Every member can specialize in any or all of seven different specialty areas in the operational and administrative fields. Successful completion of your first course entitles you to wear the Specialty Course ribbon shown at the left. Each additional class entitles you to add a bronze star to the ribbon. After completing six courses, the bronze stars are replaced with a silver star. Upon completion of the seven courses, the ribbon is removed and is replaced by the coveted AUXOPS device shown on the right. The seven specialty courses are Auxiliary Administration (AUXMIN), Auxiliary Communications (AUXCOM), Navigation (AUXNAV), Patrols (AUXPAT), Search and Rescue (AUXSAR), Seamanship (AUXSEA) and Weather (AUXWEA).
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Operational
Specialty Courses Link
Description of Auxiliary (AUXCOM) Communication Course
PPT File.
Description of Auxiliary Navigation (AUXNAV) Course
PPT File
Description of Auxiliary Patrols (AUXPAT) Course
PPT File
Description of Auxiliary Search and Rescue (AUXSAR) Course
PPT File
Reserved
Instructor Program
The Auxiliary Instructor program qualifies members as instructors for public education (PE) and member training (MT) courses. An Auxiliarist qualifies as an instructor by completing the practical exercises and test. Also members of the U.S. Power Squadron (USPS), who have completed the USPS Instructor Qualification Course and graduates of the Coast Guard Basic Instructor Course (BIC) will also be certified as instructors (IT) upon application.
Becoming an Auxiliary Instructor entitles you to wear the Instructor Program ribbon. Further practical training will qualify you as a Master Instructor (MI). This qualifies you to mentor members to become Master Instructors and entitles you to wear a bronze star on the Instructor Program ribbon.
Operations Program
The Auxiliary Operations program qualifies members as boat crew, coxswains, air observers, co-pilots, first pilots, aircraft commanders, aids to navigation (ATON) verifiers, watch standing at Coast Guard active duty units or Auxiliary radio facilities. Qualified Auxiliarists can also serve as crew or engineer on Coast Guard vessels when these vessels are not engaged in law enforcement or military operations.
Your first qualification entitles you to wear the Operations Program ribbon. Each additional qualification entitles you to wear a bronze star on the Operations Program ribbon. Upon earning your sixth qualification the bronze stars are replaced with a silver star. Coxswains and aircraft pilots wear breast devices signifying their accomplishments.
Examiner Program
The examiner program qualifies Auxiliarists as Vessel Examiners (VE), Marine Dealer Visitors (MDV) and Commercial Fishing Vessel Examiners (CFVE). Vessel examiners conduct free vessel equipment safety checks. This is not a law enforcement action and the results are not reported to any law enforcement authority. Marine Dealer Visitors visit local marine dealers, marinas and public offices and inform them about the activities of the Auxiliary, particularly as these apply to public education and boating safety.
Your first qualification entitles you to wear the Examiner Program ribbon. Each additional qualification entitles you to add a bronze star to the Examination Program ribbon.
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