Return to Flotilla 5-3's Home Page.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard. The over-arching mission of the Auxiliary is to augment the Recreational Boating Safety Mission of the U.S. Coast Guard as well as assisting with the security of our citizens, ports, waterways and coastal regions. While we are not directly involved in military activities or law enforcement, members do participate in thousands of hours of support that directly supplements the Coast Guard’s Maritime Domain Awareness missions which include Harbor Patrols by sea and air, Vessel Safety and Inspections, Public Education, Radio Communications, Search & Rescue and Marine Environmental Protection. There are also programs on becoming a Coast Guard Chef, Public Affairs Officer, maybe work in a health care facility, or even join the foreign language Interpreter Corps.

Membership is open to all citizens of the United States and its territories who are at least 17 years old and do not have a felony criminal history. New members will fill out an application, complete a new member orientation test, and have a criminal background check completed by the Department of Homeland Security. After this, you must obtain your uniforms, and will take an all-day Boating Safety class. But don't worry, fellow Auxiliarists will help new members as mentors to help understand information about the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary, from chain of command, to special training, to proper uniforms. There are no minimum about of hours to serve! As a volunteer, you will work with your commander to find programs and interests in which you can volunteer as much (or as little) time as you'd like to participate. Although we are volunteers, we are covered by government insurance while under orders.

Joining the USCG Aux is a serious commitment, one which should be made only by those willing to attend meetings, training, and for those who plan to donate some time to get involved with their flotilla and community. In regard to "how much does it cost to participate," there is a once a year national dues charge of $75.00.

You may pay your dues online or in person with cash, check, credit or debit cards.

Pro-rated Annual Dues 

Quarterly	Year	Regular Membership	John Jay College Matriculated Student
During Q1 / Jan-Mar	Current Calendar Year	$75.00	$35.00
During Q2 / Apr-Jun	Current Calendar Year	$60.00	$35.00
During Q3 / Jul-Sep	Current Calendar and Next Year	$115.00	$35.00
During Q4 / Oct-Dec	Current Calendar and Next Year	$95.00	$35.00

You will also be required to purchase your own uniforms (pants, shirt, insignias, hats, coats, etc.). There are different uniforms for different roles you may want to include yourself in.

For operations (outdoor boat crew, vessel exams, etc., you will need the Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) [Approximately ~$128.00],and for meetings and other classroom events/training you should have the Tropical Blue Uniform. [~$115.00 complete].

There is a charge for an in person Boating Safety class, this can run from about $40 to $65 depending on the class but you can also take a free version online.

In the winter months you'll likely need a uniform coat or jacket to wear, they run approximately $100 to $260 each. To participate in a formal Change of Watch or a conference, you will need a Service Dress Blue Jacket, this is about $125.00. Your uniforms may have to be tailored, the typical charge for one uniform being tailored is about $40.00.

In summary, other than dues, uniforms, and the initial safety class, there are no other costs associated with being a member. You must learn how to clean and maintain your uniform, wear it properly and sharply, and participate with the flotilla activities.

Contact our Human Resources Officer, then plan to come in to one of our meetings. You have to attend three meetings prior to having your application accepted and your fingerprints completed. Additionally, you MUST complete the following:

What you should print out and bring with you to our next meeting:

• Complete the Enrollment Application (ANSC-7001 rev. 10-15), pages 1-5 (Printed Single Sided ONLY).
• Complete the New Member Course, print out score sheet, then print your name, date and sign for submission with your application.
• Submit (1) proof of US citizenship, in addition to a copy of proof to be submitted with application. (Birth Certificate, Passport, etc.)
• Submit a copy of a Boating Safety Certificate (If Applicable).
• Complete FEMA Independent Study Courses 100, 200, 700, and 800 and submit each certificate (If Applicable).
• Submit a copy of your resume.
• Take a digital photo for your official DHS USCG Aux ID Card by our HR staff.
• Submit 2025 annual membership dues. See the schedule above.