Skip to content
ESCO occupation

coastguard watch officer

Back to ESCO occupations

Coastguard watch officers patrol and survey coast and sea regions to prevent accidents, as well as perform search and rescue missions in the event of an emergency. They react to emergency calls, advise on safety procedures, and prevent accidents and illegal activity at sea. Coastguard watch officers investigate shipping activities and aid during pollution incidents and in flood relief.

5419.3 ISCO 5419 ESCO source
Competences
37
Groups
4
Essential
14
Optional
23

Competences and skills

37 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 1 competence

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
first response

The procedures of pre-hospital care for medical emergencies, such as first aid, resuscitation techniques, legal and ethical issues, patient assessment, trauma emergencies.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Essential skills and competences 13 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
assist in maritime rescue operations

Provide assistance during maritime rescue operations.

ESCO source
develop contingency plans for emergencies

Compose procedures outlining specific actions to be taken in the event of an emergency, taking into account all the risks and dangers that could be involved, ensuring that the plans comply with safety legislation and represent the safest course of action.

ESCO source
estimate damage

Estimate damage in case of accidents or natural disasters.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

10 competences
advise on safety improvements

Provide relevant recommendations following the conclusion of an investigation; ensure that recommendations are duly considered and where appropriate acted upon.

ESCO source
analyse weather forecast

Analyse weather forecasts and the information provided on meteorological conditions, such as wind forces, atmospheric structures, clouds, and visibility. Constantly monitor weather conditions to maintain the validity of the forecast. Provide analyses depending on the requirements of various different industries and service providers. Evaluate routine air observations.

ESCO source
apply first response

Respond to medical or trauma emergencies and care for the patient in a manner compliant with health and safety regulations, assessing the legal and ethical issues of the situation, and provide proper pre-hospital care.

ESCO source
coordinate rescue missions

Coordinate rescue missions during the event of a disaster or during an accident, ensure that all possible methods are being used to ensure the safety of the people being rescued, and that the search is as efficient and thorough as possible.

ESCO source
ensure law application

Ensure the laws are followed, and where they are broken, that the correct measures are taken to ensure compliance to the law and law enforcement.

ESCO source
identify security threats

Identify security threats during investigations, inspections, or patrols, and perform the necessary actions to minimise or neutralise the threat.

ESCO source
perform risk analysis

Identify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation's functioning. Implement procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.

ESCO source
read maps

Read maps effectively.

ESCO source
supervise crew

Supervise and observe the behaviour of employees.

ESCO source
write work-related reports

Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.

ESCO source
Optional knowledge 5 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
influence of winds and currents in the steering of ships

The influence currents, wind strength, and wind direction have on a vessel's navigation and maneuvering abilities.

ESCO source
pollution legislation

Be familiar with European and National legislation regarding the risk of pollution.

green
ESCO source

Cross-sector

3 competences
flood remediation equipment

The operation of the necessary tools and equipment used in flood damage and remediation activities, such as pumping flooded properties.

ESCO source
law enforcement

The different organisations involved in law enforcement, as well as the laws and regulations in law enforcement procedures.

ESCO source
pollution prevention

The processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.

green
ESCO source
Optional skills and competences 18 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
integrate Committee on Safe Seas guidelines into inspections

Keep abreast of the guidelines provided by the Committee on Safe Seas and the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (COSS). Integrate their guidelines into inspection exercises.

ESCO source

Sector-specific

3 competences
perform search and rescue missions

Assist in fighting natural and civic disasters, such as forest fires, floods and road accidents. Conduct search-and-rescue missions.

ESCO source
prevent sea pollution

Organize and monitor environment protection applying the regulations for pollution prevention at sea.

green
ESCO source
report pollution incidents

When an incident causes pollution, examine the extent of the damage and what the consequences could be and report it relevant institution following pollution reporting procedures.

green
ESCO source

Cross-sector

14 competences
assist in ship maintenance

Contribute to shipboard maintenance and repair using painting, lubrication and cleaning materials and equipment. Execute routine maintenance and repair procedures. Dispose safely waste materials. Apply, maintain and use hand and power tools.

ESCO source
check official documents

Check an individuals' official documentation, such as driver's licenses and identification, to ensure compliance with legal regulations, and to identify and assess individuals.

ESCO source
develop flood remediation strategies

Develop plans and design equipment for the prevention of floods and efficient aid in the event of a flood, by assessing the risks, identifying improvements in existing strategies, and designing new strategies in flood remediation.

green
ESCO source
evacuate people from flooded areas

Evacuate people from areas heavily affected by floods and flood damage, and ensure they reach a safe place where they have access to medical treatment if necessary.

ESCO source
identify risk of flooding

Identify the areas which are most at risk to be damaged by floods, such as areas close to rivers, as well as identifying the events which would cause floods such as changes in the weather.

ESCO source
maintain operational communications

Maintain communications between different departments of an organisation, between the staff, or during specific operations or missions, to ensure that the operation or mission is successful, or that the organisation functions smoothly.

ESCO source
maintain ship logs

Maintain written records of events and activities on a ship

ESCO source
operate an emergency communication system

Efficiently operate common communication systems used in emergencies, such as base station mobile transmitters and receivers, portable transmitters and receivers, repeaters, cellular phones, pagers, automated vehicle locators, and satellite phones as required.

digital
ESCO source
operate radio equipment

Set up and operate radio devices and accessories, such as broadcast consoles, amplifiers, and microphones. Understand the basics of radio operator language and, when necessary, provide instruction in handling radio equipment correctly.

digital
ESCO source
patrol areas

Patrol a designated area, watch out for and respond to suspicious and dangerous situations, and communicating with emergency response organisations.

ESCO source
provide advice on breaches of regulation

Advise on preventive and corrective actions; correct any breaches of or non-compliance with legal regulations.

ESCO source
treat flood damage

Treat damage caused by floods by using the necessary tools and equipment, and ensuring the safety of the public during remediation activities.

ESCO source
undertake inspections

Undertake safety inspections in areas of concern to identify and report potential hazards or security breaches; take measures to maximise safety standards.

ESCO source
use different communication channels

Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.

ESCO source