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Joining Us
 Introduction
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 U.S. Coast Guard. It provides a means
for you to
help America and participate in Homeland
Defense.
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.
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 your value to the Auxiliary while
adding to your own boating pleasure.
The possibility of
saving lives - even
one human life - will give you
personal gratification
while providing a valuable
service to the boating public.
Dedication to boating safety provides
you with an atmosphere for socialization,
swapping boating experiences and participating
in group outings, etc. You will 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, radio
communication watchstanders, work in Coast Guard
offices and other Coast Guard mission areas. Our
pilots and aircraft, working with our radio
stations and boats, provide complete
operational support to 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
Boats 'n Kids to Advanced Coastal Navigation.
Click for more on
classes.
Vessel
Safety Check
The
Vessel Safety Check program serves to
encourage boaters, including personal water
craft (PWC), to carry proper safety equipment.
You could be trained to become a Vessel Examiner
and give boaters a personal mini-course in
boating safety equipment while performing a
vessel safety check.
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
relatively inexpensive.
Dues
Naturally, there are dues to be paid.
Each flotilla sets its own level, so contact the
nearest Auxiliary
unit to check it out.
Inquiry Form
Please use our
e-form to ask to be contacted by the
appropriate unit's membership staff officer.
There are no obligations with an inquiry.
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