The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is like a team of water police. They make sure the waters around the country are safe and secure. They’re really important for keeping the country’s borders strong and safe.
You can also check here the Seaman Salary By Ranks 2023 | Comprehensive Guide
If you’re interested in helping the nation and having a steady job, working with the PCG could be a great choice for you.
This comprehensive guide will give you everything you need about the Philippine Coast Guard salary and ranks.
What is a Salary Grade?
A salary grade is a number that defines the monthly payment/income a government employee receives.
You can also check BFP Salary Grade 2023 (Bureau of Fire Protection)
So, you know how different jobs in the government have different levels of difficulty and things they’re responsible for, right?
Well, they’ve given each job a grade, like a score. The President of the Philippines has the most important job, so they get the highest grade, 33.
On the other hand, the easiest job is the Utility Worker, given the lowest grade, 1. These grades go from 1 to 33, and the higher the grade, the more money the person gets paid. So, Grade 33 is the one that gets the most money.
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Philippine Coast Guard Salary Grade 2023
Are you interested in a career with the Philippine Coast Guard? Do you want to know how much seamen earn in the PCG?
So, the Philippine Coast Guard salary depends on your job position, how long you’ve been working, and how qualified you are.
You can also check BFP Salary Grade 2023 (Bureau of Fire Protection)
They have a pay system that follows the Salary Standardization Law. This law ensures that all government workers, including Coast Guard workers, are paid fairly and equally.
Check out the PCG salary grade tables 2023 that We’ve got here. These tables show how much money the Coast Guard folks in the Philippines make each month, depending on their job levels.
Commissioned Officers
| POSITION | SALARY |
|---|---|
| Admiral | Php 125,574 |
| Vice admiral | Php 114,235 |
| Rear admiral | Php 102,896 |
| Commodore | Php 91,058 |
| Captain | Php 80,583 |
| Commander | Php 71,318 |
| Lieutenant commander | Php 62,555 |
| Lieutenant senior grade | Php 56,582 |
| Lieutenant junior grade | Php 49,528 |
| Ensign | Php 43,829 |
Non-commissioned Officers
| POSITION | SALARY |
|---|---|
| First master petty officer | Php 38,366 |
| Master petty officer | Php 34,761 |
| Senior petty officer | Php 34,079 |
| Chief petty officer | Php 33,411 |
| Petty officer I | Php 32,756 |
| Petty officer II | Php 32,114 |
| Petty officer III | Php 31,484 |
| Seaman first class | Php 30,867 |
| Seaman second class | Php 30,261 |
| Seaman third class | Php 29,668 |
So, if you take a look, the salary for people in the Philippines Coast Guard isn’t very high.
Everyone begins at the third-class level as a seaman. On average, in 2023, a seaman earns around Php 30,000 per month. That might not be sufficient to support a good life, especially if you have a family to care for.
Even though the pay for a Coast Guard officer might start small, if you put in a lot of effort, you can increase your salary.
Let’s look at an example: In the Philippines, a seaman captain earns around Php 80,583, which is a pretty good amount. So, hard work can lead to a nice paycheck!
Philippine Coast Guard Salary and Benefits
In addition to basic pay, Philippine Coast Guard personnel also receive several benefits and allowances, including:
- Cost of living allowance (COLA): This is a monetary allowance given to government employees to help them cope with the high cost of living. The amount of COLA depends on the employee’s salary grade, and it is adjusted annually based on inflation rates.
- Hazard pay: Hazard pay is given to employees who work in hazardous or dangerous environments. Coast Guard personnel involved in law enforcement, search, rescue operations, and disaster response are eligible for hazard pay.
- Subsistence allowance: This is a daily allowance given to personnel on official travel or assigned to remote areas with no government-provided quarters or mess halls.
- Clothing allowance: Personnel are given a yearly allowance for purchasing uniforms and other required clothing.
- Medical and dental benefits: The PCG provides medical and dental benefits to its personnel and dependents.
- Retirement benefits: Personnel who have served the PCG for at least 15 years are eligible for retirement benefits. These benefits include a lump sum payment equivalent to one month’s salary for every year of service and a monthly pension.
Besides the good things I mentioned earlier, people working for the PCG also get time off for vacations, when sick, and when they become parents.
It’s good to remember how much money and perks PCG workers get can differ based on their job level, what they do, and how long they’ve been working.
Also, the money and perks they get might change if the government decides to update its rules and laws.
Working for the Philippine Coast Guard can be a cool job where you help our country and keep our waters safe.
And guess what? They also pay you well and give you extra perks! If you’re considering joining the PCG as a job, it’s wise to learn what you need to do and what qualifications you need for different roles.
Plus, it’s good to know how you can move up the ladder in your career there.
Overview of the Philippine Coast Guard
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is like a unique group of people who wear uniforms and carry weapons. They started in 1967.
Their main job is to ensure the rules are followed in the waters around the Philippines.
They also work to keep the ocean life and valuable things safe and do missions to ensure the seas are secure.
Additionally, the PCG is responsible for conducting maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and ensuring safety and environmental protection.
