Meet Andrew Henderson
Watch Officer, Coast Guard
Working at the heart of our maritime rescue operations requires dedication, teamwork, and a passion for the sea. Andrew Henderson, a Watch Officer based in Donegal, shares his experience of transitioning from a life at sea to a vital shore-based role within the Irish Coast Guard.
Andrew is part of the team responsible for monitoring our coasts and responding to those in need.
He works as part of the team in one of the three Marine Rescue Coordination Centres in Ireland – Andrew is based in Malin Head Marine Rescue Sub Centre where he carries out a listening watch on the emergency frequencies for the Northwest.
Choosing a career ashore
After a decade spent working on the water, the opportunity to bring his maritime skills to a land-based role was a perfect fit.
“My previous roles were at sea for long periods at a time for the last 10 plus years. Opportunities in the maritime capacity ashore are limited, so when I saw the advertisement I seized the opportunity,“ he says.
The power of teamwork
The Coast Guard relies on a diverse group of people, each bringing unique perspectives to the rescue centres.
“There is a strong feeling of being a part of a team. Each officer brings their own knowledge and experience coming from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds,“ says Andrew.
Benefits and balance
Working for the Department of Transport provides a stable environment with plenty of room for growth. Andrew values the work-life balance, job security, pension entitlements, salary increments and continuous learning and development opportunities available to him.
"It has given me the opportunity to work in a profession I am passionate about while also maintaining a good work-life balance."
Making a difference
For Andrew, the most rewarding part of the job is the impact he has on the community and the excitement of the work.
"I love the respect and honour you get from others when they learn you work for the Irish Coast Guard. I particularly enjoy the fast-paced environment variety of workload – no two incidents are the same – and the feeling of knowing you have made a difference when helping others."
Public service
Andrew encourages anyone looking for a supportive and inclusive workplace to consider a role in the public sector.
“The Department of Transport are a great department to work for offering an inclusive culture and various learning and development opportunities.“
Join the Irish Coast Guard
Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a real difference? The Irish Coast Guard offers exciting opportunities for people who are passionate about maritime safety and helping others.
All of our permanent roles are recruited through publicjobs.ie, the official website for public service careers in Ireland. On this site, you can search for current vacancies, read detailed job descriptions, and set up alerts so you never miss a new opening.