Commander, Coast Guard

What does a captain in the Coast Guard do? – Tasks and work environment

A captain in the Coast Guard leads and is responsible for the crew and operations onboard the Coast Guard vessel. The work includes planning and executing maritime surveillance, environmental rescue, maritime inspections, fisheries monitoring, and emergency responses to accidents and crimes at sea. The captain ensures that the vessel's operation, safety, and work environment comply with laws and regulations, while leadership and collaboration with colleagues and other authorities are central to the role. The work environment is varied and can involve long shifts at sea, sometimes under challenging weather conditions, which requires high stress tolerance and decision-making ability.

Salary development over time

The salary for captains in the Coast Guard has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,300 SEK per month, increasing to 38 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen to 41,000 SEK, representing an increase of over 7% over three years. This salary development reflects an increased demand for qualified personnel in maritime safety and environmental protection, but is also influenced by collective bargaining and skill requirements. The trend indicates that the profession continues to be highly valued, especially considering the responsibilities and specialized expertise required for the role.

Captain in the Coast Guard salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 41,000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,500 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 46,100 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 246 SEK
• Women's average salary: 39 600 SEK (94% of men's salary)
• Men's average salary: 42 000 SEK
• Regional differences: Data not available, but minor variations may occur depending on station location and employer.

Education and qualifications

To work as a captain in the Coast Guard, a combination of formal maritime education and specialized internal training at the Coast Guard is usually required. In addition to a maritime officer degree, requirements include good physical health, safety training, and experience at sea. The recruitment process is competitive and includes tests and interviews.

• Maritime officer degree class VII or higher – at least 2 years
• Coast Guard's basic training – specific internal training
• Approved safety and rescue training
• Practical sea service – documented experience required
• Physical and aptitude tests during recruitment

Common benefits and compensations

Coast Guard captains are often covered by collective agreements that include benefits such as pension plans, wellness allowances, extra vacation days, overtime pay, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Additional compensations are provided for overtime, unsociable hours, and special maritime operations. Opportunities for skills development and further training are regularly offered within the agency.

Competition and challenges

The availability of positions for Coast Guard captains is limited, and the recruitment process is selective. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, no precise assessment of job prospects can be made due to limited statistics, but in the profession, there were 191 job openings during the past year. Challenges in the profession include high demands for leadership, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to handle unforeseen situations at sea. Continuous further education is required to meet changing legal requirements and technological developments. Many positions involve working unsociable hours and long periods away from home.

Tips for those who want to become a Coast Guard captain

To succeed as a Coast Guard captain, it is helpful to have a strong sense of responsibility and an interest in maritime safety. Good communication skills aid in leading the crew and collaborating with other authorities, while stress resilience is crucial for making correct decisions under pressure. Precision in work reduces the risk of mistakes related to safety and environmental protection, and a willingness to continually update one's knowledge is important for staying current with regulations and technology. Physical endurance facilitates the sometimes demanding working conditions at sea. Finally, teamwork and humility are key qualities for creating a good onboard work environment and achieving common goals.

Key facts about Captain in the Coast Guard

• Education level: Maritime officer degree (at least class VII) + internal training
• Work environment: Onboard Coast Guard vessels, often at sea
• Work form: Shift work and on-call duties are common
• Demand: 191 job openings in the profession last year
• Special skills: Leadership, maritime safety, environmental legislation

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Coast Guard captain, opportunities exist to advance to higher command roles, such as ship commander or specialist positions within environmental protection, training, or international cooperation. Some choose to pursue further education in leadership or administration, while others move into roles within other agencies or the private maritime sector. The Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for the profession is uncertain due to limited statistics, but the need for qualified personnel in maritime safety and environmental protection is expected to persist. Technological developments and increased environmental requirements will continue to make skills and experience highly valued.

Frequently asked questions about Captain in the Coast Guard

• What does a Captain in the Coast Guard earn?
  - A Coast Guard captain has an average salary of 41,000 SEK per month.
• How to become a captain in the Coast Guard?
  - Requirements include a maritime officer degree (at least class VII), internal training at the Coast Guard, and approved tests.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 39 600 SEK, which is 94% of men's average salary.
• What tasks are included in the profession?
  - Crew management, maritime surveillance, environmental rescue, maritime controls, and emergency responses.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Forecasts are uncertain, but there were 191 job openings during the past year.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for the profession?
  - The highest salary is 46,100 SEK, and the lowest is 38,500 SEK, depending on gender, sector, and education level.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Responsibility, stress resilience, good communication, and teamwork skills are key qualities.