Join the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Quick Links

Home

Back

Boating Courses

Vessel Exam

Calendar

Links

Officers

Our Flotillas

Public Affairs

What We Do  |  Who We Are

When you become a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, you join a dedicated group of volunteers who love boating and who perform valuable services to the U.S. Coast Guard and Boating Public. Being an Auxiliarist will add a new dimension to your boating activities and will enable you to share in the worthwhile experience of assisting boaters and saving lives, as well as being an important part of Team Coast Guard.

   Why should you join? 

  • You'll be working side-by-side with the United States Coast Guard to save lives and property.
  • Knowing that you are helping to save lives - either directly through Search and Rescue Operations or indirectly, through the Auxiliary's Public Education and Courtesy Examination Programs.
  • Special Training - the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard provide training on all aspects of boating.
  • Fellowship - the Auxiliary provides opportunities to meet and have fun with fellow boaters and others with like interests.

Do you enjoy boating? Then, boat with the best - the Coast Guard Auxiliary

Eligibility

Membership is open to citizens of the United States and its territories and possessions, who are 17 years of age or older and who have never been convicted of a felony. Facility (radio station, boat or aircraft) ownership is desirable, but not mandatory. Individuals with special training or experience in any Auxiliary program are encouraged to join. Membership is also open to all active duty or former members of any of the uniformed services and their reserve components.

Benefits

As an Auxiliarist, you have the opportunity to increase your knowledge of boating safety and acquire special training through advanced classes or by taking correspondence courses from the Coast Guard Institute. Instruction in navigation, meteorology, communications, and search and rescue operations enhances the value of you to the Auxiliary while adding to your own boating pleasure.

You will find great personal satisfaction in providing a valuable public service to the boaters. The possibility of saving lives - even one human life - is always in your path as an Auxiliarist.

Dedication to boating safety provides you with the atmosphere for getting together to swap boating experiences and participate in exercises, group outings, etc. You'll find special fellowship among Auxiliarists that's hard to beat. There's time to relax and have fun at Auxiliary outings, rendezvous, cruises and conferences. Auxiliarists make lasting, meaningful friendships.

Special Benefits for Young People

If you're 17 years of age and thinking about a career in the Coast Guard, this is for YOU! You can join the Auxiliary, learn tremendous boating skills, advance your future career and pay in the Coast Guard while having fun learning in a friendly, supportive environment.

Under present Coast Guard recruiting requirements, Coast Guard recruits who are Auxiliarists in good standing and currently qualified at the level of Boat Crew in the Auxiliary Operations Program may be enlisted in pay grade E-2 (SA/FA) out of boot camp. Likewise, active duty Coast Guard personnel who are currently qualified as Auxiliary Vessel Coxswains may be enlisted up to a pay grade of E-3 (SN). What does that mean to you? It means Auxiliary membership and involvement translates into a monthly pay increase of over $100!

Dues and Uniforms

Naturally, there are dues to pay. Average dues are about $30.00 per year.  If you join mid-year, your dues are prorated for the first year.

You are entitled (and expected) to wear a uniform similar to those worn by the Coast Guard, but with different markings (silver rather than gold, basically). There are many Auxiliary activities that require you to wear a uniform in order to participate, especially when you are dealing with the public. The minimum uniform is not extremely costly.

If you are interested in joining us, please speak to one of our members or email the webmaster.

HOME  |  VISITORS  |  MEMBERS  |  LINKS JOIN
VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS  |  BOATING EDUCATION

Disclaimer and Privacy Statement