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The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. It is the civilian volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard and does not participate in direct law enforcement or combat activities. There are over 30,000 active men and women in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary conducting surface and air operations, vessel safety examinations and teaching safe boating classes across the country. Many members also serve at Coast Guard units in many capacities.

On average, people just like you, in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary save nearly 500 lives a year, assist 15,000 boaters in distress, conduct upward of 150,000 vessel safety checks and graduate nearly 500,000 students from their safe boating classes. Hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars are saved because of this voluntary service.

If you decide to join the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, you can enhance your seamanship abilities, learn to teach, acquire new leadership skills, provide a valuable service to the boating community, save lives, serve your country, work with the U.S. Coast Guard ashore, afloat or in the air and make new friendships that will last a lifetime.

To become a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary you must be a citizen of the United States, 17 years of age or older, and be willing to adhere to the Core Values of the U.S. Coast Guard: "Honor, Respect & Devotion to Duty". Applicants must also pass a basic background check. There are no upper age limits or height/weight standards, although for operational activities, you must be physically able to perform certain tasks. There are no minimum service hours, you can serve as little or as much as you like. Auxiliarists are not paid for their volunteer hours, but may be reimbursed for costs incurred while actively serving the Coast Guard.

If you're interested, try the Zip Code Flotilla Finder to find a flotilla near you. 

Learn more about joining the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.