What We Do

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 87, is based in Sandpoint, Idaho, on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille. As Auxiliarists, we are the all-volunteer arm of the U.S. Coast Guard. Our primary mission is to promote safe recreational boating through patrols, classes, free vessel safety checks (VSC’s) and free printed information.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary was formed by Congress in 1939. All 50 states, including the Territories of Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have Coast Guard Auxiliary units conducting safety patrols. In total, there are over 26,000 members in the Auxiliary.

Flotilla 87 is within District 13 which includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Flotilla 87 is within Division 8 which includes Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Yakima, Tri-Cities, Sandpoint, and Lewiston. Currently there are 13 members within the Flotilla. Of the 13 members, 3 are female. In addition, there are 3 facilities (privately-owned boats) that patrol on Lakes Pend Oreille, Coeur d’Alene and Priest as well as on the Pend Oreille River and parts of the Columbia River.

Flotilla 87 conducts the majority of its patrols on Lake Pend Oreille in support of the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office/Marine Division with the patrols staging out of the boat launches in Sandpoint, Garfield Bay, Hope and Bayview and a limited number at Priest Lake.

In addition to safety patrols, Auxiliarists perform free, no-consequence vessel safety checks (VSC’s) for the public. These VSC’s are conducted at the Sandpoint, Garfield Bay, Hope and Bayview boat launches and marinas, as well as a limited number at Lions Head State Park at Priest Lake. The purpose of the VSC’s is to inform boaters through the safety check how they conform to Idaho boating laws. If a boater meets all of the criteria, a current-year VSC sticker is awarded that is affixed on the port (left) window of the boat informing all that the boat meets current Idaho boating laws.  

Flotilla 87 also offers safe boating classes. An 8-13 week Boating Skills & Seamanship (BS&S) class is typically offered in the Spring at a nominal cost of $35. An About Boating Safety (ABS) 8-hour class is also offered, typically in the early summer months, for a minimal charge. Insurance companies often provide a discount to boat owners who have successfully completed a boating safety class.  SEE BOATING CLASSES TAB.

Flotilla 87 regularly meets every second Thursday of each month from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the rear section of the Sandpoint Forest Service Ranger Station Office located at 1500 Highway 2. If you are interested in joining Flotilla 87, or any of the other Auxiliary unit, please contact Beverly Hannibal at 509-951-9191