The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was established by Congress in June, 1939 to assist the Coast Guard in promoting boating safety. It is composed of nearly 36,000 members from all walks of life who are drawn together by their love of the water and a willingness to serve other boaters. Its members receive special training so that they may be a functional part of Team Coast Guard.
Auxiliarists assist the Coast Guard in non-law enforcement programs such as public education, safety patrols, search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and Coast Guard Academy introduction programs for youth. Auxiliary members volunteer approximately 2-million hours annually to benefit other boaters and their families.
Flotilla 16-05
The Coronado Bay Flotilla (16-05), founded in 1978, serves the boating public and the U.S. Coast Guard in the San Diego Bay and nearby off-shore waters. Flotilla 16-05 consists of approximtely 50 active members who participate in continuing programs of Public Education courses, Safety Patrols, Aids to Navigation Verification Patrols, Radio Direction Finding operations, USCG operations watchstanding, USCG administrative assistance, Vessel Examinations, and Maritime Event support.
SERVING YOU
Introduction.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary serves you in several ways:
- We deliver safe-boating class to you at no charge (other than the cost of books and associated course materials) that will increase your boating proficiency and may earn you discounts on your boat insurance. Several types of classes are offered. Look here to see a description and schedule of available classes.
- At your request, we can perform a Boat Safety Equipment Examination - known as a Vessel Safety Check (VSC). This is an audit of safety equipment on your boat. Only you are told of the results. Our equipment list is usually above and beyond what is required by most state boating laws. If your boat passes the exam, you get a decal you can put on your boat. Boat with confidence, knowing your equipment is up to safety standards.
- Our operations programs provide you patrols for boat races and surface or air searches and rescues. Also, we help the Coast Guard protect the marine environment, and we report on boating conditions.
- Availability permitting, we can provide you with speakers, safety booths, and participants for parades as part of our Public Affairs mission.
Coast Guard Specific
If you are interested in knowing more about the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, we have an Academy Introduction Program. If you qualify, you can spend several supervised days at the Academy in New London, Connecticut to learn first hand what four years there would be like. If you're interested in enlisting in the Coast Guard, you could graduate from boot camp with a higher rate of pay (E-3) if you passed Auxiliary courses before enlisting. See your Recruiter for details.
Other Programs
Other programs of the Auxiliary not otherwise mentioned specifically in this web site:
- National Safe Boating Week
- Boat Show Participation
- Aids to Navigation Verification
- Chart Updating
- Marine Dealer Visitation Program
- Comercial Fishing Vessel Examination Program
- Marine Environmental Education/Protection Program
- Administrative and Operational Support Missions for the Coast Guard
- Many, many more
JOINING US
Introduction
The Auxiliary is a civilian organization of volunteers. Being an Auxiliarist will add a new dimension to your boating activities and enable you to share in the worthwhile experience of assisting boaters and saving lives, as well as being an important part of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Eligibility
Membership is open to citizens of the United States and its territories and possessions, who are at least 17 years of age. 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.
Benefits
As an Auxiliarist, you have an oportunity 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, marine engines, communications, and search and resuce 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 a 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.
Operations
Safety patrols, regatta patrols, search and rescue (SAR), and Coast Guard support missions are part of the Operations mission. As a new member you could be trained to qualify as Boat Crew, Coxswain, Air Crew, communications watchstanders, work in Coast Guard offices and other Coast Guard mission areas. Our pilots and aircraft, working with our radio stations and boats, provide for complete operational support by working with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Public Education
The Auxiliary is noted for its public education courses which teach pleasure boaters safe boating principles, practices, and legal responsibilities. You could be trained to be an Instructor for any course that we offer - from Water 'n Kids to Advanced Coastal Navigation. Look here for class descriptions and schedules.
Vessel Examination
The Vessel Safety Check (VSC) program serves to encourage boaters to carry the proper safety equipment. You could be trained to become a Vessel Examiner and give the boaters a personal mini-course in boating safety equipment while performing a vessel examination at your local boating area.
Uniforms
You are entitled 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 minimum uniform is not extremely costly.
Dues
Naturally, there are dues to be paid. Each flotilla sets its own level, so contact the nearest Auxiliary unit to check it out.
Join the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
To join the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary please contact the Flotilla 16-05 Membership Officer:
Dennis Usrey FSO-PS at (619) 435-2450 or (619) 865-5212.
This page last updated
on 24 December 2008