Coast Guard Personnel Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this age of maritime safety and security, the attention on Coast Guard personnel has never been more critical.

As global security challenges multiply, the demand for skilled professionals who can safeguard our shores and waterways grows more urgent.

But let’s dive deeper: What’s truly expected from a Coast Guard personnel?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A recruitment officer trying to describe the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the duties and responsibilities of Coast Guard personnel,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s plunge right into it.

Coast Guard Personnel Duties and Responsibilities

Coast Guard Personnel perform a variety of tasks related to maritime safety, security, and stewardship.

They are primarily responsible for safeguarding the maritime interests of their nation and ensuring the security, safety, and environmental integrity of their maritime domain.

The duties and responsibilities of Coast Guard Personnel include:

• Patrolling domestic and international waters to enforce laws and regulations
• Performing search and rescue operations for distressed vessels and individuals at sea
• Inspecting vessels to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards
• Enforcing environmental and marine life protection laws
• Conducting maritime law enforcement, including drug interdiction and immigration law enforcement
• Providing security for maritime transportation and critical infrastructure
• Responding to and managing maritime disasters and emergencies, including oil spills and natural disasters
• Operating and maintaining a variety of maritime vessels, aircraft, and shore facilities
• Assisting in navigation and communication for other vessels
• Participating in military readiness and maritime defense operations
• Providing community education about boating safety and environmental stewardship

 

Coast Guard Personnel Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and vigilant individual to join our team as a Coast Guard Personnel.

The primary role includes safeguarding our maritime interests, protecting our environment, and ensuring the safety and security of our waterways.

The ideal candidate will have strong physical conditioning, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to perform under pressure in emergency situations.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular patrols on assigned water areas
• Enforce federal laws and regulations related to maritime control
• Carry out search and rescue operations
• Assist in environmental protection and pollution control
• Work closely with other maritime agencies for joint operations
• Maintain and operate various types of Coast Guard vessels and equipment
• Provide aid and assistance during national disasters or emergencies
• Conduct inspections of vessels for safety compliance
• Provide first aid and emergency medical care when necessary
• Complete all required reports and paperwork

 

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or a Resident Alien
• Must meet physical fitness and medical requirements
• Ability to swim and comfortable with water-based operations
• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to work under pressure in emergency situations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to operate maritime navigation equipment is a plus
• Must meet security clearance requirements

 

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Comprehensive health care coverage
• Life Insurance
• Retirement plan
• 30 days of paid vacation annually
• Free or low-cost travel opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Coast Guard Personnel
• Work Environment: Outdoor maritime environments in all weather conditions. Duty locations may be aboard Coast Guard vessels, land units, and may involve travel.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Commanding Officer or superior officer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon rank and years of service, as well as additional allowances for housing, subsistence, and cost of living adjustments.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if assignment varies)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: The U.S. Coast Guard is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
• Application Instructions: Interested applicants should visit the official Coast Guard Recruitment website to apply.

 

What Does a Coast Guard Personnel Do?

Coast Guard Personnel are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the waters in their jurisdiction.

They work in various roles including law enforcement, search and rescue, environmental protection, and maritime patrol.

They are often involved in search and rescue missions, responding to emergency calls to assist people in danger at sea or on other bodies of water.

They are trained to work in adverse conditions, often putting their own lives at risk to save others.

In the law enforcement capacity, they are tasked with preventing illegal activities such as smuggling, trafficking, and illegal fishing.

This involves regular patrols, inspections of vessels, and enforcement of maritime law.

Coast Guard Personnel also play a crucial role in environmental protection.

They respond to environmental disasters like oil spills, work to mitigate the impact, and take part in clean-up operations.

They also enforce environmental laws and regulations, preventing illegal dumping of waste into the ocean.

In addition, they are involved in maritime navigation safety, ensuring that waterways are safe for navigation by removing hazards and providing navigation aids.

They also conduct safety inspections on vessels to ensure they are seaworthy and comply with safety regulations.

Training and education are key elements of a Coast Guard Personnel’s role.

They constantly train to improve their skills and must keep up-to-date with changing laws and regulations.

They may also be involved in public education efforts, teaching boating safety classes, and raising awareness about environmental issues.

 

Coast Guard Personnel Qualifications and Skills

Coast Guard Personnel should have a wide range of practical skills, physical fitness, and mental acuity to perform their duties effectively and efficiently, including:

• Physical fitness and endurance to manage challenging environmental conditions and physically demanding tasks.
• Swimming ability is crucial for conducting water rescues and survival in potential overboard situations.
• First Aid and CPR knowledge to provide immediate medical care in case of emergencies.
• Excellent communication skills for effective coordination with other team members and for interacting with civilians during rescue operations.
• Ability to operate various types of equipment and vehicles like boats, helicopters, and radar systems.
• Mental resilience to cope with potentially distressing situations and make quick, sound decisions under pressure.
• Navigation skills to find routes and locations quickly and accurately, often in adverse conditions.
• Knowledge of maritime laws and regulations to enforce them and assist in legal proceedings.
• Teamwork skills to work cohesively with other members of the Coast Guard and other agencies.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly assess a situation and determine the best course of action.

