At some point, a dedicated boater will want to know about their vocation and take steps to learn more about good seamanship. While a sense of personal accomplishment is certainly one outcome of boater education, there are many other tangible benefits. Among the easiest of these benefits to measure are improvements in safety, reduced cost of vessel operation and gaining more time on the water.
Many boaters are self-directed and can identify learning opportunities on their own. An easier way to become a better boater is to join the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. As part of Team Coast Guard, the Auxiliary is all about making life better for boaters. On an average day, members of the Auxiliary throughout the United States educate 369 people about boating safety, conduct 299 vessel safety checks, prevent the loss of $341,000 in property, assist 28 people and will save one life.
A Brief History of the Coast Guard Auxiliary
Marking its 71 birthday in 2010, the Auxiliary was founded by an Act of Congress that established the civilian Coast Guard Reserve in 1939. This reserve group was tasked with promoting boating safety and facilitating the operations of the Coast Guard. In the lead-up to World War II, the group was renamed the Coast Guard Auxiliary and its members took over protection of the United States coast, freeing active duty members for service in the conflict. In 1996, Congress voted to increase the role of the Auxiliary, allowing its members to assist in any Coast Guard function that doesn’t involve law enforcement or military operations.
Benefits of Membership in the Coast Guard Auxiliary
Some benefits for members are training to improve personal knowledge, skills and abilities, gaining pride by contributing to the public good and having fun! There are four cornerstones of the Auxiliary; member services, recreational boating safety, operations and marine safety, and fellowship. These cornerstones lead into opportunities for every member.
Example activities can be:
- serving as a boat crew or coxswain
- conducting public education and member training
- providing radio communications and watchstanding duties
- performing commercial fishing vessel safety missions
- promoting recreational boating safety missions
- writing publications and performing public affairs missions
- supporting active duty marine and environmental protection missions
- active duty recruiting and support of the Coast Guard Academy.
Any person who is a United States Citizen, who is 17 years of age or older, and has not been convicted of a felony can become a member. The new member must have an interest in participating in at least one Auxiliary program.
Consider Joining the Auxiliary
The Coast Guard Auxiliary represents an opportunity for boaters to learn more about their trade and make a contribution to the country. Under the group’s Congressional mandate, Auxiliary members serve in the Coast Guard in a vast array of capacities. Members cook on cutters, provide medical care, help prevent marine pollution and keep port facilities secure. There are opportunities available for any boater interested in joining the Auxiliary. The Coast Guard motto is Semper Paratus – Always Ready, a watchword applicable to any boater.
Alan Sorum - Alan Sorum is the Maritime Operations Project Manager for the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC). Alan is ...
