Flotilla 05-03    Chesapeake, VA
USCG Fifth District, Southern Region (The "Fabulous Fifth")

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian volunteer reserve component of the Coast Guard and traces its beginning back to June 23, 1939, when the United States Congress enacted "The Coast Guard Reserve Act of 1939". In February 1941 a new act created the Military Reserve and renamed the original Reserve the "Coast Guard Auxiliary". Effective March 1st, 2003, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary moved with the Coast Guard from the Department of Transportation to the Department of Homeland Security. "The purpose and future mission of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is to assist the Coast Guard as authorized by the Commandant, in performing any Coast Guard function, power, duty, role, mission or operation authorized by law" (From the Coast Guard Act of 1995/1996).


ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE USCG AUXILIARY

PUBLIC EDUCATION: Classes on boating techniques and safety offered on a scheduled basis
throughout the year. Special dates available to meet local needs.

VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS: Free safety checks offered to recreational boaters on their boats, for
their benefit. Not reported to Coast Guard or local law enforcement.

SAFETY PATROLS: Patrols on navigable and local waters to promote safety awareness, assist
boaters in distress, save lives and property and perform disaster relief operations.

REGATTA PATROLS: Assist sponsors of large marine events in crowd control and spectator safety.

AIDS TO NAVIGATION: Provide audits on Federal and private aids to navigation.

HARBOR & MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL PATROLS: Surveys of docking and fleeting areas for safety and
environmental concerns.

MARINE DEALER VISITS: Assist marine dealers and marinas with safety information, access to
Coast Guard resources for recalls and consumer complaints.

BASIC & ADVANCED COASTAL NAVIGATION: Classes designed to educate the boater on the finer points
of navigation over the water.

YOUTH CLASSES: Classes designed to educate children, K-3, boating safety and water safety.

U.S. COAST GUARD ACADEMY AND RECRUITING ASSISTANCE: Programs designed to assist members of the
public who wish to enter the Coast Guard Academy, or serve in various programs in the Coast Guard.

CHART UPDATING: A program designed to update nautical charts.

COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSEL INSPECTIONS: A program designed to help commercial fishermen meet
inspection requirements.

BOAT SHOW SAFETY BOOTHS: Setting up and staffing boat show safety booths, answering questions
from attendees, and handing out safety literature.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS: Activities include participating in parades, doing public appearances and
demonstrations, speakers bureaus, writing articles and news releases.

LOCAL WATER COUNCILS: Participate on local water councils, dealing with water and boating
safety issues, conflicts of interest, and waterways management.

NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK: Extended to year around activity, but with a kick off week in
preparation for boating season. Seeks contributing partners in boating safety.

COAST GUARD, STATE, AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE: Providing a variety of assistance to governmental
agencies, such as watchstanders, communication stations, logistical help, and administrative assistance. The
Auxiliary is able to augment disaster planning committees.

PERSONNEL SERVICES: Recruiting new members for the Auxiliary, Regulars and Reserves.

COMMUNICATIONS: Using land and mobile facilities, able to set up and staff radios to provide
or supplement communication nets.