Although it is attached to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), it also serves under the Department of National Defense (DND) during times of war.
Currently, the PCG is headed by CG Admiral Artemio Abu, and its main office is in Port Area, Manila.
Organization and Structure of the Philippine Coast Guard
The Philippine Coast Guard has various departments and units responsible for carrying out its functions effectively. The main departments include:
- Office of the Commandant – responsible for overall management and direction of the PCG.
- Coast Guard Staff – responsible for developing policies and procedures for the PCG.
- Coast Guard Operating Forces – responsible for maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and other maritime operations.
- Coast Guard Education and Training Command – responsible for training and developing PCG personnel.
- Coast Guard Fleet – responsible for maintaining and operating PCG vessels and aircraft.
- Coast Guard Support Commands – responsible for providing logistics and administrative support to the PCG.
- Coast Guard Auxiliary – a voluntary civilian organization that supports the PCG’s activities.
Ranks Classification of the Philippine Coast Guard
So, you know how the Philippine Coast Guard is organized like an organized team? They have a way of arranging their people in a particular order, like how players are ranked in a sports team.
There are two main groups: one with officers with particular degrees from a special school and the other who finished a specific training course.
Commissioned Officers
The following are the ranks for commissioned officers in the Philippine Coast Guard, in descending order:
- Admiral
- Vice admiral
- Rear admiral
- Commodore
- Captain
- Commander
- Lieutenant commander
- Lieutenant senior grade
- Lieutenant (junior grade)
- Ensign
Non-commissioned Officers
The following are the ranks of non-commissioned officers in the Philippine Coast Guard, in descending order:
- First master chief petty officer
- Master chief petty officer
- Senior chief petty officer
- Chief petty officer
- Petty officer, first class
- Petty officer, second class
- Petty officer, third class
- Seaman first class
- Seaman second class
- Seaman third class
Responsibilities
The Philippine Coast Guard performs various maritime safety, security, and environmental protection functions. Some of its primary responsibilities include:
- Conducting search and rescue operations to save lives and property at sea.
- Enforcing laws related to maritime safety and security, including the prevention of maritime crime and smuggling.
- Assisting in natural disasters and emergencies.
- Promoting environmental protection and conservation of the marine ecosystem.
- Conducting maritime safety administration and oversight, including inspecting vessels and maritime facilities.
How to Get a Job in PCG?
Getting a job in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) requires a combination of education, training, and passing the recruitment process. Here are the steps to follow to apply for a job at PCG:
- Check eligibility requirements: Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements set by the PCG. These include age, height, and educational attainment.
- Complete the required education: To qualify for most positions in the PCG, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution. Some positions may require specific fields of study, such as engineering, information technology, or marine science.
- Apply for PCG recruitment: The PCG usually announces its recruitment programs on its website or social media pages. Interested applicants must submit an application form including personal information, educational background, and work experience.
- Take the qualifying exam: Once your application is accepted, you will be scheduled to take a qualifying exam, which includes an aptitude test, physical fitness test, and medical exam.
- Attend the interview: If you pass the qualifying exam, you will be invited to interview with a panel of officers.
- Undergo training: If you pass the interview, you will undergo basic military and specific technical training for your assigned position.
- Pass the final evaluation: After completing the training program, you will undergo a final evaluation before being appointed as a member of the PCG.
Getting a job in the Philippine Coast Guard requires dedication, physical fitness, and a strong desire to serve the country. Applicants should also be prepared for rigorous selection, intense training, and evaluation.
Requirements for Hiring in the Philippine Coast Guard in 2023
Once you learn about the different ranks and how much money people make in the Philippine Coast Guard, you might consider joining them. You could think about becoming an officer or a non-officer for your job there.
If you want to become a PCG officer, there are a few essential things you need to have and do. First, you should be a Filipino citizen by birth and have good behaviour.
- You should be between 21 and 24 years old, unmarried, and at least 5 feet tall, whether you’re a man or a woman.
- You should have finished a four-year college degree. It’s also necessary to have the proper Civil Service qualification and a license from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
- You should be in good physical and mental health, and you need to pass the PCG Aptitude Battery Test (PCGABT).
So, if you’re thinking about becoming a PCG non-officer, here’s what you need:
First, you need to be born in the Philippines. It’s also essential to have good manners and be single. Your age should be between 18 and 26 years old. And no matter if you’re a guy or a girl, you should be at least 5 feet tall.
In terms of education, you should have completed 72 college units or senior high school. TESDA courses count, too! Plus, you’ve got to be in good shape physically and mentally. And you need to pass something called PCGABT.
I hope that clears things up!
Here are some courses you can take in TESDA that will help you get into the Philippine Coast Guard:
- Automotive Wiring
- Harness Assembly
- Automotive Electrical Assembly
- Marine Electricity
- Automotive Mechanical Assembly
- Computer System Servicing
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
- Auto Engine Rebuilding
- Computer Programming
- Automotive Servicing
- Computer Technician
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
- Automotive Electrical Assembly
- Driving
- Computer Hardware Servicing
- Electrical Installation and Maintenance
If you are interested in any of these, take the course from TESDA and pass the required grades. Then, you can apply at the Philippine Coast Guard.
