One of the most patriotic act you can do for your country is to serve in it. In the maritime field that we are in, its between the navy and the coast guard. These are the two different government institutions that fit our qualifications, skills and experience. As we go along, we’ll lay out vital information on how to join the Philippine Coast Guard.
Brief History of the Philippine Coast Guard
The Philippine Coast Guard or PCG is the oldest and the only humanitarian armed service in the country that is under the arm of the Department of Transportation (DoTr).
Up until December of 1913, 4 PCG predecessors has already been abolished. It was until 1967 that a clear mandate of the coast guard due to the enactment of Republic Act 5173 or otherwise known as the Philippine Coast Guard Law. The Philippine Coast Guard was officially activated on October 10, 1967 with all its functions taken from the Navy.
The Philippine Coast Guard’s main duties include the promotion of safety of life, property at sea and the protection of the maritime environment. Despite being a law enforcer, the PCG is a non-military organization and follows civilian mandate.
Furthermore, the Republic Act 9993 or the Coast Guard Law of 2009 strengthen the agency’s authority and responsibility in ensuring safety of merchant vessels in Philippine territorial waters.
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PCG Recruitment Process – How to Join the Philippine Coast Guard?
The Philippine Coast Guard maintains high standards in its recruitment process. Only a select few of candidates are inducted into the program.
A promising career to serve and protect the nation’s territorial waters including humanitarian services to those in need.
For those who wish to be enlisted with the Philippine Coast Guard, the schedule for filing of Application Requirements for the PCG Aptitude Battery Exam for Commissionship and Enlistment will be announced in PCG’s Recruitment Branch FB Page or in their other official social media channels.
Take note that this schedule is not regular and may happen only once a year, sometimes not. So make sure to be on the lookout for any announcements about PCG’s recruitment activity.
The following are the Qualification Requirements:
COMMISSIONSHIP (Officer)
a) A natural-born citizen of the Philippines;
b) Of good moral character;
c) Single;
d) 21 to 24 years old on the date of examination
e) Minimum entry height requirement of 5’0 (male and female);
f) Holder of Baccalaureate Degree
g) With Professional Civil Service Eligibility with Rating of 82% and above or with PRC License
h) Physically and mentally qualified under existing regulations for the CG service;
i) Passed the PCGABT Aptitude Battery Test for Commissionship
ENLISTMENT (Non-Officer)
a) A natural-born citizen of the Philippines;
b) Of good moral character;
c) Single;
d) 18 to 26 years old on the date of examination
e) Minimum entry height requirement of 5’0 (male and female);
f) Physically and mentally qualified under existing regulations for the CG service;
g) College graduate or has earned at least seventy-two (72) units in only one (1) course as reflected in the Transcript of Records (TOR) or;
h) Senior High School graduate provided that he/she completed TESDA Courses relevant to the PCG mandates as endorsed by the respective SECOMCAP;
i) Passed the PCGABT Aptitude Battery Test;
Do you qualify? Then pick up that bag and go to these Testing Centers across the country and take the PCGABT (Philippine Coast Guard Aptitude Battery Test).
PCG Testing Centers w/ Schedules
Bring the following requirements:
Listed below are the Application Requirements for the PCGABT (Aptitude Battery Test) for Enlistment and Commissionship:
1. Accomplished PCGABT Application Form (available for download at PCG website under Downloads link)
2. Accomplished Personal Information Sheet (available for download at PCG website under Downloads link) duly notarized by an attorney
3. Photocopy of Transcript of Records (Authenticated by the School)
4. PSA (formerly NSO) Birth Certificate
5. Photocopy of College Diploma for Commissionship or Enlistment, Senior High School Diploma or TESDA Certificate for Enlistment
Note: Original copy of documents must be presented upon submission of application for requirements for verification.
UNIFORM:
1. Plain white T-shirt (tucked in), maong pants with belt, rubber shoes with white socks for both male and female applicants.
2. For male applicants, please observe proper grooming and haircut
3. For female applicants, hair neatly tied with hairnet.
Bring the following:
1. At least four (4) pcs 2×2 picture (round neck white T-shirt, white background with name tag)
2. Black Ballpen
After the Examination
If an applicant will successfully pass the PCGABT, his/her name will be posted in various PCG Social Media outlets. They will undergo further examination like medical exam before entering into regiment training.
A 6-month training will soon follow for those aspiring applicants after they are cleared to proceed.
Great sacrifice, determination, courage and excellence will surely help anyone achieve to be a part of our great Coast Guard.