Join the Auxiliary

Introduction & Brief History

The Auxiliary is a civilian organization of volunteers. Being an Auxiliarist will add a new dimension to your boating activities and enable you to share in the worthwhile experience of assisting boaters and saving lives, as well as being an important part of the United States Coast Guard.

The United States Coast Guard is a military service - one of the five armed forces of the United States, under the direction of the Department of Homeland Security. The Coast Guard is also charged with many responsibilities that are civil in nature, in addition to their military duties. The Auxiliary is an element of the U.S. Coast Guard, which also included the active-duty Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Reserve, civilian employees, and Coast Guard retirees.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was established by Congress in June, 1939, to assist the Coast Guard in promoting boating safety. It is composed of nearly 35,000 members from all walks of life who are drawn together by their love of the water and a willingness to serve other boaters. Its members receive special training so that they may be a functional part of Team Coast Guard.

Auxiliarists assist the Coast Guard in non-law-enforcement programs such as public education, safety patrols, search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and Coast Guard Academy introduction programs for youth. Auxiliary members volunteer approximately 2-million hours annually to benefit other boaters and their families.

The 1996 Coast Guard Authorization Act states, "The purpose of the Auxiliary is to assist the Coast Guard as authorized by the Commandant, in performing any coast Guard function, power, duty, role, mission, or operation authorized by law." In essence all Coast Guard missions are available except direct law enforcement and military operations, thus the term TEAM COAST GUARD is used to describe the entire Coast Guard family.

Auxiliarists are authorized to wear uniforms similar to those of Coast Guard officers, but with distinctive insignia and devices. Auxiliarists hold "office" instead of "rank."

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Eligibility

Membership is open to citizens of the United States and its territories and possessions, who are 17 years of age or older.
Facility (radio station, boat or aircraft) ownership is desirable but not mandatory.
Individuals with special training or experience in any Auxiliary program are encouraged to join.
Membership is also open to all active duty or former members of any of the uniformed services and their reserve components.
Contact your nearest Auxiliary unit or e-mail us.

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Benefits

As an Auxiliarist, you have an opportunity to increase your knowledge of boating safety and acquire special training through advanced classes or by taking correspondence courses from the Coast Guard Institute. Instruction in navigation, meteorology, marine engines, communications, and search and rescue operations enhances the value of you to the Auxiliary while adding to your own boating pleasure.

You will find great personal satisfaction in providing a valuable public service to the boaters. The possibility of saving lives - even one human life - is always in your path as an Auxiliarist.

Dedication to boating safety provides you with the atmosphere for getting together to swap boating experiences and participate in exercises, group outings, etc. You'll find a special fellowship among Auxiliarists that's hard to beat. There's time to relax and have fun at Auxiliary outings, rendezvous, cruises and conferences. Auxiliarists make lasting, meaningful friendships.

Operations Safety patrols, regatta patrols, search and rescue, and Coast Guard support missions are part of the Operations mission. As a new member you could be trained to qualify as Boat Crew, Coxswain, Air Crew, communications watchstanders, work in Coast Guard offices and other Coast Guard mission areas. Our pilots and aircraft, working with our radio stations and boats, provide for complete operational support by working with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Public Education The Auxiliary is noted for its public education courses which teach pleasure boaters safe boating principles, practices, and legal responsibilities. You could be trained to be an Instructor for any course that we offer - from Water 'n Kids to Advanced Coastal Navigation.
Vessel Examination The Vessel Safety Check program serves to encourage boaters to carry the proper safety equipment. You could be trained to become a Vessel Examiner and give the boaters a personal mini-course in boating safety equipment while performing a vessel examination at your local boating area.

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Special Benefits for Coast Guard Recruits

If you are 17 years of age and thinking about a career in the Coast Guard, this is for you! When you turn 17, you can join the Auxiliary, learn tremendous boating skills, advance your future career and pay in the Coast Guard while having fun learning in a friendly, supportive environment.

Under present Coast Guard recruiting requirements, Coast Guard recruits who are Auxiliarists in good standing and currently qualified at the level of Boat Crew in the Auxiliary Operations program may be enlisted in pay grade as E-2 (SA/FA) out of boot camp. Likewise, active duty Coast Guard personnel who are currently qualified as Auxiliary Vessel Coxswains may be enlisted up to a pay grade of E-3 (SN).What does this mean to you? It means Auxiliary membership and involvement translates into a monthly pay increase of over $100!

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Uniforms

You are entitled to wear a uniform similar to those worn by the Coast Guard, but with different markings (silver rather than gold, basically). There are many Auxiliary activities that require you to wear a uniform in order to participate, especially when you are dealing with the public. The minimum uniform is not extremely costly.

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Dues

Naturally, as a volunteer organization, there are dues to be paid. Each Flotilla sets its own level, so contact the nearest Auxiliary Flotilla to check it out.

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Sign up here!

Please e-mail us and you will be contacted by the appropriate Flotilla's membership staff officer.

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