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Why Volunteer?
What is the Coast Guard Auxiliary?
- Since its creation by Congress in 1939, the
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has served as the civilian, non-military
component of the Coast Guard. Today, the 33,000 volunteer men and women
of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are active on the waterways and
classrooms in over 2,000 cities and towns across the nation. Each year,
Auxiliarists (folks just like you) save almost 500 lives, assist some
15,000 boaters in distress, conduct more than 150,000 courtesy safety
examinations of recreational vessels, and teach over 500,000 students
in boating and water safety courses. The results of these efforts save
taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars every year.
Why join the Auxiliary?
- BE PART OF THE ACTION & HELP SAVE LIVES
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Since the recreational boating population in the United
States is growing rapidly, the Coast Guard Auxiliary needs a few good
men and women like you. As an Auxiliarist, you will have the
opportunity to select and participate in one or more of the Auxiliary's
major programs. If you feel strongly about the rewards you can get from
serving your community, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is the right place
for you! Either through on- water Operations, the Auxiliary's Public
Education Program, Courtesy Examination Program, Radio Watchstander,
Coast Guard Recruiting, Marine Environmental Protection or Coast Guard
Administration.
- INCREASE YOUR SKILLS
-- The Auxiliary and the Coast Guard provide specialized
training on all aspects of boating, 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 COAST GUARD --
Auxiliarists provide direct operational and administrative
support to many local Coast Guard units. You can wear the Coast Guard
Auxiliary uniform and become part of Team Coast Guard. 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.
- SERVICE TO YOUR COMMUNITY--
Auxiliarists aren't paid with money, but with satisfaction.
We furnish and maintain our own equipment and can choose to participate
at a level tailored to our individual capabilities. We provide boating
safety classes for youth and adults and examine recreational vessel for
safety equipment to ensure that our neighbors will be safe on the
waterways.
- ENJOY FUN AND FELLOWSHIP
-- In all activities, enjoy fellowship -- the good
company of other Auxiliarists at meetings and training sessions, on
patrols and other missions, and at ceremonies and social events. One of
he 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'll find a
special camaraderie among Auxiliarists that's hard to beat. There's
time to relax and have fun at Auxiliary outings, training sessions,
patrols, CMEs, classes, and conferences. Auxiliarists make lasting,
meaningful friendships. Knowing that you belong to a special group of
people and directly participate in helping save lives gives your
Auxiliary membership a special meaning.
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