Belize Coast Guard: Steps To Joining The Ranks

The Belize Coast Guard (BCG) is a maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement service branch of Belize. The BCG is under the Ministry of Home Affairs and strives to be a model of National Security Excellence in the Central American and Caribbean Region. The BCG's mission includes maintaining sovereignty over Belize's sea space and the naval defence of Belize. To join the BCG, applicants must complete a rigorous selection process, including a swim test, a basic fitness test, a written examination, and an interview. Those who are successful undergo 12 weeks of intense military training to become Coast Guard Sailors.

Application forms

To apply to join the Belize Coast Guard, you need to fill out the following forms and submit them via email:

• Belize Coast Guard Application Form
• Belize Coast Guard Medical Appreciation Form

The application form will require you to provide personal information, such as your name, address, contact details, educational background, work experience, and any other relevant qualifications or skills. Make sure to have this information ready before starting your application.

The Medical Appreciation Form is to ensure that you meet the physical fitness standards required to join the Belize Coast Guard. It will likely include questions about your medical history, any current or previous injuries or illnesses, and your current fitness level. You may also be asked to provide results from a recent medical examination or fitness test.

It is important to carefully review the requirements and instructions for each form before submitting your application. Incomplete or incorrect information may result in delays or disqualification from the recruitment process.

Once your application forms have been submitted, the Coast Guard will screen your application. If you are selected as a potential recruit, you will receive an official response notifying you of your acceptance to sit for the one-day entry exam, which includes a swim test, a basic fitness test, a written examination, and an interview.

Training

The Belize Coast Guard (BCG) is the maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement service branch of Belize. The BCG is under the Ministry of Home Affairs and strives to be the model of National Security Excellence in the Central American and Caribbean Region.

The training curriculum is designed to transform you from a civilian into a Coast Guard Sailor in 12 weeks. The program focuses on developing marine infantry and traditional Coast Guard skills.

The 12-week training covers:

• Basic navigation and rules of the road
• Types of patrols and routine deployments
• Search and Rescue
• Seamanship
• Maritime Law Enforcement
• Maritime Operations
• First-aid
• Fire Fighting
• Physical Fitness
• Foot Drills
• Watermanship skills

Recruits are also introduced to their basic duties, roles, and responsibilities as a seaman, including line work, duties underway, and duties ashore.

Weapons Training

An important aspect of the training is weapons handling. Recruits are taught the safe handling of all types of weapons and ammunition used by the Coast Guard. They learn the principles of marksmanship and must pass the Test on Elementary Training Skills (TOETS). This includes:

• Normal safety precautions
• Stripping and assembling of weapons
• Immediate action and stoppage drills
• Loading and unloading
• Making safe drills
• Magazine filling
• Weapon nomenclature

They learn to shoot from every firing position and then put their training into practice at the live firing range.

Teamwork and Discipline

During training, recruits are taught to move as a unit, follow instructions, and work as a team. Tough inspections are carried out by the instructing staff to ensure that recruits care for their equipment, practice hygiene, and maintain discipline.

Pay and Graduation

During the 12-week training period, recruits are paid $505.25 every two weeks. After successful completion of the training, they are promoted to Seaman Apprentice and their salaries are adjusted.

At the graduation ceremony, five individual awards are issued:

• Champion Recruit
• Best Physical
• Best Female
• Champion Shot
• Best Swimmer

Post-Graduation

After graduation, all Seaman Apprentices undergo a 1-year apprenticeship at various units before becoming eligible for promotion to the rank of Seaman. Seaman Apprentices receive a monthly allowance of $400 in addition to their salary.

Examinations

To join the Belize Coast Guard, applicants must first submit the following forms:

• Belize Coast Guard Application Form
• Belize Coast Guard Medical Appreciation Form

After a thorough screening of one's application, potential recruits will receive an official response from the Coast Guard Headquarters notifying them of their acceptance to sit for a one-day entry exam. This response will include important information such as the date, time, location, and other necessary requirements for the examination.

The one-day entry exam includes:

Swim Test:

This involves treading water for two minutes followed by a 200-meter swim that must be completed within eight minutes.

Basic Fitness Test:

A timed 1.5-mile run that must be completed within ten minutes and thirty seconds.

Candidates who successfully pass both physical examinations will be invited to continue with the following:

Written Examination:

Covering Math, English, and General Knowledge.

Interview:

A one-on-one or panel interview will likely assess a candidate's suitability and motivation for joining the Belize Coast Guard.

Those who successfully pass all the entry exams will be officially notified by the Belize Coast Guard and will receive further instructions on when to report for recruit training, along with a packing list.

Graduation

The graduation ceremony is a proud moment for the new Seaman Apprentices, as they stand tall, having endured and overcome the challenges of recruit training. It is a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and successful completion of the intensive curriculum. The ceremony serves as a recognition of their achievements and a celebration of their new status as members of the BCG.

During the ceremony, awards are presented to outstanding recruits in several categories. These include the Champion Recruit, Best Physical, Best Female, Champion Shot, and Best Swimmer. These awards acknowledge the exceptional performance and talents of individuals within the graduating class.

Following graduation, the new Seaman Apprentices embark on a one-year apprenticeship at various units within the BCG. During this period, they gain practical experience and continue to develop their skills before becoming eligible for promotion to the rank of Seaman. This apprenticeship phase is crucial for consolidating their training and easing the transition into their roles as full-fledged members of the Belize Coast Guard.

The graduation and subsequent apprenticeship are stepping stones in the journey of BCG recruits, shaping them into capable and dedicated guardians of Belize's maritime security and sovereignty. The pride and honour associated with this milestone fuel their motivation to serve and protect their nation with excellence.

Roles and responsibilities

The Belize Coast Guard (BCG) is a maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement service branch of Belize. The BCG is under the Ministry of Home Affairs and its mission includes maintaining sovereignty over Belize's sea space and the naval defence of Belize.

The BCG's roles and responsibilities include:

• Patrolling internal waters and territorial seas 24/7 to enforce maritime law and security.
• Protecting the local economy from the negative impacts of illegal contraband and drug trafficking.
• Guarding the Sarstoon River on the southern boundary to ensure Belize's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Coordinating activities with the Belize Defence Force and the Belize Police Department.
• Conducting search and rescue operations.
• Maintaining seamarks.
• During wartime, the BCG may serve as a naval reserve force with responsibilities such as harbour defence, port security, naval counter-intelligence, and coastal patrols.
• The BCG also has a role in protecting marine resources and preventing illegal fishing and other illicit activities that affect Belize's maritime ecosystem.

Training

The BCG provides 12 weeks of intense military training to transform recruits from civilians into Coast Guard Sailors. The curriculum includes:

• Search and Rescue
• Seamanship
• Maritime Law Enforcement
• Maritime Operations
• Basic Navigation
• First-aid
• Fire Fighting
• Physical Fitness
• Foot Drills
• Watermanship skills

During training, recruits are also introduced to basic duties, line work, duties underway, and duties ashore. They are taught weapons handling, marksmanship, and must pass the Test on Elementary Training Skills (TOETS).

Recruitment Process

The BCG accepts new applicants annually. The recruitment process involves submitting an application form and a medical appreciation form. After screening, potential recruits are invited to sit for a one-day entry exam, which includes a swim test, a basic fitness test, a written examination, and an interview. Successful candidates are then notified and provided with instructions for recruit training.

Frequently asked questions