The US Coast Guard Auxiliary offers adventure, community, and service.
If you’re ready to set sail on a rewarding volunteer journey, joining the US Coast Guard Auxiliary may be your ticket to adventure, community, and service—all while wearing that iconic uniform with pride. Here's why climbing aboard is one of the smartest, most fulfilling decisions you'll ever make.
The Auxiliary offers missions for every kind of talent: adventurous, analytical, creative, or technical. Here are some examples:
- Recreational Boating Safety: conduct vessel inspections and be an instructor on safety guidance.
- Mission Response: Become boat crew, coxswain, or even air crew; monitor coast radio frequencies—helping with rescues and real-time support.
- Prevention and Inspection: verification of aids to navigation (bridges, buoys, beacons) and you can get involved in marine safety programs.
- Mission Support: serve as a food service specialist, chaplain, recruiter, human resources specialist, and many more mission critical specialties.
Joining the USCG Auxiliary is exciting, rewarding, and useful. It provides hands-on adventure, from patrolling waterways to aiding rescuers; dedicated team spirit working alongside fellow volunteers and active Coast Guard; real impact helping boaters, supporting maritime safety, and mentoring new enthusiasts; and opportunities for personal growth.
Start by reaching out to local flotilla leaders to get a feel for what’s ahead. You must be at least 17, a U.S. citizen, and felony-free. Other than that, just show up ready to learn and serve (you'll need to pass a background check, too). Submit your application and, once approved, obtain your uniform and start participating in meetings and other member activities. You will start Core Training, BCQ II modules, and a Safe Boating Course within your first 90 days. The flotilla will assign you a mentor who will guide you through the online classroom and ensure you're on track.
So, marine-minded friend, are you ready to chart a course toward fulfilling service and real-world adventure?
- Get in touch ([email protected]) and arrange to visit your local flotilla
- Start training via the online classroom
- Unlock missions that not only change lives—but might just change yours
Join the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and become part of a legacy that keeps our waters safe, our communities connected, and our spirit of service alive. Welcome aboard!
By Stephen Fridakis
