The USCG Auxiliary
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed, all-volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard created by an Act of Congress in 1939. and has grown to over 26,000 members who support the Coast Guard daily in all its non-military and non-law enforcement missions. We have members and units in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam.
Auxiliary members conduct safety patrols on local waterways, assist in Search and Rescue, teach boating safety classes, conduct free vessel safety checks for the public, and provide boating safety literature to dealers. Plus, many other activities related to recreational boating safety.
The Coast Guard considers the Auxiliary its primary resource for recreational boating safety outreach and prevention. Each Coast Guard district around the nation has established a senior officer and staff to provide tight liaison and coordination between the active-duty Coast Guard and the various Auxiliary units in that district. And in many inland portions of the country, where most U.S. recreational boating occurs on lakes and rivers, the Auxiliary is the sole Coast Guard presence!The Auxiliary is more than recreational boating safety; we regularly serve alongside our active-duty shipmates. Auxiliarists serve as communications watchstanders, uninspected passenger vessel inspectors, training resources for air and sea operations, numerous duties related to environmental protection, homeland security, and even chefs! Nearly two dozen "qualifications" are open to Auxiliarists willing to invest in the time and training. Auxiliarists volunteer over 4.5 million hours annually and complete about 500,000 missions – a true force multiplier for the Coast Guard!
Membership in the Auxiliary is open to persons 17 years and older. Our structure consists of 16 districts comprising 171 divisions with approximately 980 flotillas. No matter where you live, there is a flotilla near you. Find the unit nearest your Zip Code by clicking on "Units" at the top of this page. You will not be sorry! And for dozens of reasons why you should join, visit "Recruiting."