COAST GUARD Water vigil

The Coast Guard is the principal agency protecting the maritime zones of India and ensuring the safety and protection of the artificial islands, offshore installations etc. It is also supposed to provide protection to Indian fishermen and assist them in case they face any problems. The Coast Guard's duties also include preservation and protection of the maritime environment, including prevention and control of maritime pollution and helping customs and other authorities in anti-smuggling operations CLOCKWORK The coast guard has dedicated, professional team of officers and men who operate ships and aircraft for safeguarding country's maritime interests. The life of a Coast Guard officer is a mix of hard work, professionalism, risk, adventure and the opportunity to move around and visit different places within India and abroad. An officer's routine would depend on the function he is performing and varies accordingly THE PAYOFF As an assistant commandant one gets to take home R15,600 to R39,100 with a grade pay of R5,400. As a deputy commandant the grade pay increases to R6,600. As the deputy inspector general the pay is R37,400 to R67,000 with a grade pay of R8,700. As one moves up to the level of the director general the grade pay increases to R12,000.
The pay includes dearness allowance, kit maintenance allowance and transport allowance.
In addition, other allowances are also admissible based on the nature of duty and place of posting SKILLS/TRAITS Physical stamina Good communication skills Knowledge of the Indian coastline is an added advantage GETTING THERE You should have completed Class 12 with science, be in the age group of 21-25, and have a BSc degree in mathematics and physics to apply for the post of assistant commandant for general duty as well as short service appointment (for females). For the post of assistant commandant, general duty (pilot /navigator) you should fall in the age group of 19-27 and have a BSc with physics and maths. The recruitment of asst. commandants is conducted bi-annually. Check the website for more details on eligibility criteria and minimum required physical standards INSTITUTES AND URLS www.indiancoastguard.nic.in PROS AND CONS A respected profession, full of adventure The perks are very encouraging