Indian Coast Guard (Officer) - Branches
The Indian Coast Guard
Officers General Duty Branch:
This is the operational branch of the Indian Coast Guard. Command of Ships at sea can only be exercised by officer of the General duty branch. As a General duty branch officer you will operate weapons, sensors and perform the command function which demands a wide sphere of knowledge of your equipment. The safety of your ship and men, maneuvering of your ship in war and in peace time operations will be your responsibilities.
Pilot:
Indian Coast Guard operates fixed wing aircraft from shore Air stations for surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone. In addition, helicopters are embarked on Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessels to provide local surveillance and perform Search and Rescue mission at sea. Operating these aircrafts at sea is challenging task and will bring your special skills to the fore. As an officer of the Pilot branch, you will have opportunity to serve both in the shore Air Stations along the coasts of India, as well as embark ships.
Technical Branch:
Modern ships and aircrafts are abounding with advance technology and machinery. In the Technical branch you will be responsible to keep all these equipment serviceable. You will also get opportunities to work in shore jobs in Coast Guard repair organisations. In very few other careers will you be exposed to such a wide spectrum of opportunities to keep yourself abreast of modern developments in Engineering. Your carrier will be interspersed with technical training courses up to Post Graduation level.
Women in Coast Guard:
Women are recruited in Coast Guard only as officers in General duty, General Duty (Pilot / Navigation) and General Duty (CPL Holders, Short Service entry) branches. The selection process for women is similar to that of male candidates. The women officers are posted in non sea going appointments. Unlike the other Armed Forces, the women officers in Coast Guard have the option to serve till superannuation, except for CPL holders and General Duty branch- Short service appointment.