Frequently Asked Questions
about the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
When was the Coast Guard Auxiliary Formed?
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the civilian volunteer arm of the United
States Coast Guard, was established by Congress in 1939 to assist the Coast
Guard in promoting boating safety.
How many members are there nationally?
The Auxiliary boasts nearly 35,000 members from all walks of life who donate their time and expertise to support the Coast Guard.
How many members are there in the Seward Flotilla?
Locally, the Seward Flotilla has 19 members. Members from Flotillas in Kenai, Whittier, Anchorage and Eagle River help to crew the S.A.F.E. boat and also make their private vessels available for patrols and other missions as AUXSTASeward (Auxiliary Station Seward)
Do I have to own a boat to join the Auxiliary?
No, boat ownership is not required. Some members enjoy participating in Administration, Standing radio watch, or becoming crew qualified to man the various privately owned auxiliary facilities (vessels) or the S.A.F.E. Boat.
What do Auxiliarists do?
Auxiliarists assist the Coast Guard in
non-law enforcement programs such as:
Public Education
Members often appear at Safety Fairs and other community activities with "Coastie", the remote control mascot or PFD Panda. Classes in aspects of Safe Boating and Water Safety are also available to the public.
Vessel Safety Checks
Safety Patrols &
Search and Rescue
Auxiliarists are trained as Crew and Coxswain to man the S.A.F.E. Boat for Search and Rescue missions in the Resurrection Bay area.
Marine Environmental Protection
Coast Guard Academy Introduction (AIM) program
Auxiliarists often work alongside their active duty/reserve counterparts in performing these missions.
Nationwide, Auxiliarists volunteer more than 2 million hours annually to benefit
other boaters, their families, friends, and neighbors, the United States Coast
Guard, and our nation.
What are the qualifications for membership?
You must be a United States citizen.
You must be at least 17 years old.
Why do people join the Auxiliary?
Our members join for a lot of reasons. Most common are general interest in boating, joining with a spouse or other family member to do activities together and the high quality of training that is available at no additional charge to members.
What kind of training is available?
Coast Guard Auxiliary members receive special training so that they are a
functional part of Team Coast Guard.
Many classes are offered to both the public and Auxiliarists at the same time. Auxiliarists participate at no charge.
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Abbreviation
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Course
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Length
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Audience
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ABC
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America's Boating Course
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8 lessons
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All boaters
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ACN
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Advanced Coastal Navigation
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12 lessons
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All boaters
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BCN
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Basic Coastal Navigation
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8 lessons
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All boaters
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BF
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Boating Fun
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1 hour
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4-9 year olds
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BSC
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Boating Safely Course
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8 hours
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All boaters
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BS&S
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Boating Skills and Seamanship
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6 to 13 lessons
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Power boaters
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GPS
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Navigating with GPS
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2 hours
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All Boaters
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PWC
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Personal Watercraft Course
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1 hour
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All Boaters
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SF
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Sailing Fundamentals
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7 to 14 lessons
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Sailors
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WP
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Waypoints
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1-3 hours
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10-12 year olds
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How much does it cost to join the Auxiliary?
Annual membership is $ 40.00. You do not have to have a uniform. Uniforms are available through various sources on-line, at the Base Exchange at Elmendorf Air Force Base or through the District Materials Depot.
Need more information?
Email Us
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