
The Auxiliary Purpose:
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a voluntary organization whose purpose is to augment The United States Coast Guard, though it is non-military and has no law enforcement authority. Its primary mission is to promote boating safety upon the inland and coastal waters of The United States of America. This is accomplished through public education, vessel safety inspections, local safety patrols, and by assisting the Coast Guard in carrying out its search and rescue, maritime security, and environmental protection responsibilities. We are the "Eyes and Ears" of the Coast Guard, ever ready to serve the needs of the boating public.
With nearly 27,000 members, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary actively provides safety patrols on area waterways and regularly meets with the boating public at marinas and in classrooms. We also directly assist the U.S. Coast Guard in non-law enforcement programs such as search and rescue, and marine environmental protection.
All of our flotillas directly provide to the boating public:
The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free boat and personal watercraft (PWC) safety examinations to anyone who wants one. The Auxiliary has no legal authority, and only checks to make sure your boat or PWC complies with federal, state and local laws and that it is properly equipped in the case of an emergency. Upon passing the safety check, we award your boat with the decal shown at left. To find out where and when a vessel examiner will be in your area, email the Webmaster.
If you are new to boating, or you are an experienced boater, please feel free to explore this website or contact us to learn more about our programs and classes, or even becoming a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.