The coast guard, along with the Navy plays a crucial role in safeguarding Indian waters from criminals and spies. A career in the coast guard is one of adventure and pride. Here we take a brief look at the various career paths available the Coast Guard offers and how you can scale the ranks.
~ General Duty
The members of this branch operate the sensors, controls and weapons of the ship. They are responsible for the ship's movement and direction and the safety of the crew during operations, war etc.
~ Pilot/ Navigator Branch
This branch is responsible for the control of the Coast Guards' flying machines, including fixed wing planes used to monitor Exclusive Economic Zones and helicopters which are used -- among other things -- for search and rescue missions.
~ Engineering
This is the branch responsible for the maintenance of the ships and equipment belonging to the Coast Guard. Engineers may work on-shore at the various Coast Guard Repair Organisations. Engineers usually enjoy a career punctuated with various technical courses.
~ Electrical
This branch is in charge of power generation, distribution, radar equipment, radio etc.
Officer
Entry to the officer ranks occurs twice a year, when advertisements are placed in newspapers. Shortlisted candidates are called to the Preliminary Selection Board where they must undergo a Mental Ability Test as well as an interview. Those who clear the PSB are called for an interview with the Final Selection Board, where they undergo a physical fitness test and medical examination.
The qualifications required to become an officer in the Coast Guard are: 10+2+degree with Physics or Mathematics in order to join under General Duty; 10+2 and a commercial pilot license or BSc degree with Physics and Maths to join under Pilot/Navigator; a degree in Naval Architecture/ Mechanical/ Electrical/ Electronics/ Marine/ Design Engineering for the
Technical branches.
The ranks and pay scale of the Coast Guard are as follows:
Assistant Commandant: Rs 8,000-Rs 13,500
Deputy Commandant: Rs 10,000-Rs 15200
Commandant (JG): Rs 12,000-Rs 16,500
Commandant: Rs 14,300-Rs 18,300
Deputy Inspector General: Rs 16,400-Rs 20,000
Inspector General: Rs 18,400-Rs 22,400
Director General: Rs 22,400-Rs 24,500
There is no five-star ceremonial rank.
The promotions in the Coast Guard, like in the other branches of the IDF are time-linked.
- An Assistant Commandant must spend six years in this rank to become a Deputy Commandant.
- Beyond this point appointments become based on merit, subject to certain minimum time constraints. A minimum of two years is required to become a Commandant.
- Another eight years is required for a Commandant to become a Deputy Inspector General.
- A minimum of six years must pass for a DIG to be eligible for the post of Inspector General.
There are many perks associated with being a member of the Coast Guard including substantial leave and travel concessions, furnished accommodation at concessional rates depending on the officers' rank and marital status, free medical care and subsidised dental care at government hospitals for officers and family, group insurance (insurance worth Rs 7 lakh available on premiums of Rs 500).
Members of the Coast Guard also get loans from the government to buy land, houses etc. Pensions equal 50 per cent of basic pay (which results in between Rs 1,500 for a Dy Commandant to Rs 4,500 for an IG) and Coast Guards are entitled to reward money for the apprehension of smuggled goods etc.
Training occurs as follows:
- 20 weeks at the INS Mandovi (Naval Academy) for Basic Training followed by
- 36 weeks on Coast Guard ships followed by
- 48 weeks at various schools for technical courses followed by
- 24 weeks on ICG ships, watch-keeping
Other Ranks
Recruitment to the OR is done bi-annually. Candidates can join one of three branches: Yantriks, Naviks (General Duty) or Navik (Domestic Branch).
Entry to the Naviks is done through a Mental Ability Test, entrance test and an interview. Qualified candidates undergo a medical examination and those who pass are selected on the basis of merit. Yantrik candidates undergo a written test, followed by an interview, followed by a medical examination.
The qualifications required are: Matriculate Diploma in Mechanical/ Electrical/ Electronic / Aeronautical engineering for a Yantrik; Class X or equivalent for Naviks (GD) and Class VIII pass for Naviks (DB). All candidates must be within the age of 17-22 years (with five year relaxations for SC candidates and three year relaxation for OBC candidates).
The rank and pay structure for the OR is:
Naviks (GD)
- Navik: Rs 3,050-Rs 4,590
- Uttam Navik: Rs 3,200-Rs 4,900
- Pradhan Navik: Rs 3,200-Rs 4,900 (with two increments in the existing pay scale on promtion to P/Nvk)
- Adhikari: Rs 5,500-Rs 9,000
- Uttam Adhikari: Rs 6,500- Rs 10,500
- Pradhan Adhikari: Rs 6,500-Rs 10,500
Yantriks
- Yantrik: Rs 4,000- Rs 6,000
- Pradhan Yantrik: Rs 5,000-Rs 8,000
- Sahayak Engineer Rs 5,500-Rs 8,000
- Uttam Sahayak Engineer: Rs 6,500-Rs 10,500
- Pradhan Sahayak Engineer: Rs 7,000-Rs 11,500
Sailors in these ranks can avail of a number of allowances like kit maintenance etc. They receive free food, clothing, medical treatment for self and family. They receive Group Insurance of RS 3.5 lakh on payment of Rs 250 premiums. They get upto 45 days earned leave per year. Other benefits include loans etc.
Sailors in the OR can be promoted to officers subject to certain conditions.
Training occurs as follows:
- 20 weeks at the INS Chilka, Orissa for Basic Training followed by
- 8 weeks on Coast Guard Ships for afloat training followed by
- 30 weeks at various naval schools for Professional Training
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