The Coast Guard Auxiliary is chartered to assist the Coast Guard as authorized by the Commandant. These functions included all missions authorized by law except military operations and law enforcement.

The Auxiliary is America's Volunteer Life-savers. It is involved with: Search and rescue, aircraft operations, seamanship training, weather training, radio and computer operations, public education instruction, aids to navigation, vessel safety checks, support during disasters, marine safety, environmental protection, recruiting assistance, and safety patrols. As the roles and responsibilities of the Coast Guard expand under the Department of Homeland Security, the Auxiliary is taking on more non-traditional roles.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers the recreational boater many services -- from conducting boating safety classes to vessel safety checks.