The Auxiliary is a volunteer civilian organization. Membership is open to any citizen of the United States and its territories and possessions who is 17 years of age or older.

Ownership of a boat or aircraft is desirable, but not mandatory.

Applications are usually denied if the applicant has been convicted of a felony, any conviction for drug or alcohol abuse, sexual deviation or on parole. Some of these restrictions may be waived under proscribed circumstances.

Applicants complete a basic qualification course of study, pass a written test and then have their application submitted for approval.

The Auxiliary is guided the the current equal opportunity policies of the Commandant Of The Coast Guard. No person shall be subject to discrimination in the Auxiliary or its programs because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or disability.

The Auxiliary is like the U.S. Coast Guard because we:

Represent the Federal Government

Wear Uniforms & Observe military courtesies

Don’t take sides in political activities to raise money

Limit activities to approved programs

Qualify Through Training

The Auxiliary is Different From The U.S. Coast Guard because we:

Aren’t paid

Aren’t directly involved in law enforcement

Elect our leaders

Furnish our own equipment

Chose to participate or not

Work where we live, rather than live where we work