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About the Coast Guard Auxiliary
What is the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary? The Coast Guard Auxiliary is comprised of over 35,000 volunteers world-wide who serve as an integral part of Team Coast Guard. We are a civilian, non-military organization established by Congress in 1939 to assist the Coast Guard with all missions except military operations and law enforcement. Our traditional role has been promoting recreational boating safety. However, Auxiliary volunteers played a prominent post 9-11 role conducting Operation Noble Eagle maritime safety patrols and participating in other Coast Guard support missions. Auxiliarists now serve as a force multiplier for the Coast Guard and provide maritime domain awareness and other volunteer services for the Coast Guard as part of the Operation Patriot Readiness Homeland Security mission. We still promote boating safety through our very active involvement in Operation BoatSmart. Auxiliary members also provide public education courses, assist with search and rescue missions and conduct marine safety patrols, support regattas and marine events, and offer free vessel safety checks for recreational boaters. To help make boating safer for all, the Auxiliary needs more quality members, people like you! U.S. citizens 17 years of age and older can join. Most expenses associated with Auxiliary membership are tax deductible. What can you expect from the Auxiliary? Training! Lots of free training! There are numerous courses available to develop your seamanship skills as well as prepare you to actively support Auxiliary programs and goals. You will have the opportunity for personal growth by learning new skills and participating in many different activities to promote boating safety and even 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 Ensign on your personal craft. What the Auxiliary expects from you: As a member, you are expected to participate in Auxiliary programs and activities. Your individual service can be in several areas that support the Coast Guard in its many missions. You will be able to perform as a professional while being trained then participate in public service assisting the recreational boating public and Coast Guard. Of course, fellowship is an important Auxiliary function and your participation is invited and encouraged. Every member can participate One of the Auxiliary's primary functions 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 or more programs such as:
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 Vice Flotilla Commander who are elected by the flotilla members. Additionally, various staff officers are appointed by the Flotilla Commander to administer the flotilla's activities. Positions available and an explanation of the responsibilities are found on the Staff Positions Defined page. Training and qualifications opportunities Membership begins with the New Member training program. This program explains the Auxiliary and its 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:
If you desire to participate in any of these activities, you first undergo training and then qualification 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. I would like to use my boat and marine radio If you have a vessel (facility) and want to use it to assist Coast Guard and Auxiliary operational programs, you must 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 program 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. If you have a marine radio it may be used on your Operational Facility. Additionally, after completing a Communication Specialty Course you may offer your marine radio for use as a land radio facility. Land radio facility operators stand radio watch to offer boaters assistance in the event of an emergency. They also stand watch while an Operational Facility is on water patrol. Are there any advanced courses? The Auxiliary offers advanced Auxiliary Operational Specialty (AUXOP) courses. This is more training! These courses may be taken any time throughout your Auxiliary career and provide a fun and meaningful experience. The seven Specialty Courses are:
Personal costs Like other organizations, there are personal costs involved in Auxiliary membership. Theses costs include:
The majority of expenses incurred as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, to include auto mileage, are tax deductible so accurate record keeping is encouraged. How do I join the Auxiliary Any member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary will be happy to help you become a member of the Auxiliary or answer any questions you may have. If you know a member of the Auxiliary in your area contact them about joining. You can browse our Area Flotilla webpage to locate a flotilla near you or complete and submit the form below. Your request will be sent to the closest flotilla to your home so they can contact you. |
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