What is the Auxiliary?

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is dedicated to reducing loss of life, injuries, and property damage that occur on U.S. waterways by improving the knowledge, skills, and abilities of recreational boaters. We are the largest volunteer marine safety organization in the world and have fostered similar ones in foreign countries.

"Team Coast Guard" is the combined Active, Reserve, Auxiliary and Civilian components of the Coast Guard.  The are over 30,000 Auxiliarists, 40,000 plus Active Duty Coast Guardsmen, around 8,000 Reservists, and 8500 plus civilian employees. The Auxiliary is a uniformed volunteer service where members choose how to contribute.

We assist the United States Coast Guard in all its functions except direct Law Enforcement and Military missions. We volunteer in the community, on the water and in the air ensuring Boating Safety and Public Awareness of the marine environment. The results of these efforts save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars every year and have saved countless lives.

Auxiliarists annually donate tens of thousands of hours doing Vessel Safety Checks, Public Education Courses, Search and Rescue, Maritime Domain Awareness operations and Marine Safety.