U. S. Department of Homeland Security doc U.S. Coast Guard Model Maritime Auxiliary Guide

This guide describes how the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is structured and operates, providing a model to the international community for possible use by countries operating or wishing to develop a volunteer-based maritime service. The Model Maritime Auxiliary Guide is based upon the organization, authority and mission expectations of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary has written these International Guidelines for the benefit of individuals and groups that have a sincere desire to establish a Coast Guard Auxiliary or similar government affiliated volunteer Search and Rescue (SAR) Organization in their country. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard, as well as the lead volunteer force in the Department of Homeland Security. Founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress, the 38,000 volunteer members (men and women) donate thousands of hours in support of Coast Guard missions such as Search and Rescue (SAR), Public Education, Marine Environmental Protection, Maritime Domain Awareness and commercial and recreational vessel safety checks. These volunteers come from all walks of life, i.e. recreational boaters, fishermen, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, accountants, doctors, lawyers, tradesmen, business people, active duty and retired Coast Guard and other military branches, etc., ranging from 17 to 80+ years of age. These International Guidelines are designed to share knowledge, international experience and expertise with fellow volunteers who are dedicated to assisting their Coast Guard, Navy, Defense Forces or similar government authorities involved in Recreational Boating Safety, Public Education, Marine Environmental Protection, Maritime Awareness, and Disaster Response. Good communication and cooperation with government authorities and other agencies are essential, in order to succeed. We realize that different countries have different cultures, traditions, environments, rules and regulations and we cannot write a template to fit all countries. However, we hope that these Guidelines cover the basics needed to assist you in establishing or broadening the scope of an existing Coast Guard Auxiliary or similar Volunteer Search and Rescue Organization.