Below here, for reference, is some information about the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary:
“The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - Who We Are...
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian component of Coast Guard Forces. Founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves and re-designated the Auxiliary in 1941. It serves you through boating safety classes, vessel safety checks, and safety patrols on the water and in the air. Members of the Auxiliary have no law enforcement powers and issue no permits. The 35,000 men and women volunteer members donate thousands of hours in support of Coast Guard missions.
The Coast Guard does more than just Search and Rescue, and with the exception of direct law enforcement and military action, the Auxiliary is there, side by side, working with regular and reserve Coast Guard units, every step of the way. We’re found in every part of the United States, just where Recreational Boating is found.
The National Organization is broken down along the lines of the Coast Guard Districts. Some districts are further sub divided for ease of administration. Districts are then sub divided into Divisions, with these units further sub divided into Flotilla's. The Flotilla is the mainstay of the Auxiliary, and every member must belong to a Flotilla.
We’re serious about Boating Safely and Boating Safety. We provide public education on a wide range of boating topics. We even have programs for kids!
In addition to being a major team member of the Coast Guard (our numbers exceed the current strength of the USCG), we are a social and fraternal organization.”
