Frequently Asked Questions

Why join the Auxiliary?

• Be part of the action and save lives. Since the recreational boating population in the is growing rapidly, the Coast Guard Auxiliary needs a few good men and women like you.
• 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.
• Enjoy fun and fellowship. 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 the Auxiliary's trademarks is good old-fashioned hospitality. You'll find a special camaraderie among Auxiliarists that's hard to beat.

Who can be a member?

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is a civilian organization of volunteers. Membership is open to citizens of the United States, its territories and possessions, who are 17 years of age and older and have not been convicted of a felony.

Auxiliary membership is also open to all or former members of any uniformed services and their service components.

What are the benefits of membership?

• Service to the Community. Particularly since the tragic events of 9/11, Auxiliary personnel have been of great help to the Coast Guard by taking care of many of the non-military/non-law enforcement missions of the Coast Guard.This helps free the Coast Guard to focus more assets on Homeland Security and anti-terrorist activities in addition to its other law enforcement and military missions.Since that day, Coast Guard personnel have been putting in many long days and hours to fulfill their core missions with the added burden of anti-terrorism efforts. This often leaves little time for their personal lives. Auxiliary personnel will often work some of the support functions (such as Radio Watch Stander at shore side Coast Guard facilities), freeing Coast Guard personnel to have time with their families.
• Training. As a member of the Auxiliary, you have direct access to all Auxiliary public education training programs in addition to many U.S. Coast Guard training programs not offered to the general public.
• Fellowship. This is the heart of the Auxiliary. Our membership is a wonderful group of friendswho also share a goal. We have a great time promoting boating safety. We want to keep our pristine waters safe and fun for everyone, including ourselves. We enjoy our social activities, but the Auxiliary is not a social organization. Rather, we are a service organization providing needed support to the Coast Guard and the boating public.

How much time will it take?

While active participation is expected, how much time you spend on Auxiliary-related activities is up to you. There are a variety of classes, social activities, and missions that take time and commitment - which activities you support or attend depends on your areas of interest and your own personal availability.

How much does it cost to be a member?

Annual dues vary between flotillas, but are generally in the range of $55. You will also need to purchase some uniform items. Your area of interest may incur additional costs for additional required equipment. A minimum uniform will cost you approximately $100, and if you choose to participate in the Boat Crew programs, additional personal equipment costs run another $100 or so.

Many of these expenses are tax-deductible.

What are the various functions I can get involved in?

There are a large variety of functions that require different skills, experience, and qualifications:

• Boat Crew
• Coxswain
• Member Training
• Public Education
• Operations
• Communications
• Vessel Examiners
• Member Resources
• Aid to Navigation
• Public Affairs
• Career Counselor
• Publications
• Finance
• Information Systems
• Secretary/Records
• Recreational Boating Safety
• Computer Services

In exchange for all the benefits offered members, the Auxiliary expects members to be active in their chosen mission area.

For additional information about membership, email uscgauxrayhubbard@gmail.com