Note that the TESDA courses are only necessary if you are not a diploma holder or a college degree. Specifically, you must take one of these courses if you only finished high school.
Once you have met these qualifications, you must prepare and submit the initial requirements, including the PCGABT application form, personal information sheet, birth certificate issued by the PSA, transcript of records, and diploma and/or TESDA certificate.
You can submit these requirements to the PCG Office of Human Resources Management located in the PCG headquarters in Port Area, Manila, or to Coast Guard District offices in major cities across the country, such as Cebu, Cagayan De Oro City, Davao City, and Bacolod.
After submitting the requirements, you can take the PCGABT and physical fitness test. Applicants must comply with a dress code, including a white shirt, maong pants, white socks, and rubber shoes. You also need to take medical, dental, and neurological exams that the prescribed medical centre of the PCG district will conduct. Applicants who have passed all these exams will undergo a final deliberation to determine who is qualified to proceed to the Coast Guard Officer’s Course (CGOC) or Coast Guardman’s Course (CGMC) training.
Successful PCG applicants will be notified about the oath-taking ceremony. So if you have a passion for maritime security, law enforcement, and rescue, consider applying for a job in the Philippine Coast Guard and become part of the country’s efforts to protect its waters and marine resources.
Career Advancement Opportunities in the Philippine Coast Guard
The Philippine Coast Guard offers various opportunities for career advancement and professional growth. Here are some of the career paths that members of the PCG can pursue:
Officer Candidate School
PCG enlisted personnel who wish to become officers can apply for Officer Candidate School (OCS). This is a program that trains selected enlisted personnel to become officers of the PCG. The program is highly competitive and rigorous, but successful candidates are rewarded with a commission as an officer in the PCG.
Specialization Training
The PCG offers specialized training for its personnel to acquire additional skills and knowledge. These training programs are designed to enhance the competencies of PCG personnel, improve their performance, and prepare them for leadership roles. Some of the specialized training programs offered by the PCG include:
- Medical and Dental Course
- Search and Rescue Course
- Vessel Traffic Management Course
- Operations and Intelligence Course
- Marine Environmental Protection Course
- Law Enforcement Course
Education
The PCG encourages its personnel to pursue higher education. Members of the PCG can enroll in college courses, take vocational training, or attend seminars and workshops. The PCG provides financial assistance to personnel wishing to pursue higher education.
International Assignments
The PCG is a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and participates in various international activities and programs. Members of the PCG can be assigned to work with other maritime agencies in different countries. These assignments allow PCG personnel to gain international experience, enhance their skills, and build professional networks.
Career Specialization
The PCG offers various career specializations that personnel can pursue. Some of the career specializations include:
- Search and Rescue Specialist
- Marine Environmental Protection Specialist
- Operations and Intelligence Specialist
- Vessel Traffic Management Specialist
- Medical and Dental Specialist
These specializations require additional training and qualifications, but they provide opportunities for personnel to specialize in areas that interest them and develop their skills and knowledge in these areas.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Philippine Coast Guard
- Is the Philippine Coast Guard considered a military branch?
Yes, the Philippine Coast Guard is a uniformed armed service considered a military branch and is under the administrative control of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) during peacetime and the Department of National Defense (DND) during peacetime and the Department of National Defense (DND) wartime. - Is being a member of the Philippine Coast Guard a good job?
Yes, being a member of the Philippine Coast Guard is a good job for those passionate about serving the country and protecting its marine resources. Aside from a fulfilling career, PCG personnel also receive competitive salaries and benefits. - How long is the Philippine Coast Guard training?
The length of training for the Philippine Coast Guard varies depending on the type of course. The Coast Guard Officer’s Course (CGOC) usually lasts 12 months, while the Coast Guardman’s Course (CGMC) takes 6 months. However, some specialized courses may take longer to finish. - What is the maximum age limit for joining the PCG?
The maximum age limit for joining the PCG is 26 for non-officers and 24 for officers. - Can women join the Philippine Coast Guard?
Yes, women can join the Philippine Coast Guard. The PCG is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of all genders. - Is there a height requirement for joining the PCG?
Yes, there is a height requirement for joining the PCG. Applicants must be at least 5’0” in height, both for men and women. - What is the PCG Aptitude Battery Test (PCGABT)?
The PCG Aptitude Battery Test (PCGABT) is a written exam that measures an applicant’s cognitive abilities, such as numerical and verbal reasoning, abstract reasoning, and perceptual speed and accuracy. - How long is the training for PCG officers and non-officers?
The training for PCG officers and non-officers varies depending on the course. The Coast Guard Officer’s Course (CGOC) for officers lasts approximately 15 months, while the Coast Guardman’s Course (CGMC) for non-officers lasts approximately 6 months.
WATCH: Rank and Insignias of the Philippine Coast Guard
Conclusion
Working in the Philippine Coast Guard can be exciting and fulfilling. They pay you well, give you good perks, and give you chances to advance your career. You can choose different paths and learn a lot. You might even get to work in other countries! If you put in the effort and stay dedicated, you can have a great career while serving your country.