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30 SEP 1944 Chapter 453.58 Stat. 759 (1944)

“The primary purpose of the establishment of the Coast Guard Auxiliary was to indoctrinate all owners and operators of small craft in the safety requirements in the operation and navigation of small craft………………"

Since the origination of the USCG Auxiliary this dedication to Recreational Boating Safety, has remained the most important mission of the Auxiliary.Public Education (PE) is an integral part of that mission. With the outbreak of Covid-19 many people were buying boats and other watercraft to have some outdoor activity and avoid large crowds. Unfortunately, many of them had little or no boating knowledge. Because of CVOVID-19 our “in person” PE classes were suspended, and the absence of the Auxiliary Public Education classes was demonstrated by the increase in 2020 boating accident statistics. However, the Auxiliary was able to develop a platform that was approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and by most States that allowed classes to be given virtually. Many flotillas utilized this facility and were able to provide some safe boating education. As Covid restrictions have eased “in person” classes are once again being offered.  

Our role in Public Education has increased dramatically! Mandatory safe boating education for operators of power-driven vessels and personal watercraft is now required in many states. Frequently the States look to the Auxiliary to help provide the bulk of that service to the boating public with our safe boating courses and educational seminars.

Working with our team of dedicated members in our Publication, Public Affairs, Program Visitors, and Vessel Examiners Departments, we strive to continue to make recreational boating an enjoyable and safe sport. Our programs start with youth programs, move to adult programs, and continue with specialty and advanced courses in areas that include navigation, GPS, advanced piloting and more.

Many of our members come from our Public Education classes. New and older members continue to deepen our knowledge and hone our skills through additional courses and by working with local USCG Stations. In sum, we volunteer our services to assist the Coast Guard in their goal of an educated and safer boating public.


 D1SR District Staff Officer for
Public Education Department

Haig Dick, DSO-PE
Email: [email protected]

D1SR Public Education Department Staff

Assistant District Staff Officer for Public Education in New Jersey
Joe Antonaccio , ADSO-PE NJ
Email: [email protected]

Assistant District Staff Officer for Public Education in Connecticut
Charles O'Connor, ADSO-PE CONN
Email: [email protected]

Assistant District Staff Officer for Public Education in New York South
Jacqueline Doody, ADSO-PE NYS
Email: [email protected]

Assistant District Staff Officer for Public Education in New York North
Karen Caldwell, ADSO-PE NYN
Email: [email protected]

Assistant District Staff Officer for Public Education in Long Island South
James Agals, ADSO-PE LISS
Email: [email protected]

SO-PE officers are encouraged to contact their ADSO-PE with any questions involving our Public Education programs. 
D1SR Public Education Resources Banner

Finding Safe Boating Courses

To find the closest safe boating course, just click on the link below and then enter your Zip Code. You can also get there by going to http://www.BoatingCourses.us. 

National Course Locator Database

PE Materials Forms (Courtesy DSO-MA)

Reference Sheets and Flyers

Links