Coast Guard
COMBAT
Subspecialty

Officer Subspecialty

CG-OAR13

Maritime Law Enforcement/PWCS

An officer subspecialty earned alongside a primary designator, marking advanced education or experience in this field.

Description

Maritime Law Enforcement/PWCS Subspecialty Officers perform operational, training, and other duties as prescribed under the authorities where units conduct activities under 33 CFR Part 6. Ashore law enforcement/PWCS mission programs include Ports, Waterways & Coastal Security (PWCS), Maritime Security Response Operations (MSRO), Living Marine Resources (LMR), law enforcement ashore at facilities, and General Law Enforcement. Maritime Law Enforcement/PWCS Subspecialty Officers are well versed in all policies, protocols, authorities and jurisdiction as they relate to each of the mission programs.

Core Skills

  • maritime law enforcement
  • port security operations
  • coastal security planning
  • regulatory authority interpretation
  • maritime investigations
  • interagency coordination
  • facility security assessment
  • law enforcement training
  • evidence and case management

Common Certifications

  • Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
  • Physical Security Professional (PSP)
  • Certified Security Supervisor (CSS)
  • State Law Enforcement Officer Certification
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Certified Port Executive (CPE)

Civilian Career Paths

  • LAW ENFORCEMENT
  • PHYSICAL SECURITY
  • PRIVATE SECURITY
  • LEGAL SERVICES

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • State Law Enforcement Officer Certification
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • FEMA Incident Command System ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800
  • OSHA 30-Hour General Industry

Career Growth

  • Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
  • Physical Security Professional (PSP)
  • Certified Port Executive (CPE)
  • Certified Security Supervisor (CSS)

Equivalent Roles in Other Branches

Data sourced from official Coast Guard publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.