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Coast
Guard |
A large
area of 2.8 million sq. kms to be patrolled, policed,
explored and exploited. A tall order indeed - a
result of the discussions at the United Nations Third
Conference on the Law of Seas (UNCLOS III)
which indicates that countries can claim an Exclusive
Economic Zone extending upto 200 nautical miles from
their coasts.
‘Bhartiya
Tat-Rakshak’ or the Indian Coastguard under the
Ministry of Defense is responsible for fulfilling this
tall order. It has specific objectives like protecting
maritime a nd other national interests, preventing
smuggling, ensuring safety and protection of artificial
islands, providing assistance to fishermen etc.
The
following operational branches apply to the coast guards
...
General
Duty Branch - This
branch is in command of the ships at sea that are manned
by officers of the General Duty Branch. These officers
operate specialised equipment like weapons and
sensors. The maneuvering of ships in times of war
and peace and the safety of the ship and its men is the
foremost responsibility of this branch.
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Pilot
/ Navigator Branch - ‘Search and Rescue’
missions and local surveillance at sea are performed by
the helicopters stationed on Coastguard shore patrol
vessels. The Fixed Wing Aircraft of the coastguard also
provide surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone.
This branch serves in the shore air-stations along the
coast of India as well as on ships. It is needless to
say, however, that operating these air crafts at sea is
a tough and challenging job. |
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Engineering
branch - The modern ships and aircraft are a
confusing mass of switches and semiconductors to the
uninitiated. Advanced technology and machinery rules the
roost. Officers of this branch have to see to the proper
functioning of this equipment. They can also work in
shore jobs in Coast Guard Repairs Organization. They
even get to pursue technical courses upto post
graduation in India and abroad.
Electrical Branch - All those weapons, sensors,
complex radio communication equipment & radar that
we depend upon to guard the coast of India against all
malafide intent, are ultimately nothing but wires &
electrical impulses. The power generation and
distribution system on a ship is essential for survival.
The Officers of this branch ensure that these survival
mechanisms are up and running all the time.
Its
evident that azure skies, salted air & deep blue
waters are only half the story - the other half is
bravery, patriotism, hard work, and specialised
training. If you think you have it in you, here’s what
you need to do:
An
entrance test and interview is conducted and
importance is given to achievements in sports,
academics, NCC etc.
A
degree in Mathematics and Physics in Class12 of 10+2+3
scheme is needed for the General Duty Branch.
A
degree in Naval architecture / mechanical /marine /
telecom / electronics Engineering or equivalent
qualification recognized by the Indian Institute of
Engineers, is essential for the technical branch.
A
degree in B.Sc. with Physics and Maths is required for
Pilot/ Navigator Branch.
Specific
physical requirements of height, weight and eyesight are
essential inorder to apply.
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| Once
you’ve got that coveted uniform (and that’s
something the girls really swoon on, yaar), the sky-er..sea
is the limit. Coast Guards is a relatively young
paramilitary service and offers ample prospects for
advancement.
A civilian cannot
even dream of the facilities provided to the officers of
the Coast Guard. They are sent abroad for
semi-professional courses like Search and Rescue,
Pollution Control Course, Defense Management and
Computer Programming (to name a few). USA and Europe are
prime destinations. |
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Leave
benefit, travel concession, furnished accommodation at
concessional rates, medical and dental care, free food
on board, insurance, loans, death cum retirement
gratuity, pension, reward money are but a few of the
host of allowances provided to these officers.
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to think that there is a catch here somewhere ? You
thought right, man. All this does not come free as the
officers have to have specific physical and mental
aptitude to endure this hard life. Physical fitness,
personal discipline and commitment are what they should
excel in. An adventurous and challenging life is what
you should expect from this profession. |
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Fallen
overboard, have you ?? Well, what are you waiting for ?
Get aboard and cast off !! |
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