Why Join the Auxiliary?

Be Part of the Action, and Help Save Lives

Since the recreational boating population in the United States is growing rapidly, the Coast Guard Auxiliary needs a few good men and women like you. As an Auxiliarist, you will have the opportunity to select and participate in one or more of the Auxiliary’s major programs. If you feel strongly about the rewards you can get from serving your community, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is the right place for you! Consider on-water operations as coxswain or crew, an instructor in our public education program, a vessel safety check examiner, a radio watchstander, an ambassador to marine dealers, a recruiter for the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Academy, an assistant inspector in numerous port and marine safety areas, a public affairs specialist, a computer programmer, a writer, a photographer, and dozens of other specialties matched to your interests!

Increase Your Skills

The Auxiliary and the Coast Guard provide specialized training on all aspects of boating, as well as in leadership and administration. Auxiliarists receive valuable training in seamanship and related skills, and enjoy the sense of confidence of knowing that they are better and safer boaters.

Support the Coast Guard

Auxiliarists provide direct operational and administrative support to many local Coast Guard units. You wear the Coast Guard uniform with Auxiliary markings, and become part of Team Coast Guard. When you qualify through training, you may take part in Search and Rescue operations, stand radio watch at a Coast Guard Station, work with the Marine Safety Office on pollution matters or work in the Recruiting Office. As a trained crewmember or coxswain, you may even participate in direct support of helicopter and boat training of active duty members.

Service to Your Community

Auxiliarists aren’t paid with money, but with satisfaction. We furnish and maintain our own equipment and can choose to participate at a level tailored to our individual capabilities. As volunteer instructors of boating safety classes for youth, and adults, volunteer boating safety examiners, ambassadors to marine dealers, or many other selfless tasks, we ensure that our neighbors will be safe on the waterways.

Enjoy Fellowship and Fun!

Whether at meetings or training sessions, on patrols or other missions, and at ceremonies and social events, enjoy the fellowship and good company of other Auxiliarists. That fact that we come from many walks of life, with many interests, span a wide range of ages, but share a common goal of boating safety and the spirit of community, gives us an unusual camaraderie and richness that is hard to beat. And we’re hospitable. Our meetings and many other events are open to the general public. Knowing that you belong to a special group of people and directly participate in helping save lives gives your Auxiliary membership a special meaning.