Introduction: Indian Coast Guard is one of the armed forces of the country which is responsible to enforce the maritime laws of India along its coastal lines. In this article we will discuss about the complete detail of the Indian Coast Guard services and how can one join this force.
With that been said, the procedure for the selection is as much as same to Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air force. Apparently the selection is done by the same organization responsible for the mentioned three forces that is the Service Selection Board (SSB).
More information on Indian Coast Guard
As already discussed that the Indian Coast Guard is one of the armed forces of the union responsible to monitor the coastal lines and safeguard Indian maritime laws. This category of force is as important as the armed forces which guard our nation’s geographical boundaries.
The Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is heavily guarded by the Indian Coast Guards by using marine ships, aircraft by professional team of coast guards. The kind of lifestyle it offers is very exciting while traveling on sea it is adventurous and exciting as well. One gets to live a life to also see the world with joint training. Perks and salaries are very good with benefits availed as by the army.
Present roles and Responsibility of Indian Coast Guard
- Protection and Safety of artificial islands, offshore terminals and other installations.
- Protection and assistance to fishermen and mariners at sea.
- Pollution control through preservation and protection of marine ecology and environment.
- Participate in anti-smuggling operations with assistance to Department of Customs.
- Participate in National Defense during hostilities (under the operational control of the Indian Navy)
Important positions one can join in Indian Coast Guard
Coast Guard Officers: The name of the ranks of officers in the Coast Guard same as the Central Armed Police Forces. There are four branch of Coast Guard in which officers are appointed which are as follows General Duty Officer, Pilot Officer, Technical Officer, Lady Officer or Law Officers.
The lady Officer has generally two branches 1. General Duty Officer or Pilot Officer and they serve on shore establishment which are generally Air Stations or Headquarters. At present they are not deployed on the marine ship of the Indian Coast Guard.
General Duty Officers: The command of ships at sea can only be exercised by officers of the General Duty (GD) branch. The safety of the ship and the men on board depends upon GD officers with key function of the GD officer would be to operate weapons, sensors and various kinds of equipment on board a ship.
The appointments of District Commanders (COMDIS) and Commander of Coast Guard Region (COMCG) are done by a GD officer of the Indian Coast Guard.
Pilot Officers: Pilot Officers are also of GD branch these officers avail the opportunity to work at the shore air stations on the line of the Indian coasts and also go on board ships. ICG operates fixed wing aircraft for surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone.
To provide local surveillance and perform search and rescue mission at sea helicopters are also put on board on Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV).
Technical Officers: There are equipment with advanced technology and sensor systems on board Coast Guard vessels and aircraft which are operated by the Technical Officers.
With responsible to on shore equipment also they also command the maintenance wings of the force.
Law Officers: Law officers are legal experts to their respective commanders. They also represent the Indian Coast Guard in legal actions filed either by Indian Coast Guard or against them. They also perform the duties of trial law officers in Coast Guard courts, convened to try delinquent Coast Guard personnel.
The Directorate of Law at Coast Guard Headquarters is headed by a Deputy Inspector-General and is designated as the Chief Law Officer. Section 115 of the Coast Guard Act, 1978 deals with the qualifications necessary to be appointed as the Chief Law Officer of Indian Coast Guard. Section 116 of the Coast Guard Act, 1978 defines the functions of the Chief Law Officer.
The enrolled person in the Coast Guard service serves as either Yantrik (Technical) or Navik (Sailor)
- Yantriks are engaged in the operation and maintenance of mechanical, aeronautical or electrical equipment and systems on board the Coast Guard vessels and aircraft.
- Naviks are deployed in the General Duty or Domestic branches. The GD naviks further serve as weapons systems operators, sailors, divers, communication specialists, etc. or in specific maritime or aviation support roles. Those naviks which belongs to the Domestic branch serve in roles such as stewards, cooks, etc. on board Coast Guard vessels.
Link to official recruitment website Indian Coast Guard: https://joinindiancoastguard.gov.in/
Note: The above portion of information has been gathered from Indian Coast Guard Wikipedia page.
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