Welcome!
Thank you for visiting our web site. The Coast Guard Auxiliary has a long history of providing services to Charleston area residents and the Coast Guard.
On behalf of the volunteers that comprise the Charleston Coast Guard Auxiliary, I'd like to ask you to take a few moments and browse around our web site.
Our membership represents a broad cross section of backgrounds, interests and skills. They bring with them a wide variety of talents that make the Auxiliary such a unique and strong organization. Our mission is to assist the Coast Guard in as many areas including Safety and Security Patrols, Communications, Public Education and Vessel Examinations to name only a few. We are not, however, involved in law enforcement activities.
Utilizing member-owned boats, aircraft and vehicle mounted marine radios, our members deal with a wide range of conditions. We respond to demands for on the water boating safety. These surface and air operations serve the boating public while allowing the Coast Guard to concentrate on their other Homeland Security tasks.
Our shoreside activities include assisting the Coast Guard in their Communication Center, Administrative duties in the Marine Safety Office, and many other day to day tasks. For those who are interested in our Public Education Programs, either as a student or an instructor, we offer a number of multi level courses.
We provide outstanding courses for recreational boaters to improve their operating and safety skills. With a variety of boating courses varying in length, duration and complexity, we can meet virtually any boater's educational need and interest.
For those concerned as we are
with safety afloat, we offer a free Vessel Safety Check program. This is
aimed at ensuring that recreational boaters have the necessary safety equipment
onboard. Vessels that pass this safety check receive a decal showing the Coast
Guard Auxiliary Seal Of Approval. In the event a vessel does not pass, no
penalties are imposed since auxiliarists have no law enforcement powers.
Rather, any discrepancies are pointed out and the inspection form is returned to the owner. The
owner is then invited to call for a re-examination after the discrepancy is
rectified. Click HERE
to contact our Vessel Examination officer, and yes, we do make
house calls.
Whether you are new to boating, new to the area, or an experienced boater in local waters, please feel free to contact us and learn more. We think you will be as excited as we are about our programs. After trying one of them, you may wish to join us and we would certainly welcome your interest. When you see us on the water, wave and we'll wave back.
Happy Boating!
Joe Fleming, Commander
Flotilla 12-8, Seventh Coast Guard District