Present PCG assets and operational doctrines are no longer effective in promoting maritime safety and security in the country. A potential solution would be to utilize drones in its operations to significantly improve the outcomes of its mandates. This study identified the potential uses of drones in PCG operations, its mission-essential requirements, and the design characteristics of an ideal PCG drone asset. The study involved 25 officers of the PCG with subject matter expertise on PCG operations. Using survey, FGD, and KII in a descriptive research design generated the potential uses, and with supplement from literature the mission-essential requirements and design characteristics. Across all five functional areas of PCG operations monitoring figures heavily as a potential activity for drones. Mission-essential requirements which are common across the functions include launch capability from Coast Guard stations or ships, capacity for sustained flight of over 36 hours, able to fly over international waters in medium altitude, and an electro-optical sensor payload. The ideal drone for the PCG can be classified as an All Weather-BLOS-Remotely Piloted-Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Drone. The study concluded that the potential use of drones will be in the conduct of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) for the PCG which can be done by one multi-purpose drone design.