U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Missions

Below is a brief listing of the major U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary missions. This list demonstrates the variety of ways that Auxiliary members, the unpaid volunteers, can provide valuable services.

New members are encouraged to explore these opportunities, "find their niche" and participate to the extent that they deem appropriate.

Members of Division 2 are active in many of these missions.

See also: Joining the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary on this Web site.

SURFACE (WATER) OPERATIONS MISSIONS

Are performed under Coast Guard orders using an Auxiliary Operational Facility:

• SAFETY PATROL - patrolling within a prescribed area and capable of offering immediate assistance. Available for search and rescue callout.
• REGATTA PATROL - patrolling organized regattas, power boat races, ski shows and boat parades.
• CHART UPDATE PATROL - verifying the accuracy and completeness of information published on charts and related navigation publications.
• AIDS TO NAVIGATION PATROL - verifying the operation of Federal and private aids to navigation and bridge lighting systems.
• PWC PATROL - patrolling on a Personal Water Craft (PWC).

AIR OPERATIONS MISSIONS

Are performed under Coast Guard orders using an Auxiliary Air Facility:

• SAR MISSION - Search and Rescue call out or the air equivalent to a vessel safety patrol.
• MEP MISSION - Air support in the area of Marine Environmental Protection.
• ATON SUPPORT MISSION - Air support to survey Coast Guard aids to navigation.
• LOGISTICS MISSION - Transportation of personnel.
• TRAINING MISSION - Training missions involving air operations.

LAND-BASED OPERATIONS MISSIONS

• RADIO WATCHSTANDER - Serving as a qualified watchstander at a Coast Guard or Auxiliary facility.
• ALERT SAR STANDBY - Standing by with an Auxiliary Operational Facility for immediate call out.
• SAR CALL OUT - Search and Rescue call out involving communication facilities.
• CG CREW AUGMENTATION - Serving as a qualified crew on a Coast Guard vessel.
• ELT SUPPORT MISSION - Surface support for a Coast Guard law enforcement mission.
• MEP MISSION - Surface support for a Marine Environmental Protection mission.
• AUXILIARY RADIO NET MISSION - Maintaining Coast Guard authorized Auxiliary radio nets.
• AIDS TO NAVIGATION MISSION-FEDERAL - Servicing Federal Aids to Navigation.
• BRIDGE ADMINISTRATION - Inspecting bridge lighting systems.

PUBLIC EDUCATION MISSIONS

• PE OTHER THAN STATE/YOUTH - Auxiliary multi-lesson Public Education classes.
• STATE AND YOUTH COURSES - State Public Education classes and Youth courses.
• MT INSTRUCTOR MISSION - Training of Auxiliary members including specialty courses, boat crew training, and basic qualification classes.

ENVIRONMENTAL MISSIONS

• MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - Provide support to the Coast Guard in the area of Marine Environmental Protection.

COAST GUARD SUPPORT AND BOATING SAFETY MISSIONS

• CG OPERATIONAL SUPPORT - A service provided to operational Coast Guard units in support of Coast Guard programs.
• CG ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT - Provide support to the Coast Guard in areas other than operations or recruiting..
• VSC/PWC/UPV/CFV - Marine examination programs: Vessel Safety Checks; Personal Water Craft; Uninspected Passenger Vessel; and Commercial Fishing Vessel.
• PUBLIC AFFAIRS MISSION - Promoting the people and the programs (e.g., Boating Safety) of the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Coast Guard Reserve.
• MARINE DEALER VISITS - Participating in the Marine Dealer Visitation Program.

AGENCY SUPPORT MISSIONS

• FEDERAL AGENCIES - Provide non-operational support to other federal agencies, such as Customs, Corps of Engineers and NOAA.
• STATE AGENCIES - Provide support to state agencies, such as the Department of Natural Resources, State Police and Marine Patrols.
• LOCAL AGENCIES - Provide support to local agencies, such as local police, sheriff's offices, fire/dive rescue and Harbormasters.