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About the Auxiliary

Calendar Year to date: Auxiliarists saved 332 lives, assisted 9,548 others, and conducted 102,620 vessel safety checks and 1236 commercial fishing vessel safety exams. Auxiliarists spent over 11,000 hours in the air, 170,000 hours on surface patrols, and over 58,000 hours in the classroom conducting public education.

- ALCOAST 550/03, December 18, 2003

On the Water

If you go down to the water almost every weekend and holiday during the boating season, you may see a personal pleasure craft being converted into a “vessel of the United States.” Flags are hoisted and signboards reading “U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Patrol” are affixed. The radio begins to crackle as several non-military looking people put on life jackets over blue uniforms to get underway. What are they doing? Is this something worthwhile?

Let’s examine the typical Saturday safety patrol. The patrol usually lasts 6 hours and is often timed to coincide with the critical sunset hours when a routine or minor problem can quickly become an emergency because of the approaching darkness. Vessels are manned by a Coxswain (Skipper) and two or more crewmembers. Each has been trained in search and rescue techniques, towing, CG Assistance Policy, emergency procedures, and each must maintain annual qualifications.

The average patrol covers approximately 20 miles coming and going. The crew checks aids to navigation devices, bridges, private markers and state regulation signs. Where applicable, they search for marine life in distress, assist boaters with local information or directions, look for pollution and situations that could lead to pollution. They maintain constant communications with local Coast Guard units and/or area law enforcement agencies. They search for hazards and report, at least every hour, on conditions and observations. And, of course, they also look for fellow boaters in distress and take action as circumstances dictate. Finally, while the Coast Guard Auxiliary has no law enforcement authority, boaters seen participating in dangerous or illegal actions may be politely advised. These safety patrols prevent accidents and relieve the Coast Guard from having to expend precious resources for routine matters. Boat owners are reimbursed for fuel costs while vessels are being used for patrols.

Debbie Engel, Staff Officer – Public Affairs – Division 7

In the Classroom

In the Air

Augmenting the Coast Guard at Sector Portland

Conducting Vessel Safety Checks

Providing Health Care Services

Department of Homeland Security    |    U.S. Coast Guard     |   USCG District 13  |  USCG Sector Portland

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary National Website    |    U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary District 13 Website