| MORE ABOUT US: |
| WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM THE
AUXILIARY? |
Training! Many training courses
are provided at no cost to members of the Auxiliary. These
courses add to members' skill and knowledge as well as prepare
them to actively support Auxiliary programs and activities. You
will have the opportunity for personal growth by learning new
skills and participating in many different activities to promote
boating safety and assist the Coast Guard. Auxiliary activities
and missions provide a sense of pride and accomplishment that
comes from helping others. As an Auxiliarist, you enjoy certain
honors and privileges. Among them are wearing the Coast Guard
Auxiliary uniform and proudly flying the Auxiliary's "Blue
Ensign." |
| WHAT THE AUXILIARY EXPECTS FROM
YOU: |
As a member, you are expected to
participate o Auxiliary programs and activities. You individual
service can be in one of several areas that support the Coast
Guard in its many missions. You will be enabled to perform as a
professional while participating in public service and aimed at
assisting the recreational boating public and the Coast Guard.
Of course, fellowship is an important Auxiliary function and
your participation is encouraged. |
| IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL
CONDUCT IN ALL ACTIVITIES |
Being part of Team Coast Guard,
your actions are a direct reflection on the Coast Guard and the
Auxiliary. The Auxiliary seeks dedicated people to carry on the
high quality programs and missions which make the Coast Guard
the premier maritime service in the world and the Auxiliary the
premier volunteer boating and safety organization.
You will receive the best possible training available. As an
Auxiliarist you are eligible to receive Coast Guard and
Auxiliary mission orders. In conducting these mission, you will
be interacting with the public as well as other Coast Guard and
Auxiliary members. As with all members of TEAM Coast Guard, you
will be expected to comply with and support policies against
sexual harassment, discrimination, drug and alcohol abuse. |
| EVERY MEMBER CAN PARTICIPATE |
The Auxiliary's primary function
is to promote recreational boating safety and assist the Coast
Guard in its civil missions serving the public. As an
Auxiliarist you can participate in one more programs such as:
|
1. Patrols
2. Chart-updating
3. Training
4. Recruiting |
5. Public Affairs
6. Public Education
7. Vessel Safety Programs
8. Environmental Protections |
The flotilla is the Auxiliary's basic unit. Every Auxiliarist is
a flotilla member and attends flotilla meetings. The flotilla is
led by the Flotilla Commander with assistance from the Flotilla
Vice Commander who are elected by the flotilla members.
Additionally, various staff officers are appointed by the
Flotilla Commander to administer the flotilla's activities.
|
| TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
OPPORTUNITIES |
Membership begins with the New Member training program. This
program explains the Auxiliary and it's functions, and assists
you in getting started. You will be enrolled as a member of the
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, which entitles you to many training
opportunities for qualifications, as in:
-
Vessel Examiner
-
Air and Surface Operations
-
Marine Safety & Environmental Protection
-
Aids to Navigation Verifier
-
Auxiliary Administration
-
Radio Watchstanding
-
Instructor
-
Chart Updating
If
you desire to participate in any of these activities, you must
first undergo training and then qualifications in the specific
program. This is designed to ensure proficiency and safety.
Ample opportunity to participate in the qualification training
is provided by Auxiliary trainers throughout each year.
If
you have a vessel (facility) and want to use it to assist Coast
Guard and Auxiliary operational programs, you must first offer
it for use as an operational facility. Operational Facility
owners and others wishing to participate in on-the-water
activities complete a Boat Crew Qualification program. The Boat
Crew Qualification consists of in-depth seamanship and boat
handling training followed by a series of proficiency
demonstrations, both written and practical. These validate your
ability to competently carry out operational missions as a crew
member or coxswain.
At some point you may wish to take the advanced Auxiliary
Operational Specialty (AUXOP) courses. This is more training!
These courses may be taken any time throughout your Auxiliary
career and provide fun and meaningful experience. The seven
Specialty Courses are listed below:
-
PATROLS
-
COMMUNICATIONS
-
SEAMANSHIP
-
PILOTING/NAVIGATION
-
WEATHER
-
SEARCH AND RESCUE
As
you can see, there is a wealth of training courses available to
you at no cost. |
| PERSONAL COSTS |
Like other organizations, there are personal costs involved in
Auxiliary membership.
These cost include:
-
time devoted to participation in Auxiliary missions
-
modest annual membership dues which need to be kept current
for membership,
-
costs involved for Auxiliary social functions,
-
uniforms and attachments needed in administrative and public
service activities,
-
the purchase of proper safety equipment for us in the
on-the-water operations of Auxiliary patrols
|
