Join Us
Volunteer, your Service will Make a Difference!
The Auxiliary is the uniformed, civilian arm of Team Coast Guard. We offer volunteer opportunities to work alongside the regular Coast Guard and Reserves in all their varied missions. As civilian volunteers, we do not perform direct law-enforcement actions, cannot be called up for military duty and contribute as much or as little time as each of us is able.
We conduct safety patrols on Seacoast waterways, during which we might be called upon to do anything from search and rescue to environmental monitoring. We act as the "eyes and ears" of the Coast Guard, providing a force multiplier for this busy Homeland Security agency.
Members patrol using their own private recreational boats, or as crew on other members' boats. With more training, Auxiliary members can also qualify for crew positions on Coast Guard boats, cutters and ice breakers.
Auxiliary members teach, and attend, a variety of boating-related public education and member training classes. Some people join the Auxiliary primarily for the training opportunities.
Who Can Join the Auxiliary?
Membership is open to all citizens of the United States and its territories who are at least 17 years old.
Where are Volunteer Opportunities Available?
Flotilla 28 operates in coastal waters from Kennebunkport in the North, to Hampton in the South, including York, Kittery, Eliot, Portsmouth, New Castle, Newington and Rye. There are also volunteer opportunities shoreside, at Coast Guard facilities in and around Portsmouth Harbor, teaching boating safety or performing vessel safety checks in the NH and Southern Maine Seacoast and Lakes Regions. See the What We Do page for more information.
How Do I Join?
Contact the Flotilla 2-8 Staff Officer Human Resources (FSO-HR) Henry Marchi via email at marchi@metrocast.net or at C: (603) 498-3822.
Benefits of Membership
Above and beyond the intrinsic benefits we all receive by volunteering our time and talents, Auxiliarists are privileged to receive many other benefits not available to other volunteer organizations. Both the Coast Guard and the National Board, Inc. provide these benefits as an enhancement to our volunteer service. The following is a listing of some of the benefits available to members:
Coast Guard Federal Credit Union
The Coast Guard Credit Union provides all the services of a bank, but returns profits to the members instead of the stockholders. From savings and checking accounts to home equity lines of credit, the Credit Unit has a lot to offer.
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
Mutual Assistance provides an emergency fund that can provide fast financial relief when a member faces an unexpected or "impossible" financial burden that would cause personal hardship if no assistance were provided. Auxiliarists may apply for such a loan and are considered as "Sponsor Members" under the program. If approved, the emergency loan is interest free.
Coast Guard Work-Life Programs
Auxiliarists can take advantage of certain Coast Guard Work-life Programs such as:
Family Wellness Dependent Resources Employee Assistance Relocation Assistance Insurance. A variety of insurance programs benefit the Auxiliarist operating under Coast Guard orders. This includes medical, hospitalization, disability and death benefits should an accident occur in the performance of your duty.
If your boat, aircraft or other authorized Auxiliary facility is damaged or destroyed while legitimately engaged in Auxiliary operations, coverage for repairs or replacement would be provided. Government liability coverage protects the Auxiliarist from third party claims made as a result of actions that occur when the Auxiliarist is performing authorized missions and has been properly assigned to duty.
In order to maintain this coverage, all incidents and accidents must be reported to your issuing authority for the mission. As a caution, there must be strict adherence with the terms of all Coast Guard regulations and orders, as well as the Auxiliary Manual or the claim will be denied.
Exchange Privileges
Auxiliarists in uniform, with proper identification, can purchase anything sold in the Coast Guard Exchange Stores except liquor and cigarettes. Dependents may accompany Auxiliarists to the Exchange, but may not make individual purchases. Members of the Auxiliary are also welcome at Department of Defense Exchanges, but only uniform items or accessories may be purchased.
Publications
Members receive the Auxiliary National publication, The Navigator, their own District publication, and other bulletins to keep abreast of Coast Guard, Auxiliary and general boating information.
Uniforms and Awards
The pride of wearing the Auxiliary uniform is amplified by awards and advancement, with ample opportunities to receive recognition by completing Auxiliary training courses and participating in programs authorized by your Flotilla leadership.
Tax Deductions
Uniforms, their cleaning and maintenance, and reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred in the performance of your duties are considered contributions for tax purposes. The foregoing is not intended to be advice on deductibility. Your should consult your professional tax advisor.
Fellowship
One of the 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, you will find a special camaraderie among Auxiliarists that is hard to beat. Along with our missions we find time to relax and have fun at Auxiliary outings, training sessions, patrols, CMEs, classes, and conferences. Auxiliarists make lasting, meaningful friendships.