CLOSING Date – 1200 Midday on Friday 18th September

TAMAR Coastguard are currently recruiting.

Training dates have now been confirmed these are Membership Days (On successful completion of application sift) – W/C 28th September. Medicals (In Torbay, on successful completion of a membership day) – W/C 5th October. If you are interested or know anyone that is then please get in touch.

What the Coastguard Rescue Service does

The Coastguard Rescue Service is made up of volunteers and is part of HM Coastguard.

As a coastguard rescue officer you may have to:

• help rescue people trapped on the coast, for example on cliffs, stuck in mud or in the water
• search for missing people
• report and deal with pollution and other hazards
• help emergency services and local authorities during emergencies, for example flooding
• gather information for the coastguard operations centre
• go to schools, clubs and other public places to tell people about staying safe at sea and along the coast

What to expect as a volunteer

As a coastguard rescue officer you:

• could be called out at any time of the day or night
• may have to work in hazardous situations for long hours
• may have to carry out physically demanding tasks, for example carrying heavy equipment to rescue sites

As a volunteer you will not be paid. You can claim a small amount for your time and expenses.

Volunteering and working

You can have a full time job and still be a coastguard rescue officer. You must ask your employer if you can respond to emergencies during work hours before you become a volunteer. You can still go on holiday – just let your coastguard manager know when you’re going to be away.

Training and equipment

You must pass initial training by HM Coastguard, followed by regular training to keep your skills up to date. This will include training in:

• first aid
• water rescue
• map work
• search techniques
• communications
• skills you need for your local area, for example rope rescue, mud rescue

Training is often held in the evenings or at weekends.

You’ll be given all the equipment and protective clothing that you need.

Who can apply

All of the following must apply:

• you’re aged 18 or over
• you have a full driving licence
• you live or work within 30 minutes of the rescue station – check the map to find your nearest station

Your local station may have further requirements, for example you may need to live closer to the station.

Health and fitness

You need to be reasonably fit and generally in good health. You must also:

• weigh 120kg or less
• have a waist measurement of 110cm or less

You must take a health and fitness test, and meet eyesight and hearing requirements. For more information and to register your interest, please email via the button below.