You may be able to work your way into this role by starting as a coastguard watch assistant and applying for promotion when you've got more experience.
To apply, you'll need literacy, numeracy and IT skills.
Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers play a vital role in responding to emergencies in remote, rural, and coastal areas across the United Kingdom. Most SAR workers are volunteers, though some professional roles exist, especially within organisations like HM Coastguard or the RNLI. Volunteers are trained to assist in a wide range of incidents, including missing person searches, hill or mountain rescues, flood responses, and providing support during natural disasters. The work is physically demanding and often takes place in challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain. Volunteers are usually on call at all hours, working with police, ambulance, fire services, and other agencies. Training covers first aid, navigation, rope rescue, and teamwork. SAR volunteers make a real difference by saving lives and supporting communities in times of crisis.
There are over 3,500 mountain rescue volunteers and around 1,800 RNLI lifeboat crew members in the UK.
Volunteers may spend from 50 to 200 hours per year on callouts, training, and fundraising activities.
Professional search and rescue roles, such as Coastguard Rescue Officers, can earn between £20,000 and £30,000 per year depending on experience and location.
Specialises in searching for and assisting people who are lost or injured in mountainous or remote terrain, often working in challenging weather conditions.
Volunteers with the RNLI or similar organisations to carry out sea rescues and respond to emergencies along the UK coast.
Focuses on locating and rescuing individuals from collapsed buildings or disaster zones in urban environments, using specialist equipment and techniques.
Learn about different types of Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, such as mountain, cave, or lifeboat teams.
Look into local and national SAR organisations, such as Mountain Rescue, Lowland Rescue, RNLI, or the Coastguard. Each team operates in different environments and may have different requirements. Understanding the variety of SAR teams can help you decide which suits your interests and abilities.
Identify the skills and qualities needed, such as teamwork, communication, physical fitness, and problem-solving.
SAR volunteers need to work well under pressure, communicate clearly, and often be physically fit enough for challenging environments. Consider if you are comfortable working outdoors in all weather and responding to emergencies at any time.
Begin a regular exercise routine to ensure you can cope with demanding SAR activities.
Most SAR operations require walking long distances, carrying equipment, and working in difficult terrain. Activities like hiking, running, or joining an outdoor pursuits club can help you build the necessary fitness and resilience.
Take courses in navigation, outdoor survival, and first aid.
Many SAR teams require volunteers to have or obtain basic first aid qualifications and navigation skills. Look for local courses or training provided by organisations such as St John Ambulance, the Scouts, or outdoor education centres. These skills are vital for your safety and the effectiveness of the team.
Contact your chosen SAR team and enquire about their application process.
Most teams have a recruitment process which may include an application form, interviews, and assessments. Check their websites for volunteer opportunities and requirements, such as minimum age or local residency.
Participate in team training sessions and complete the probationary period.
New volunteers usually undergo a period of supervised training, learning SAR techniques, using equipment, and understanding team protocols. You may shadow experienced team members before becoming a full operational volunteer. Ongoing training and commitment are essential.
Responds to emergencies such as fires, road traffic accidents, and rescues, often working as part of a skilled team to protect people and property.
Provides immediate medical care in emergencies, including at the scene of accidents and during patient transport to hospital.
Works along the UK coastline to assist with search and rescue operations, often as a paid professional, responding to incidents at sea and on the shore.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Search and Rescue Volunteer (often professional roles exist too). Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Search and Rescue Volunteer in a maritime context closely aligns with the role of a Coastguard, as both involve rescuing individuals in distress at sea, operating in emergency situations, and working within safety and rescue protocols. Both careers require specialised training, quick decision-making skills, and a strong sense of public service.
You can get into this job through:
You may be able to work your way into this role by starting as a coastguard watch assistant and applying for promotion when you've got more experience.
To apply, you'll need literacy, numeracy and IT skills.
Voluntering is a good way to get experience of working in the coastguard service. You could volunteer to become a coastguard rescue officer.
You'll need to be:
As you get more experience, you could apply for a paid position when vacancies are advertised.
You can apply for jobs with HM Coastguard if you have relevant skills and knowledge. Jobs include call centre operations and maritime watch services.
You'll need a good standard of literacy and numeracy, and good eyesight and hearing.
For some jobs, it may be helpful to have experience working at sea. This might be from:
You can find out more about becoming a coastguard from:
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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