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DCs perform the most hands-on fabrication work in the Coast Guard. You'll gain skills in welding, plumbing, and carpentry. Onboard a cutter, you'll be responsible for damage control—including systems maintenance, crew training, and rapid emergency response. Ashore, DCs serve at engineering support units and base facilities to maintain shoreside infrastructure.

  • A hands-on person? 
  • Good at building and repairing things? 
  • Interested in emergency response? 
  • Experienced or interested in welding, carpentry, or plumbing?

Firefighting
Welding
Carpentry

  • DCs receive a 15-week rating course in Yorktown, VA with instruction in welding; firefighting; carpentry; plumbing; chemical, biological, and radiological warfare defense; and shipboard damage control.
  • Advanced training in welding, firefighting, and shipboard damage control, as well as advanced CBR and non-destructive weld examination training.
  • Specifically, the Engineering Technology program is available to the DC rating.

  • Firefighter
  • Facilities Manager
  • Welder
  • Carpenter
  • Plumber
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