WHAT IS THE U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY?

The Auxiliary is a uniformed volunteer service organization, composed of men and women who actively support the recreational boating safety and other Coast Guard civil missions. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary was established by Congress in 1939 as the Coast Guard civilian volunteer component and is currently expanding its role within Team Coast Guard. The Auxiliary performs many support services of the Coast Guard. In some parts of the country, the Auxiliary also provides recreational boating safety support to state and local authorities.
MORE ABOUT US:
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM THE AUXILIARY? Training! Many training courses are provided at no cost to members of the Auxiliary.  These courses add to members' skill and knowledge as well as prepare them to actively support Auxiliary programs and activities. You will have the opportunity for personal growth by learning new skills and participating in many different activities to promote boating safety and assist the Coast Guard. Auxiliary activities and missions provide a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from helping others. As an Auxiliarist, you enjoy certain honors and privileges.  Among them are wearing the Coast Guard Auxiliary uniform and proudly flying the Auxiliary's "Blue Ensign."
WHAT THE AUXILIARY EXPECTS FROM YOU: As a member, you are expected to participate o Auxiliary programs and activities. You individual service can be in one of several areas that support the Coast Guard in its many missions. You will be enabled to perform as a professional while participating in public service and aimed at assisting the recreational boating public and the Coast Guard. Of course, fellowship is an important Auxiliary function and your participation is encouraged.
IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN ALL ACTIVITIES Being part of Team Coast Guard, your actions are a direct reflection on the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary. The Auxiliary seeks dedicated people to carry on the high quality programs and missions which make the Coast Guard the premier maritime service in the world and the Auxiliary the premier volunteer boating and safety organization.
You will receive the best possible training available. As an Auxiliarist you are eligible to receive Coast Guard and Auxiliary mission orders.  In conducting these mission, you will be interacting with the public as well as other Coast Guard and Auxiliary members. As with all members of TEAM Coast Guard, you will be expected to comply with and support policies against sexual harassment, discrimination, drug and alcohol abuse.
EVERY MEMBER CAN PARTICIPATE The Auxiliary's primary function is to promote recreational boating safety and assist the Coast Guard in its civil missions serving the public. As an Auxiliarist you can participate in one more programs such as:

1. Patrols

2. Chart-updating

3. Training

4. Recruiting

5. Public Affairs

6. Public Education

7. Vessel Safety Programs

8. Environmental Protections

The flotilla is the Auxiliary's basic unit. Every Auxiliarist is a flotilla member and attends flotilla meetings. The flotilla is led by the Flotilla Commander with assistance from the Flotilla Vice Commander who are elected by the flotilla members. Additionally, various staff officers are appointed by the Flotilla Commander to administer the flotilla's activities. 

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS OPPORTUNITIES

Membership begins with the New Member training program. This program explains the Auxiliary and it's functions, and assists you in getting started. You will be enrolled as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, which entitles you to many training opportunities for qualifications, as in:

  • Vessel Examiner

  • Air and Surface Operations

  • Marine Safety & Environmental Protection

  • Aids to Navigation Verifier

  • Auxiliary Administration

  • Radio Watchstanding

  • Instructor

  • Chart Updating

If you desire to participate in any of these activities, you must first undergo training and then qualifications in the specific program. This is designed to ensure proficiency and safety. Ample opportunity to participate in the qualification training is provided by Auxiliary trainers throughout each year.

If you have a vessel (facility) and want to use it to assist Coast Guard and Auxiliary operational programs, you must first offer it for use as an operational facility.  Operational Facility owners and others wishing to participate in on-the-water activities complete a Boat Crew Qualification program. The Boat Crew Qualification consists of in-depth seamanship and boat handling training followed by a series of proficiency demonstrations, both written and practical. These validate your ability to competently carry out operational missions as a crew member or coxswain.
At some point you may wish to take the advanced Auxiliary Operational Specialty (AUXOP) courses. This is more training! These courses may be taken any time throughout your Auxiliary career and provide fun and meaningful experience. The six Specialty Courses are listed below:

  • PATROLS

  • COMMUNICATIONS

  • SEAMANSHIP

  • PILOTING/NAVIGATION

  • WEATHER

  • SEARCH AND RESCUE

As you can see, there is a wealth of training courses available to you at no cost.
PERSONAL COSTS

Like other organizations, there are personal costs involved in Auxiliary membership.
These cost include:

  • time devoted to participation in Auxiliary missions

  • modest annual membership dues which need to be kept current for membership,

  • costs involved for Auxiliary social functions,

  • uniforms and attachments needed in administrative and public service activities,

  • the purchase of proper safety equipment for us in the on-the-water operations of Auxiliary patrols