The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian component of the United States Coast Guard, created by an act of the United States Congress in 1939.
As a volunteer organization and a part of the Team Coast Guard, members of the Auxiliary receive many of the same benefits as personnel in the active Coast Guard.

The Auxiliary is best known for the the promotion of safe boating safety through public education classes and vessel examinations. However, its members also work side by side with the regular Coast Guard, augmenting their efforts  in most mission areas except military and law enforcement operations