What Do We Do?

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian, non-military component of the Coast Guard team. It was created by an act of Congress in 1939. The Auxiliary directly supports the Coast Guard in all of its missions except military and law enforcement actions. Over 34,000 volunteer Auxiliarists, nationwide, actively patrol our waterways and regularly meet with the boating public at marinas and in classrooms.

To be part of the action, members can choose from many exciting opportunities:

Public Education - teaching courses on boating safety, navigation, and seamanship to recreational boaters of all ages.

Vessel Safety Checks - Inspect recreational as well as some commercial vessels for proper equipment and make sure the vessel is in safe operating condition. 

Operations - providing boaters and the Coast Guard helpful information and emergency assistance including search and rescue operations.

Marine Environmental Protection - promoting clean waterways through marine pollution awareness programs that help to recognize, protect and assess the environment.

Administrative Support - assisting the Coast Guard in areas such as computer operations, radio watch standing, publications, and public affairs.

Recruiting - building a stronger Coast Guard team through promoting awareness of career opportunities for service.

To help make boating safer for all, the Auxiliary needs more quality members, people like you! U.S. citizens 17 yrs. of age and older can join!

Each year, Coast Guard Auxiliarists (people just like you) do the following:

Department of Homeland Security