Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Recruitment & Entry Guide

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is an armed and uniformed service attached to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). It is mandated to enforce maritime laws, conduct maritime security and search and rescue (SAR) operations, preserve marine environmental protection, and safeguard maritime safety throughout the Philippine archipelago.

1. Overview

The PCG conducts annual nationwide recruitment cycles for both Commissionship (Officers) and Enlistment (Non-Officers). Appointed Non-Officer recruits enter as Candidate Coast Guard Man/Woman and are promoted to Seaman Third Class (Salary Grade 10) upon graduation, while Officer candidates complete commissionship training to become Probationary Ensigns (Salary Grade 15).

2. Qualifications

PCG entry requirements are categorized by entry track:

A. Non-Officer Track (Enlistment - CGNOC)

• Civil Status: Must be Single with no dependent children.
• Age: Must be at least eighteen (18) years old and not more than twenty-eight (28) years old at the date of examination.
• Height: Minimum height requirement is 1.57 meters (5'2") for males and 1.52 meters (5'0") for females (NCIP height waivers apply for Indigenous People).
• Education: Senior High School Graduate with TESDA NC II Certification, OR at least seventy-two (72) college units, OR a Bachelor's degree.

B. Officer Track (Commissionship - CGOC)

• Civil Status: Must be Single with no dependent children.
• Age: Must be at least twenty-one (21) years old and not more than twenty-eight (28) years old at the date of examination.
• Height: Minimum height requirement is 1.57 meters (5'2") for males and 1.52 meters (5'0") for females (NCIP height waivers apply).
• Education: Holder of a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or college.
• Eligibility: Must possess Civil Service Commission (CSC) Professional Eligibility or PRC Board Examination License (RA 1080).

3. Eligibility

Applicants must possess qualifying eligibilities depending on the entry track:

• PCG Aptitude Battery Test (PCG-ABT) (Mandatory entrance exam for all applicants)
• Civil Service Commission (CSC) Professional / Subprofessional Eligibility
• PRC Board Examination License (RA 1080) (e.g., Marine Engineers, Master Mariners, Engineers, Criminologists, Nurses)
• Maritime Qualifications: STCW Certifications for maritime graduates.

4. Documentary Requirements

Applicants must present a complete application folder containing:

• Duly accomplished PCG Application Form.
• PSA Birth Certificate (original and certified copies).
• Official Transcript of Records (TOR), Diploma, or Senior High School Certificate with TESDA NC II.
• Certificate of Eligibility or PRC Rating & License ID.
• NBI Clearance, Police Clearance, and Barangay Clearance.
• Certificate of No Pending Case / Good Moral Character Certificate.
• NCIP Height Waiver Certificate (if applicable).

5. Recruitment Process

The PCG recruitment selection process follows standardized sequential steps:

1. Online Application & Initial Screening: Filing application via the PCG recruitment portal or regional Coast Guard Districts.
2. PCG Aptitude Battery Test (PCG-ABT): Written examination measuring cognitive ability and analytical reasoning.
3. Physical Fitness Test (PFT) & Mandatory 100m Swim Test: Assessing physical stamina and water survival skills.
4. Medical, Physical & Dental Examination: Comprehensive clinical and laboratory screening.
5. Neuro-Psychiatric Examination: Psychological profiling for maritime operational duty.
6. Complete Character & Background Investigation (CBI): Security vetting and background verification.
7. Final Board Interview: Oral evaluation by the PCG Officers Selection Board.
8. Oath-Taking & Enlistment / Commissioning Order: Swearing-in as Coast Guard Trainees.

6. Examination Information

The PCG Aptitude Battery Test (PCG-ABT) is administered nationwide by Coast Guard Human Resource Management Command:

• Scope & Coverage: Verbal Comprehension, Numerical Reasoning, Abstract & Spatial Reasoning, General Information, and Maritime Safety Awareness.
• Passing Standard: Candidates must achieve the cut-off score determined by the PCG Examination Board for their specific track.

7. Physical Requirements

The PCG Physical Fitness Test (PFT) includes land and water fitness assessments:

• Push-ups & Sit-ups: Upper body strength and core muscular endurance.
• 3.2-Kilometer Timed Run: Cardiovascular endurance.
• Mandatory 100-Meter Swim Test: Water survival capability test without floatation aids.

8. Medical Requirements

Candidates undergo rigorous medical and laboratory evaluations:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC), Urinalysis, and Fecalysis.
• Chest X-Ray (Radiological screening).
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) for heart health.
• Ishihara Test for Color Blindness (Normal color vision is mandatory for navigation duty) & Visual Acuity Test.
• Comprehensive Drug Screening.
• Audiometry (hearing test) and Dental Examination.

9. Interview Process

The PCG Selection Board Interview assesses candidates on:

• Commitment to maritime law enforcement, marine conservation, and search and rescue duties.
• Officer leadership potential, discipline, and military bearing.
• Verbal clarity, situational problem-solving, and adaptability to sea duty.

10. Training Information

Appointed candidates complete mandatory residential training:

• Non-Officer Track: Six (6) months Coast Guard Basic Training Course at the Coast Guard Training Center (CGTC) in Bagac, Bataan.
• Officer Track: One (1) year Coast Guard Officer Course (CGOC) at the Coast Guard Education, Training and Doctrine Command (CGETDC).

11. Salary & Benefits

Coast Guard personnel receive competitive military and uniformed service compensation:

• Base Pay:
  • Non-Officer (Seaman 3rd Class): Salary Grade 10 (Base pay ₱30,227.00/month).
  • Officer (Ensign): Salary Grade 15 (Base pay ₱36,619.00/month).
• Allowances: Sea Duty Pay, Hazard Pay, Diving Pay (if qualified), Flight Pay, Clothing & Uniform Allowance, and Subsidy.
• Benefits: Comprehensive PhilHealth coverage, GSIS insurance, leave credits, and retirement benefits.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

• Can non-swimmers apply for the PCG? Swimming is a mandatory component during PFT and basic training; applicants are strongly advised to practice basic swimming skills before applying.
• Is Senior High School accepted for PCG recruitment? Yes. SHS graduates with a valid TESDA NC II certification qualify for the Non-Officer (enlistment) track.
• What is the age limit for PCG recruitment? Applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old for Non-Officer, and 21 to 28 years old for Officer candidates on the date of examination.

13. Official References

• Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Official Portal: Official website for nationwide recruitment quotas and district schedules.
• Department of Transportation (DOTr): Parent executive department supervising the PCG.
• Republic Act No. 9993: The Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009.

14. Related Articles

• PNP Recruitment & Exam Guide
• BFP Recruitment Guide
• BJMP Recruitment Guide
• BuCor Recruitment Guide
• Tips for Passing the Civil Service Exam

[!IMPORTANT] Official Verification Reminder: ToolBayan is an independent reference platform and is not affiliated with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) or the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Recruitment quotas, swim test standards, and examination venues are subject to change. Always verify announcements on official PCG portals.