The Auxiliary:

What is the Coast Guard Auxiliary?

Since its creation by Congress in 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has served as the volunteer civilian component of the Coast Guard.   Auxiliarists undergo special training so they are able to assist and augment the United States Coast Guard in its non-military, non-law enforcement programs of boating education, vessel examination, search and rescue, safety patrols, and aids to navigation. Today, the 35,000 volunteer men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are active on the waterways and classrooms in over 2,000 cities and towns across the nation. Each year, Auxiliarists (folks just like you) save almost 500 lives, assist some 15,000 boaters in distress, conduct more than 150,000 courtesy safety examinations of recreational vessels, and teach over 500,000 students in boating and water safety courses. The results of these efforts save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

Why join the Auxiliary?

·         BE PART OF THE ACTION -- 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 while enjoying boating, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is the right place for you!

·         INCREASE YOUR SKILLS -- The Auxiliary and the Coast Guard provide specialized training on all aspects of boating and also 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.

·         HELP SAVE LIVES -- Either directly through Search and Rescue Operations or indirectly, through the Auxiliary's Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, Operations, Public Education and Courtesy Examination Programs.

·         ENJOY FUN AND FELLOWSHIP -- In all activities, enjoy fellowship -- the good company of other Auxiliarists at meetings and training sessions, on patrols and other missions, and at ceremonies and social events. One of he Auxiliary's trademarks is good old fashioned hospitality. Friends, neighbors and interested members of the public are always welcome to attend one of our flotilla meetings. In addition, dedication to boating safety provides the atmosphere for getting together to swap boating experiences and participate in cruises and rendezvous. You'll find a special camaraderie among Auxiliarists that's hard to beat. There's time to relax and have fun at Auxiliary outings, training sessions, patrols, CMEs, classes, and conferences. Auxiliarists make lasting, meaningful friendships. Knowing that you belong to a special group of people and directly participate in helping save lives gives your Auxiliary membership a special meaning.

Who can join the Auxiliary?

·         Membership is open to all citizens of the United States and its territories who are at least 17 years old and possess the necessary qualifications.

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