Coast Guard auxiliary seeks volunteers The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard, and is actively seeking more volunteers interested in serving their country and their community. The auxiliary participates in all Coast Guard missions authorized by Congress, with the exception of direct law enforcement and military action. The auxiliary conducts missions on the water, in the air and on land. They conduct safety patrols, and search and rescue missions on our waterways, assist the Coast Guard with homeland security duties, teach boating safety classes, conduct free vessel safety checks for the public, perform watchstanding, carry out chef's duties, as well as many other activities. They are also seeking those individuals who want to contribute their talents in the areas of web design, information technology, public affairs, and in many other administrative roles. Training opportunities (most of which are free) include boat crew and coxswain (small boat operator), vessel examiner, boating safety class instructor, public affairs, and many others. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, at least 17 years old, and pass a basic background check. There are no upper age limits or height/weight standards (although for boat crew, you must be able to perform certain tasks). For more information, or to become a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, call (732) 873-0315, or visit NJBoatSafe.org .