To join the Auxiliary you must be 17 years old or older, a citizen of the United States or one of its territories, and have not been convicted of a felony offense. You can learn more about joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary by contacting us. We will answer any questions you have and explain the benefits and rewards of membership.  Enrolling is a simple process that will quickly have you out on the water providing service to your community while receiving advanced seamanship training available nowhere else. 

Rewards as an Auxiliarist

You have an opportunity to increase your knowledge of safe boating and acquire special training through advanced classes provided locally, or by taking correspondence courses from the Coast Guard Institute.  Instruction in navigation, meteorology, marine engines, communications, and search and rescue operations enhances the value of you to the Auxiliary, while adding to your own personal knowledge and boating pleasure.  You will find great personal satisfaction in providing a valuable public service to the local boaters or while supporting the mission of the Coast Guard.  The possibility of saving lives is always in your path as an Auxiliarist.  Dedication to boating safety provides an atmosphere for getting together with fellow Auxiliarists and friends to swap boating experiences and to participate in Auxiliary 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.

Why Volunteer?

• Be part of the action and help save lives.  Since the recreational boating population in the United States is growing rapidly, there is a growing need for volunteers to help keep recreational boating safe.  As an Auxiliarist, you will have the opportunity to select and participate in one or more of the Auxiliary's major programs.  If you feel strongly about the rewards you can get from serving your community, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is the right place for you!  You can make a valuable contribution by supporting on-water Operations, the Auxiliary's Public Education Program, Vessel Safety Check Program, Radio Watchstander, Coast Guard Recruiting, Marine Environmental Protection, or Coast Guard Administration.
• Increase your skills.   The Auxiliary and the Coast Guard provide specialized training on all aspects of boating, leadership and, administration.  Auxiliarists receive valuable training in seamanship and related skills, and enjoy the confidence of knowing that they are better and safer boaters.
• Support the Coast Guard.   Auxiliarists provide direct operational and administrative support to many local Coast Guard units.  You can wear the Coast Guard Auxiliary uniform and become part of Team Coast Guard.  When you qualify through training, you can take part in Search and Rescue operations, stand radio watch at the Coast Guard Station, work with the Marine Safety Office on pollution matters or work in the Recruiting Office.
• Service to your community.   Auxiliarists aren't paid with money, but with satisfaction.  We furnish and maintain our own equipment and can choose to participate at a level tailored to our individual capabilities.  We provide boating safety classes for youth and adults and examine recreational vessels for safety equipment to ensure that our neighbors will be safe on the waterways.
• Enjoy fun and fellowship.   In all activities, enjoy fellowship -- the good company of other Auxiliarists at meetings and training sessions, on patrols and other missions, and at ceremonies and social events.  One of the Auxiliary's trademarks is good old-fashioned hospitality.  Friends, neighbors and interested members of the public are always welcome to attend our flotilla meetings where you will find the special camaraderie among Auxiliarists that's hard to beat.  There's time to relax and have fun at Auxiliary outings, training sessions, patrols, Vessel Safety Checks, classes, and conferences.  Auxiliarists make lasting, meaningful friendships. Knowing that you belong to a special group of people and directly participate in helping save lives gives your Auxiliary membership a special meaning.

Flotilla 46 is always looking for good people who want to be a part of our organization. If this is something that interests you and you want more information, send an E-mail to our personnel officer. Please include your name, address, telephone number and best time to call.