Become a member of the USCG Auxiliary!

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has served as the civilian, non-military component of the United States Coast Guard since its creation by Congress in 1939. Today, the 33,000 volunteer women and men of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are active on the waterways and classrooms across the nation. Each year, Auxiliarists save almost 500 lives and assist some 15,000 boaters in distress. Auxiliarists also conduct more than 150,000 courtesy safety examinations of recreational vessels, and teach over 500,000 students in boating and water safety courses, and help protect our valuable marine resources.

Why join the Auxiliary?

Help Save Lives: The Coast Guard Auxiliary needs a few good women and men like you to help make boating in America safer,and to protect our marine environment, not only by provision of direct services, but also by assisting in vessel inspections, and in training recreational and other boaters. As an Auxiliarist, you will have the opportunity to select and participate in one or more of the Auxiliary's major operational and educational programs.

If you wish to be of value to your community,and you love the sea and boating, the Coast Guard Auxiliary may the right place for you! You may choose to become involved in on-water Operations, the Auxiliary's Public Education Program, the Courtesy Vessel Safety Check Program, as a Radio Watchstander, as a Coast Guard Recruiter, or in the fields of Marine Environmental Protection or Coast Guard Administration.

Increase Your Nautical Skills: The Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Coast Guard provide specialized training for Auxiliary members on all aspects of boating, as well as leadership and administration. Auxiliarists receive valuable training in boat handling, navigation, communications, rescue operations, and related skills. This valuable training will give you the sense of confidence of knowing that you are a better and safer boater.

Support The Coast Guard: Auxiliarists provide direct operational and administrative support to many local Coast Guard units. You will be entitled to wear the Coast Guard Auxiliary uniform and become part of "Team Coast Guard". When you qualify for your Auxiliary duties through boat handler and coxswain, or communications training, you will be able take part in Search and Rescue operations, stand radio watch at the Coast Guard Station. You may instead decide to work with the Marine Safety Office on pollution matters or work in the Recruiting Office.

Serve Your Community: Auxiliarists aren't paid with money, but with satisfaction. We are volunteers. We furnish and maintain our own equipment and can choose to participate at a level tailored to our individual capabilities. We provide boating safety classes for youth and adults and examine recreational vessels for safety equipment to ensure that our neighbors will be safe on the waterways.

Help Preserve Marine Resources:Auxiliarists who are residents of California's Central Coast also have the opportunity to assist in the preservation of marine resources in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and to receive special training to help prevent pollution of our rich marine environment.

Enjoy Being Part of The Team: We enjoy 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. Friends, neighbors and interested members of the public are always welcome to attend our flotilla meetings.

In addition, dedication to boating safety provides a pleasant atmosphere for sharing boating experiences and participating in cruises and rendezvous. You'll find a special camaraderie among Auxiliarists that's hard to beat. There's time to relax and have fun at Auxiliary outings, training sessions, patrols, classes, and conferences. Auxiliarists make lasting, meaningful friendships. Knowing that you belong to a special group of people who directly participate in saving lives and protecting our marine environment gives our Auxiliary membership a special meaning.

Here is how you can join a flotilla in your California Central Coast city:

• To Join Flotilla 06-04, Monterey, please contact the Flotilla 6-04 FSO-HR
• To Join Flotilla 06-07, Santa Cruz, please contact the Flotila 6-07 FSO-HR
• To Join Flotilla 06-10, Capitola, please contact the Flotilla 6-10 FSO-HR