From the NFRW Armed Services Committee
Thursday, June 23, marks the 83rd Birthday of the Unites States Coast Guard Auxiliary.
In 1939, the Coast Guard Auxiliary was established by federal law. Originally, civilian boat owners were responsible for promoting water safety, seamanship, and other water-based missions. Little known fact is that there are two non-military and unpaid civil auxiliaries that exit today – one for the Air Force and one for the Coast Guard. This is a force of volunteers who assist the Coast Guard as long as it does not involve real-world military operations or law enforcement activities. Legislation was passed in the mid-1990s authorizing this support.
This volunteer force promotes and supports maritime safety and recreational boat safety, fights pollution of our waterways, and performs some rescue operations. Originally, these volunteers were required to have their own vessel, but it is not required today. Membership is open to U.S. citizens ages 17 and older.
Safety is the word that most often describes the Coast Guard Auxiliary. For free, the Coast Guard Auxiliary will perform vessel safety checks and conduct all-ages recreational boast safety classes. The public boating courses can be found on the Auxiliary’s official website.