When you become a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, you join a dedicated group of volunteers who love boating and who perform valuable services to the United States 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.
Here's why you should join.
Do you enjoy boating? Then, boat with the best - the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.
What are the Eligibility requirements?
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.
There are many 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.
There are Special Benefits for Young People.
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!
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.
There are Dues and we wear Uniforms.
Naturally, there are dues to pay. Average dues are about $33.00 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 cost of a minimum uniform is very reasonable.
I want more information about the U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary. I might be interested in membership.