guard Officer Education and Training Requirements

To become a Coast Guard Officer, individuals must first obtain a high school diploma or equivalent.

Following high school, aspiring officers are required to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Many choose to study fields relevant to the Coast Guard’s work, such as marine science, criminal justice, or homeland security.

Once a bachelor’s degree is acquired, the next step is to attend the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School (OCS), a rigorous 17-week program that provides a comprehensive and intense introduction to the responsibilities of a Coast Guard Officer.

Here, candidates are trained on leadership, management, navigation, law enforcement, and military protocol.

In some cases, individuals may be able to obtain a commission as a Coast Guard Officer without attending OCS.

This can be achieved through programs such as the Coast Guard’s Direct Commission Officer (DCO) program, which is open to individuals with professional degrees and certain types of professional experience.

In addition to education, Coast Guard Officers must meet strict physical and medical criteria, and they must also be U.S. citizens.

While not required, some Coast Guard Officers choose to further their education and skills through advanced training or specialized programs.

These can include search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, navigation, and environmental operations.

Continual professional development and education are encouraged within the Coast Guard, with opportunities for further schooling and leadership training available throughout an officer’s career.

 

Coast Guard Officer Salary Expectations

A Coast Guard Officer earns an average salary of $64,000 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can greatly vary depending on the officer’s rank, years of service, and the location of their post.

Additional allowances may also be provided for housing, meals, and uniforms.

 

Coast Guard Officer Job Description FAQs

What skills are required to be a Coast Guard Officer?

Coast Guard Officers need to have leadership skills, be able to make decisions quickly, and have physical stamina.

They should also possess strong communication skills to interact effectively with their crew and other officials.

They need to be proficient in navigation, rescue operations, and have a comprehensive understanding of maritime law.

 

Do Coast Guard Officers need a degree?

Yes, a bachelor’s degree is required to become a Coast Guard Officer.

The degree can be in any field, but subjects like maritime affairs, criminal justice, or engineering can be beneficial.

Prospective officers must also complete the Coast Guard’s Officer Candidate School.

 

What should I look for in a Coast Guard Officer’s resume?

Experience or training in maritime activities is a must.

Check for any certifications or additional training in areas such as life-saving procedures, navigation, or emergency management.

Additionally, a candidate’s physical fitness level and ability to handle high-stress situations should be considered.

 

What qualities make a good Coast Guard Officer?

A good Coast Guard Officer should have strong leadership abilities, be able to remain calm under pressure, and make decisions quickly.

They should also be physically fit, have excellent navigational skills, and a strong sense of duty and service.

Good interpersonal skills are also important as they often liaise with other maritime services and the public.

 

What are the physical requirements to be a Coast Guard Officer?

Coast Guard Officers need to be in excellent physical condition as they are often involved in physically demanding tasks such as search and rescue operations.

They are required to meet specific health, vision, and fitness standards, including swimming tests, and undergo regular physical fitness assessments.

 

Is it challenging to become a Coast Guard Officer?

Yes, becoming a Coast Guard Officer can be challenging.

It involves rigorous training, both academically and physically.

Candidates have to go through a competitive selection process and must display a high level of commitment and dedication to their duty.

Once in the position, they often work in challenging and risky conditions.

However, the role can also be highly rewarding, providing an opportunity to serve the community and country.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the reality of what it truly means to be a Coast Guard officer.

Surprise surprise!

It’s not just about steering ships.

It’s about charting the course for maritime safety, one nautical mile at a time.

With our top-notch Coast Guard officer job description template and authentic examples, you’re ready to set sail.

But why not go the extra nautical mile?

Navigate further with our job description generator. It’s your compass for creating razor-sharp job listings or perfecting your resume to a tee.

Remember:

Every nautical mile is a step towards a safer maritime future.

Let’s chart that course. Together.

How to Become a Coast Guard Officer (Complete Guide)

The Paycheck Powerhouses: Where Big Earnings Are Made in 2025!

The Career Current: The Top Trending Jobs of the Year

Where the Jobs Are: In-Demand Careers You Need to Know About

Strangely Satisfying: Bizarre Jobs People Love