The Irish Coastguard (IRCG) operates a 24-hour emergency service to keep a permanent watch over Irish coasts and waters.
They respond to emergencies and requests for assistance by co-ordinating the actions of their own response team and those of volunteer coastguard officers, specialist rescue helicopters, lifeboats, air-sea rescue, emergency towing vessels and the emergency services, as well as other vessels that may be nearby.
The Irish Coastguard’s responsibilities include:
- marine safety – ensuring the safety of ships, by monitoring the movement of shipping in the area and enforcing regulations
- marine emergencies – maintaining a constant watch and providing assistance in emergencies, such as ships and boats in distress, crew members becoming ill, or people getting into difficulty in the sea, on a cliff or in beach areas
- marine pollution – checking that ships in the area obey environmental regulations.
They have a range of administrative duties, including:
- operating monitoring equipment, including satellite systems and radio channels, to watch/listen for any potential problems
- responding to 999 and mayday distress calls, collecting appropriate information and alerting the duty watch manager to co-ordinate appropriate rescue services
- answering queries from ships, mariners and rescue services, as well as interpreting information and updating logs about tides, weather and sea conditions
- checking for, reporting and reacting to illegal activities, such as smuggling, pollution incidents or problems with coastal erosion.
Coastguard Watch Assistants are likely to have the additional responsibilities of:
- co-ordinating the response to any incidents, in conjunction with the watch manager
- advising on matters of maritime safety
- supporting and monitoring the use of other, third-party resources.
Volunteer coastguards or are also trained and equipped by the Irish Coastguard to assist in any coastal search and rescue incident that may be reported.
Coastguards use a range of communications equipment, including computers and radio and satellite tracking devices.
Skills and personal qualities
Coastguards need:
- to be able to work under pressure, especially during emergency situations
- normal sight and hearing
- a clear speaking voice
- to be comfortable working alone, as well as in a team
- good judgement
- to be reliable, with a strong sense of responsibility
- an awareness of safety issues at sea and in coastal areas
- good organisational skills
- to be able to analyse a situation, stay calm, and take quick and effective action
- supervisory skills and to be able to co-ordinate the actions of others
- to be able to cope with the physical demands of the job.
Interests
Coastguards need a serious interest in:
- the sea
- maritime matters in general
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on where people live.
Salaries start at approximately €26,000 rising to approximately €48,000 subject to number of years service.
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