On An Average Day the Coast Guard Auxiliary will:

• Complete 62.5 safety patrols
• Complete 6.2 regatta patrols
• Perform 10.2 vessel assists
• Assist 28 people
• Save 1 life
• Save $341,290 in property
• Participate in 100 operational support missions
• Participate in 48.7 administrative support missions
• Complete 13.4 recruiting support missions
• Educate 369 people on boating safety
• Perform 299 vessel safety checks
• Attend 70 public affairs functions

US Coast Guard Auxiliary Resources
(year 2005)

• Operational Vessels 4,758
• Aircraft 272
• Communications Stations 2,757
• Members 30,083
• Personal Watercraft Facilities 263

US Coast Guard Auxiliary Mission Hours
(year 2005)

• Public Affairs 24,939
• Safety Patrol Hours 85,505
• Air Patrol Hours 6,779
• Support of Coast Guard Missions 25,381
• Hours of Public Education 22,550
• Hours of Member Training 38,654

Auxiliary Qualified Team Members
(year 2005)

• Boat Crew 5,054
• Auxiliary Coxswains 3,854
• Air Observers 565
• Pilots 266
• Navigation Aids Verifiers 3,214
• Instructors 6,669
• Personal Watercraft Operators 223

The Coast Guard Auxiliary was authorized by Congress on June 23, 1939. This act authorized the Coast Guard to use civilian volunteers to promote boating safety on the nation's waterways. During World War II, many Auxiliarists joined the war effort in either active duty branches of the service, or as members of the Temporary Reserve. These Reservists watched waterfronts, performed coastal patrols and rescued survivors from sinking ships.

On October 19, 1996 Congress greatly increased the responsibilities and training of the Auxiliary. The intent of Congress was to expand the ability of the Coast Guard to utilize the Coast Guard Auxiliary for missions not contemplated in 1939. The Coast Guard Authorization Act increased the scope of the Auxiliaries' duties to include any role, mission, or operation that the Commandant of the Coast Guard might envision. Thus, the Auxiliary, traditionally known for its Boating Safely Classes and Vessel Safety Checks, will have greatly increased responsibilities. Currently, the Auxiliary has 35,000 members in all 50 states.

BECOME A TRAINED VOLUNTEER OR A PAID PROFESSIONAL

As a person who spends much of your time on or near the water, you already know what is normal and what is not and you are well suited to notice suspicious activities ─ activities possibly indicating threats to our nation's homeland security. And as a participant in America's Waterway Watch we urge you to adopt a heightened sense of sensitivity toward unusual events or individuals you may encounter in or around ports, docks, marinas, riversides, beaches, or waterfront communities.

You should always remember that people are not suspicious, behavior is. And if you observe suspicious behavior or activity, you should simply note the details and contact local law enforcement. You are not expected to approach or challenge anyone acting in a suspicious manner.

America's Waterway Watch is a public outreach program, encouraging participants to simply report suspicious activity to the Coast Guard and/or other law enforcement agencies. Unlike some Neighborhood Watch programs, for example, you are not formally joining an organization -- there are no meetings, membership cards or membership requirements -- and you do not become an agent of the Coast Guard or any other law enforcement agency.

If you are interested in assisting in a more formal capacity, either as a paid professional or trained volunteer, you should consider a civilian or military career with the United States Coast Guard (http://www.gocoastguard.com/jobs.html) or joining a local flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary (http://www.cgaux.org/) its civilian component of unpaid volunteers.

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