The purpose of the Auxiliary is to assist the US Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security:

1. promote safety and to effect rescues on navigable waters;

2. promote responsible, efficient and safe operation of watercraft;

3. foster widespread knowledge of and compliance with the laws, rules, and regulations governing the operation of watercraft; and

4. to facilitate other operations and missions of the Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security as appropriate.

Who can join to the Coast Guard Auxiliary?

Any Citizens of the United States and its territories and possessions who are 17 years of age or older and have not been convicted of a felony.

No, there are many other areas of service available such as Vessel Safety Checks (VSC), Public Education, Administrative Support, Aids to Navigation/Chart Updating, Public Affairs, Events, and Relations including National Safe Boating Week, Boat Show Participation, Marine Dealer Visitations, and Sea Explorer, Boy and Girl Scout, and Naval Sea Cadet Training.

No fixed time requirements exist , so you can invest as little or as much time and effort as fits your personal situation.  The only requirement to remain on the "active roster" is that you do not miss three monthly meetings in a row without obtaining an excused absence from the Flotilla Commander.  However, like anything in life, you only get out of something what you are willing to invest in it.

The only thing the Auxiliary and Coast Guard require is that you have an interest and desire in learning and getting involved.  We get involved in a very broad range of activities and the Department of Homeland Security, the US Coast Guard and the Auxiliary are all committed to life long learning and willing to invest the time and effort in training our members and developing their skills, abilities and expertise as required. 

The Auxiliary's role is entirely within the Coast Guard's civil functions and does not extend into any military or law enforcement responsibilities of the service.  Thus, Auxiliary Members may not carry firearms when conducting Auxiliary activities even if they have civil authorization to do so by either permit or in their occupation.

Below decks is below the main deck. A space below a flying bridge deck does not qualify. However, such a space may be an enclosed cabin.

An enclosed cabin is a space that is enclosed by solid bulkhead, windows or doors. A space with button down or tied down plastic or canvas coverings over rails or braces does not qualify as an enclosed cabin.

If an enclosed cabin on a vessel has a sliding door as the after bulkhead, is it still an enclosed cabin with the sliding door locked in the open position?

Yes, it is still an enclosed cabin even with the door locked open.

Any law enforcement officer can submit a cg 4100 form (report of boarding) through an appropriate coast guard unit to a coast guard hearing officer to process a civil penalty violation.

How do we verify the age of children to determine whether or not there is a violation of the pfd wearing requirement?

In most cases, the verbal claim of the child will suffice.  If the boarding officer has reasonable grounds to doubt the verbal claim, identification may be sought. In the absence of identification, and where reasonable grounds exist to suspect a violation, enforcement action should be taken, with amplifying information noted on the cg-4100s form.