MEMBERSHIP 

                                                                                       

                WHAT IS THE U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY?

            The Auxiliary is a civilian organization of volunteers. Membership is open to citizens of The United States and its territories and possessions, who are 17 years of age or older and have not been convicted of a felony. Facilities (radio station, boat, or aircraft) ownership is desirable; but not mandatory. Those individuals with special training or experience in any Auxiliary program area are desirable for Auxiliary membership. The same is true for any individual who has specific skills helpful to the organization. Auxiliary membership is also open to all former members of the uniformed service and their reserve components.

Here are some good reasons why you should consider joining the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary:

                    Be a part of the action and HELP SAVE LIVES -----

                   Since the recreational boating population in the United States is growing rapidly, the Coast Guard Auxiliary needs  good men and women just like you. As an Auxiliarist, you will have the opportunity to select and participate in one or more of the Coast Guard Auxiliary's major programs. If you feel rewarded by serving your community. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the place for you. Either through on-water Operations, The Auxiliary's Public Education Programs, Courtesy Examination Program, Radio Watch Monitor, Coast Guard Auxiliary Recruiting, Marine Environmental Protection, Coast Guard Administration and many other areas of importance.

                    Educational Advancement ----

                    Both the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary provide specialized training on all aspects of boating and boating safety, as well as leadership and administration. Auxiliarists receive valuable training in seamanship and related skills, and enjoy the sense of confidence of knowing that they are better and safer boaters.

                    Support The U.S. Coast Guard----

                    Auxiliarist provide direct operational support to many local Coast Guard units. You can wear the Coast Guard Auxiliary uniform and become a part of Coast Guard Team. When you qualify through training, you can take part in Search and Rescue operations, stand Radio Watch at the Coast Guard station, work with the Marine Safety Office on pollution matters or work in the Recruiting Office. There are many other areas of opportunity and training which will reward you.

                    SERVICE TO YOUR COMMUNITY---

                    Auxiliarist aren't paid with money, but with satisfaction and advancements. We furnish and maintain our own equipment and can choose to participate at a level tailored to our individual capabilities. We provide boating classes for both youths and adults and examine recreational vessels for safety equipment to ensure that our neighbors will be safe on the waterways.

                    ENJOY- HAVE FUN AND FELLOWSHIP----

                    In all activities, we enjoy fellowship and the good company of other Auxiliarists at meetings and training sessions, on patrols and other missions, ceremonies and social events. One of the many Auxiliary's trademarks is good old-fashioned hospitality. Friends, neighbors and interested members of the public are always welcome to attend one of our Flotilla meetings. In addition, dedication to boating safety provides the atmosphere for getting together to swap boating experiences and participate in cruises and rendezvous. You will find a special camaraderie among Auxiliarist that's hard to  beat. There's always time to relax and have fun at Auxiliary outings, training sessions, classes, and conferences. Auxiliarists make lasting  and meaningful friendships. Knowing that you belong to a very special group of people who directly participate in saving lives gives your Auxiliary membership a special meaning.         

Mission

                    The purpose of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is to assist the Coast Guard and its activities authorized by the Commandant in performing any Coast Guard function, duty, role, mission, or operation authorized by law except law enforcement and military operations.

Multi-Mission Force-Multiplier

                The Auxiliary provides almost $ 1 billion in service to the Federal Government and the American public at a fraction of the cost.

                    A voluntary, civilian, non-military organization, the Auxiliary was originally established by Congress in 1939 to promote recreational boating safety. Members are experienced boaters, amateur radio operators, and licensed aircraft pilots using their own operational vessels, aircraft and communications stations or providing skills the Coast Guard can use to enhance customer service in operations centers, administrative offices, on the water and in the air.

            The last couple of years have produced a of sea change in the Auxiliary’s relationship to the regular Coast Guard. … We have seen a transformation in which the Auxiliary has been recognized as an absolutely essential force multiplier, which we now rely on as an integrated part of the Coast Guard effort to do good things for America."

Admiral Thad W. Allen

 Commandant of the United States Coast Guard

            Almost 33,000 people help the Coast Guard every day for the satisfaction that comes from sharing our missions.

                    Auxiliarists operate on their own time and for the most part, at their own expense. The minimal federal funding support received by members partially pays for training, fuel, and subsistence used in the performance of officially sanctioned operations. While on duty, Auxiliarists are considered Federal employees for the purpose of civil liability, for medical, disability, and a death-benefit compensation.

Our Resources

Operational Vessels	4,971
Aircraft	226
Communications Stations	2,641
Members	32,950
PWC Facilities	2,873

Volunteer Mission Hours

Public Affairs	96,628
Safety Patrol Hours	143,871
Air Patrol Hours	10,038
Support of Coast Guard Missions	269,652
Hours of Public Education Instruction	73,097
Hours of Member Training	51,212

Our Qualified Team Members

Boat Crew	7,098
Auxiliary Coxswains	5,240
Air Observers	294
Pilots	263
NavAid Verifiers	2,829
Instructors	8,547
PWC Operators	30

                                                                                                                                          2000 AUXMIS II National Data

The Auxiliary Has Something for Everyone

                    Search and Rescue, Aircraft Operations, Seamanship Training, Weather Training, Radio & Computer Operations, Public Education Instruction, Aids to Navigation, Vessel Safety Checks, Support during Natural and Man-made Disasters, Marine Safety, Environmental Protection, Recruiting Assistance, Fun and Fellowship.