Career Options in Indian Coast Guard (ICG)

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Indian Coast Guard (ICG) alias Bharatiya Thatrakshak is a branch of the Indian Armed Forces operating under the Department of Defence of the Union Ministry of Defence. Established on 19th August 1978, Indian Coast Guard is the fourth service created to guard India's vast coastline and for enforcing the maritime laws of the country.

The coast guards are responsible for the scrutiny of the Indian territorial waters and the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone to prevent poaching, smuggling and other illegal activities. Besides conducting search and rescue operations, they also protect and preserve the marine environment of the country.

Indian Coast Guards are not a part of the Indian Paramilitary Forces. Coast guards works in close co-operation with the Indian Navy, Fisheries Department, Revenue Department and the Central and State Police Forces.

The motto of Indian Coast Guard is 'Vayam Rakshamah' which means 'We Protect'. The coast guards are the principal agency for enforcement of provisions of all national enactment in force in the maritime zones of India.

The mission of ICG comprise :

Protection of India's maritime resources and offshore wealth including oil, fish and minerals
Enforcement of maritime law with jurisdiction over both territorial and international waters
Preserving and protecting marine ecology, environment and rare species
Collection of scientific data
Assisting Mariners in distress and safeguard life and property at sea
Supporting Indian Navy during war

ICG is a challenging sea going career, suitable for those who are bold, intelligent and loves adventure. Both men and women can opt for a career in Indian coastal guard. As a coast guard one plays a vital role by protecting the national interests of the mother land. They have the opportunity to move around and visit different places within India and abroad. A career in Indian Coast Guard is a versatile field that offers great job satisfaction along with good pay and abundant perks.

The Indian Coast Guard force is led by a Director General and a Deputy Director General. The central head quarters of ICG is located at New Delhi. The Operations of Indian Coast Guard are split into 4 regions :

Western Region (with the Regional Headquarter at Mumbai)
The entire coast line from Daman to Kanyakumari including the Union Territory of Lakshadweep comes under the operational and administrative control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (West). There are 5 Coast Guard District Headquarters (Porbandar, Mumbai, Mangalore, Kochi and Goa), 7 Coast Guard Stations, 1 Air Station and 2 Air Enclaves on the Western seaboard of India.
Eastern Region (with the Regional Headquarter at Chennai)
The entire coastline from Kanyakumari to Kolkata comes under the jurisdiction of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (East). There are 4 Coast Guard District Headquarters (Chennai, Vizag, Paradip, Haldia and Kolkata), 4 Coast Guard Stations, one Air Station and one Air Enclave on the eastern seaboard of India.
Andaman & Nicobar Region (with the Regional Headquarter at Port Blair)
Port Blair District HQs are located at Diglipur and Campbell Bay. The Region has a force level of one OPV, two FPVs, two FPVs(Jet), one IPV, two IB, two Dornier aircraft and one Chetak helicopter in this region.
North West Region (with the Regional Headquarter at Gandhinagar)
The Coast Guard has a force level of two OPV, one FPV, one IPV, two Hovercrafts, eight IB, two Dornier aircraft and two ALH helicopters in this region.

Source : Indian Coast Guard Official site