 

Coast Guard Personnel Experience Requirements

To become a member of the Coast Guard, individuals must first meet certain eligibility criteria such as age, education, and physical fitness.

Entry-level Coast Guard personnel, also known as seamen recruits, generally do not require any professional experience.

However, they must complete basic training, which provides them with the necessary skills and knowledge for service at sea.

For those aspiring to advanced roles within the Coast Guard, such as petty officers or warrant officers, relevant professional experience is required.

For example, a petty officer may need at least 3 to 4 years of experience, while a warrant officer may need up to 8 to 10 years of experience in the Coast Guard or a related military service.

Specialized roles, such as aviation survival technicians or maritime enforcement specialists, may require additional training and experience in their respective fields.

Officer positions in the Coast Guard, like ensigns or lieutenants, generally require a bachelor’s degree and completion of the Officer Candidate School.

Prior military or maritime experience can be beneficial for these roles.

Candidates with more than 10 years of experience and proven leadership abilities may be eligible for senior leadership roles, such as commanding officer or admiral.

These roles often require extensive experience in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, or environmental protection initiatives.

In general, the Coast Guard values continuous learning and skill development, making it a career choice where one can gain a multitude of experiences.

 

Coast Guard Personnel Education and Training Requirements

Coast Guard Personnel typically need a high school diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions, with officer roles requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Candidates must also complete the Coast Guard’s Recruit Training program, also known as boot camp, located in Cape May, New Jersey.

The eight-week intensive program includes physical conditioning, water survival and safety, military customs and courtesies, maritime law enforcement, seamanship skills, first aid, firefighting and marksmanship.

For higher rank positions or specialized roles, a degree in maritime studies, criminal justice, homeland security, or another related field is beneficial.

Prospective officers must also attend the Coast Guard Academy or Officer Candidate School, providing specialized training in leadership and management, nautical science, and various operational specialties.

Continued professional education and training is encouraged as Coast Guard Personnel advance in their careers and take on more specialized roles.

Depending on the specific job role, additional certifications in areas like search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and aviation may be required.

Service in the Coast Guard also requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to pass a rigorous physical fitness and health screening.

 

Coast Guard Personnel Salary Expectations

The average salary for Coast Guard Personnel is around $54,000 (USD) per year.

This can fluctuate depending on the individual’s rank, years of service, location, and specific role within the Coast Guard.

Benefits such as housing and food allowances, as well as comprehensive health care, also significantly contribute to the overall compensation package.

 

Coast Guard Personnel Job Description FAQs

What is the necessary education for a Coast Guard Personnel?

The minimum educational requirement for an enlisted member of the Coast Guard is a high school diploma or equivalent.

Officers usually have a bachelor’s degree.

All personnel undergo basic training at the Coast Guard Training Center.

Specialized roles may require further schooling or training.

 

What skills does a Coast Guard Personnel need?

Coast Guard Personnel should have strong physical fitness, mental resilience, and the ability to work under pressure.

They need to have good communication and teamwork skills, as well as a high attention to detail.

Problem-solving and quick decision-making skills are also important.

Depending on their role, they may also need skills in areas like navigation, mechanics, or medical assistance.

 

What are the main duties of Coast Guard Personnel?

Coast Guard Personnel carry out various tasks depending on their role and the mission.

They may be involved in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, environmental protection, and maintaining navigational systems.

Some personnel also work in administrative and support roles.

 

What qualities make a good Coast Guard Personnel?

A good Coast Guard Personnel is dedicated, reliable, and able to stay calm in high-pressure situations.

They must be disciplined and respect the chain of command.

They should have a strong sense of duty and commitment to public service.

Physical strength and endurance are also important.

 

Is there a high demand for Coast Guard Personnel?

Yes, there is always a demand for Coast Guard Personnel as they play a vital role in national security and maritime safety.

However, the selection process is competitive, and candidates must meet rigorous physical, mental, and moral standards.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the dynamic and crucial role of a Coast Guard Personnel member.

And you know what?

It’s not just about patrolling our waters.

It’s about ensuring the safety and security of our nation, one maritime mission at a time.

With our comprehensive Coast Guard Personnel job description template and real-life examples, you’re primed to make waves.

But don’t drop anchor just yet.

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your compass to precision-crafted job listings or honing your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every mission you undertake is part of a larger narrative.

Let’s safeguard our shores. Together.

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