Indian Coast Guard operates in complex environment at sea and in the air. It operates various types of ships, craft and aircraft. The operational aspects, maintenance and administrative fronts pose challenges that can only be met with professionally trained manpower. All the manpower of the service; officers and enrolled personnel are professionally trained in their respective domain.

Indian Coast Guard's ab-initio, downstream and specialized training is carried out mostly at various Naval training establishments. After completion of the training, the trained manpower assumes their respective roles to undertake the Coast Guard charter of duties.

The Officers training commences at Indian Naval Academy Ezhimala, where Naval Orientation is conducted for a duration of 22 weeks. This training is common in respect of all the Officers [General Duty(GD), Techinacal, Pilot Navigator (P/N), Short Service Appointment (SSA) and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) entry-gentleman and women]. The training at Indian Naval Academy is conducted for two batches in a year.

On completion of the Naval Orientation Course, GD Officers are deputed for afloat training for 12 weeks. This is followed by Seamanship Board and technical courses at various Naval Training Establishment for 47 weeks. On completion, they undergo watch keeping certification for 24 weeks followed by appointment onboard ships. P/N officers go for pre-flying training and flying training with Navy, Air Force or private flying clubs.

CPL entry Officers (gentlemen and women) undergo technical courses of 03 weeks followed by conversion courses for fixed/rotary wings. Women Officers undergo technical courses for 23 weeks and do On Job Training (OJT) at various Coast Guard Regional Headquarters/units. Technical Officers (Engineers/Electrical) are deputed for respective training and technical courses. They undergo watch keeping certification onboard ships.