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Picture of USCG Auxiliary Crew On Board a Boat   USCG Auxiliary Americas Volunteer Lifesavers Banner

 

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 over 30,000 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. 

What are the requirements for joining? 

1. Joining

You must be 17 years old, a U.S. citizen, fill out the membership application, submit your fingerprints, and pay the annual membership dues. The application is sent to the Government security center for a criminal background check.

 

2. New Member Training

All new members must participate in the Auxiliary New Member Course, which is an introduction to the what and how of the organization. Topics are the Auxiliary History, Mission, Rules, Supplies, training, Qualifications, Programs, Protocols and Uniforms.

 

3. Dues

Flotilla dues are currently $50 per calendar year.

 

4. Uniform

Uniforms are purchased by the member. Many, but not all, Auxiliary activity requires a uniform. Usually whenever dealing with the public.

 

5. Meetings

Flotilla 12 Chicago meets once a month. Attendance is not required, but members are encouraged to attend and participate. Meetings cover Flotilla business, member training, and fellowship.

 

6. Programs

We are a volunteer organization. Our volunteer work involves promoting safety, saving lives, augmenting the Coast Guard and the logistics behind it all. Member participation is critical. Members put in the time they can. Hile there are no volunteer minimums for members, it is important to participate at some level.

 

7. Activity Reports

The Auxiliary, and the Coast Guard, need to track our volunteer efforts. Performance data is needed for effective planning and management. Plus, the Coast Guard actually takes our results to Congress each year, when asking for Auxiliary funding. Thorough data oversight depends on each member to complete an submit a form to report their work. The forms are not complicated, but they do need to be completed.

 

8. Tips for New Member

Your first year will be spent learning about the organization, and exploring the different volunteer options. Then you can pick exactly which program you wish to help in. Then you would sign-up for member training to gain the needed qualification. Along the way, you can attend meetings, listen and ask questions about the Auxiliary.

 

That is an overview of what is expected. Sound interesting? Come visit us at a Flotilla meeting.