You will need strong technical skills to be successful as a coastguard. In addition, you should also be able to go into the seas under rough weather conditions. You are always deployed on shifts and you might need to operate surveillance operations during day and night. Ability to operate radio, communication systems, satellite tracking systems, map reading skills, etc are also required. You should be able to assess the situations quickly and be able to communicate to the general public and to other coastguards about the situation clearly and accurately.

Good leadership capabilities are essential, as you will be leading rescue teams at emergencies. A clear, commanding voice is necessary. Willingness to work at odd hours and during emergency situations of all kinds is also essential. You can also be employed at any of the locations along the UK coast by Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA) and should be willing to relocate to the place you are appointed.