THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
The United States Coast Guard is the nation’s oldest continuous
seagoing service. It is over 200 years old. When our nation was born almost all
trade was done by ship. Immediately there became a need for an organization to
ensure safe transportation and enforce U. S. law.
The roots of the U. S. Coast Guard date back to 1790. Over the years the
duties of the Coast Guard have expanded. Today they include Search and Rescue,
National Security, Marine Boating Safety, Aids to Navigation, Bridge
Administration, Marine Safety and Ice Operations. The Coast Guard promotes
safety on, over, and under the high seas and navigable waters subject to the
jurisdiction of the United States.
The Coast Guard is authorized by law to develop, establish, maintain and
operate search and rescue facilities. The Coast Guard is authorized to perform
any-and-all acts necessary to rescue and aid persons and save property at any
time and at any place where its facilities and personnel are available and can
be effectively used. However, there is no legal duty for the Coast Guard to
undertake any particular rescue mission.
The Coast Guard is the World's leading maritime humanitarian safety service
and is viewed as a strong contributor to our nation’s security. National
security is woven through all of its missions, especially maritime law
enforcement and its role as one of the five armed forces of the United States.
The Coast Guard is a professional organization whose personnel are proud of
their traditions as lifesavers, guardians of the sea and a military service.
Further, the Coast Guard contributes significantly to our national economy, as
marine transportation remains the primary method of trade movement today.
Effective March 1st , 2003, the
U.S. Coast Guard moved from the Department of Transportation to the Department
of Homeland Security.
THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 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". The act
provided that the Auxiliary shall be composed of citizens of the United States,
and that the purpose of the Auxiliary is to assist the Coast Guard; to further
interest of safety of life at sea and upon navigable waters; ... to promote
efficiency in operation of motorboats and yachts; ... to foster a wide knowledge
of, and better compliance with, the laws, rules, and regulations governing the operation of motorboats
and yachts; ... to facilitate other operations of the United States Coast Guard.
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.
By conducting a wide variety of Patrols and Search & Rescue Missions,
lives and property are saved. Operations are a demanding activity where
qualified Auxiliarists may use their knowledge, skills and facilities in an
active and satisfying manner. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a volunteer civilian
organization under the direction and administration of the Coast Guard. The
functions of the Auxiliary include promotion of safety and support to active
duty units.
The Auxiliary operational facilities are excellent resources, which can,
within their capabilities, enhance the Coast Guard's ability to respond to
maritime emergencies. The Auxiliary has a proud tradition of support to the
Coast Guard and helping mariners needing assistance on the water. "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).