Membership  

Why Volunteer?

Why join the Auxiliary?

• BE PART OF THE ACTION & HELP SAVE LIVES -- Since the recreational boating population in the United States is growing rapidly, the Coast Guard Auxiliary needs a few good men and women like you. As an Auxiliary Member, 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! Either through on- water Operations, the Auxiliary's Public Education Program, Courtesy Examination 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, as well as leadership and administration. Auxiliarists receive valuable training in seamanship and related skills, and enjoy the sense of 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 programs for youth and adults and examine recreational vessel 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 one of our flotilla meetings. In addition, dedication to boating safety provides the atmosphere for getting together to swap boating experiences and participate in cruises and rendezvous. You'll find a special camaraderie among Auxiliarists that's hard to beat. There's time to relax and have fun at Auxiliary outings, training sessions, patrols, programs, 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.

What can you expect from the Auxiliary?

• TRAINING! -- Many programs are provided at no cost to members of the Auxiliary. These programs 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 Auxiliary Member, you can enjoy certain honors and privileges. Among them are wearing the Coast Guard Auxiliary uniform and proudly flying the Auxiliary's "Blue Ensign"

• Coast Guard Credit Union Benefits

• Publications

• Uniforms and Rewards

How do I join?

• There are two ways to join.

  • If you would like to join the Wilmette Harbor, Illinois Flotilla, contact the Personnel Services Officer here.

  • To find a Flotilla in your area follow this LINK.