JOIN THE AUXILIARY

Since its creation by Congress in 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (the Auxiliary) has served as the civilian, non-military component of the Coast Guard. Today, the 30,000 volunteer men and women of the Auxiliary are active on the waterways and classrooms in over 2,000 cities and towns across the nation.

Each year, Auxiliarists 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 saves taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

WHY JOIN THE AUXILIARY?

• Be Part of the Action & 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! Either through on- water Operations, the Auxiliary's Public Education Program, Courtesy Examination Program, Radio Watchstander, Coast Guard Recruiting, Marine Environmental Protection or Coast Guard Administration.
  
   
• Increase Your Skills
  The Auxiliary and the Coast Guard provide specialized training on all aspects of boating, as well as 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 can wear the Coast Guard Auxiliary uniform and become part of Team Coast Guard. When you qualify through training, you can take part in Search and Rescue operations, stand radio watch at the Coast Guard Station, work with the Marine Safety Office on pollution matters or work in the Recruiting Office.
  
   
• 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. We provide boating safety classes for youth and adults and examine recreational vessel for safety equipment to ensure that our neighbors will be safe on the waterways.
  
   
• Enjoy Fun & 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.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Membership in the Coast Guard Auxiliary is open to United States citizens who are at least 17 years of age and who have never been convicted of a felony. Before attaining full membership applicants must be fingerprinted and successfully complete a background check. In order to participate in "Direct Operational" activities in support of the Coast Guard members are subject to a full security check (NAC/LC) before being assigned to certain activities.

IS FLOTILLA 12-5 THE RIGHT FLOTILLA FOR YOU?

Like the Coast Guard itself, the Auxiliary is a highly decentralized organization. Each flotilla has its own culture, and individual flotillas may emphasize different aspects of the wide range of services described above.

If you're interested in joining our flotilla, first contact contact our Flotilla Staff Officer - Personnel Services directly via email to , or via phone at the flotilla's general telephone number: 510.793.6161. Discuss the activities of the flotilla, then arrange to attend a flotilla meeting or two -- to get a better idea of how the flotilla operates and what programs its members are involved in.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT JOINING THE AUXILIARY

Please feel free to contact us and other Auxiliary flotillas in the area before making a final decision.

• On-Line Flotilla Finder
  
  Find Auxiliary Flotillas close to a given location by using our online Flotilla Finder.

Your inquiry will be forwarded to an Auxiliary member who lives in your general area for follow-up.