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WHAT IS THE COAST GUARD AUXILIARY?

Since its creation by Congress in 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has served as the civilian, non-military component of the Coast Guard. Today, the 33,000 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Auxiliarists must be citizens of the United States or its territories and be at least 17 years of age.

WHY JOIN?

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! Either through on- water operations, the Auxiliary's public education program, vessel safety check program, radio watchstanding, Coast Guard recruiting programs, marine environmental protection or Coast Guard administration support.

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, 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 Coast Guard Forces. When you qualify through training, you can take part in search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, stand radio watch at a Coast Guard station, work with a marine safety office on pollution matters or work in a 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.

BENEFITS

Coast Guard Federal Credit Union: As an Auxiliarist, you qualify to join the Coast Guard Federal Credit Union. This all the services of a bank, but returns profits to the members instead of stockholders. From savings and checking accounts to home equity lines of credit, the credit union has a lot to offer.

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Fund: This program provides an emergency fund that can provide fast financial relief when a member faces an unexpected or "impossible" financial burden that would cause personal hardship if no assistance were provided. Auxiliarists may apply for such a loan and are considered as "Sponsor Members" under the program. If approved, the emergency loan is interest free.

Coast Guard Work-Life Programs: Auxiliarists can take advantage of certain Coast Guard Work-Life Programs such as Family, Wellness, Dependent Resources, Employee Assistance and Relocation Assistance.

Insurance: A variety of insurance programs benefit the Auxiliarist operating under Coast Guard orders. This includes medical, hospitalization, disability and death benefits should an accident occur in the performance of your duty. If your boat, aircraft or other authorized Auxiliary facility is damaged or destroyed while legitimately engaged in Auxiliary operations, coverage for repairs or replacement would be provided. Government liability coverage protects the Auxiliarist from third party claims made as a result of actions that occur when the Auxiliarist is performing authorized missions and has been properly assigned to duty.

Exchange Privileges: Auxiliarists in uniform, with proper identification, can purchase anything sold in the Coast Guard Exchange Stores except liquor and cigarettes. Dependents may accompany Auxiliarists to the Exchange, but may not make individual purchases. Members of the Auxiliary are also welcome at Department of Defense Exchanges, but only uniform items or accessories may be purchased.

Publications: Members receive the Auxiliary National publication, The Navigator, their own District publication, and other bulletins to keep abreast of Coast Guard, Auxiliary and general boating information.

Uniforms and Awards: The pride of wearing the Auxiliary uniform is amplified by awards and advancement, with ample opportunities to receive recognition by completing Auxiliary training courses and participating in programs authorized by your flotilla leadership.

Tax Deductions: Uniforms, their cleaning and maintenance, and reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred in the performance of your duties are "considered" contributions for tax purposes. The foregoing is not intended to be advice on deductibility. Your should consult your professional tax advisor.

Fellowship: One of the 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, you will find a special camaraderie among Auxiliarists that is hard to beat. Along with our missions we find time to relax and have fun at Auxiliary outings, training sessions, safety patrols, vessel safety checks, classes and conferences. Auxiliarists form lasting, meaningful friendships.