Membership
The Auxiliary is an organization of civilian volunteers. Membership is open to any citizen of the U.S. and its territories and possessions, who is seventeen years of age or older, subject to a favorable PSI (Personnel Security Investigation).
Facility (radio station, vessel, or aircraft) ownership and special skills are desirable, but not mandatory.
An Auxiliarist may join any flotilla of their choice regardless of geographic location and/or boundaries, however, assignment to duty will be in accordance with the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual.
There are no specific physical standards for participating in the Coast Guard Auxiliary surface or radio operations. Any Basically Qualified (BQ) Auxiliarist may participate in training to achieve certification in an operational position. However, to become certified in an operational position, Auxiliarists must demonstrate their ability, mobility, and endurance to complete performance based training and qualifying tasks utilizing the procedures outlined in the appropriate qualification guide(s) as established by the Commandant.
For more information about joining the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Bellingham, WA, contact Ernie Salotti at 360-676-6816 or e-mail at esalotti@comcast.net.