Surface Operations
Certified boat crews assist with recreational boating safety, search and rescue, and marine safety patrols alongside active-duty Coast Guard personnel.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard. With more than 25,000 members nationwide, we support Coast Guard missions on the water, in the air, and on land — promoting maritime safety and protecting America's waterways.
Auxiliary members undergo rigorous training to support Coast Guard operations across five mission areas.
Certified boat crews assist with recreational boating safety, search and rescue, and marine safety patrols alongside active-duty Coast Guard personnel.
Auxiliary aviation members participate in Search and Rescue, Port Over Flights, Waterways and Coastal Security, Marine Safety, and Pollution Response missions.
Certified instructors deliver Coast Guard-approved boating safety courses on navigation, rules of the road, and emergency procedures to the public.
Free Vessel Safety Checks help boaters ensure their vessels meet federal and state safety requirements — covering life jackets, fire extinguishers, navigation lights, and more.
Auxiliary members support Emergency Management operations, providing critical assistance during natural disasters, mass casualty events, and port security operations.
To volunteer with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, individuals must meet the following eligibility requirements. There are no upper age limits or specific physical requirements beyond being able to perform the tasks of your chosen role.
Start Your ApplicationNational Command
National Command
USCG Liaison
Operations
The Auxiliary is organized into 16 districts covering the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.