As one of five flotillas in Division 02, Flotilla 23 is directly involved with USCG Auxiliary core missions in the Puget Sound area. The Auxiliary needs dedicated, motivated people more than ever. Here are some ways you can be involved:

Homeland Security: We really do guard the coast! As its Homeland Security missions expand, the active duty Coast Guard looks to the Auxiliary to augment security missions. We seek volunteers to participate in activities ranging from security patrols to administration, often working side-by-side with active duty USCG personnel.

Boating Safety: Members perform on-the-water patrols, search and rescue missions, and safety patrols during Seafair and local regattas. And you don't need to own a boat to participate: many members serve as crew personnel for Auxiliary vessels. Auxiliary members also staff boating safety booths at area boat shows, and teach public education courses to adults and children. Any Auxiliarist interested in these areas can take advantage of the Auxiliary's member training program to become qualified as crew members, coxswains, or public education course instructors.

Vessel Examination: Members of the Auxiliary perform free vessel safety checks, a key element of the Coast Guard's Recreational Boating Safety program. Along with checking vessels for compliance with safety requirements, Vessel Examiners answer questions about related topics such as charts and aids, or weather and sea conditions.

Public Affairs: Keeping the public informed about the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary is an important mission, as is communicating to members about Auxiliary activities around the country, or up-to-the-minute operations needing Auxiliary involvement. Flotilla 23 members also stand watch at the Alki Point Lighthouse to greet visitors and share information about this historical facility.

Aids to Navigation: Flotilla 23 is responsible for inspecting private aids to navigation like private mooring buoys, which are not maintained by the Coast Guard. Most of the aids are in the Shilshole area but Flotilla 23's responsibilities also include aids on Lake Union and downtown Seattle.

Radio Communications: Auxiliarists who meet the Auxiliary's radio communications standards are eligible to serve as regular Watchstanders at Coast Guard Stations.

But I'm not qualified in any of these areas. The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides its members with the training to succeed, whether that training happens in a classroom, dockside, on-the-water, or from home via the Auxiliary's "distance learning" resources.

How do I join? Whatever your interest and whatever the amount of time you can contribute, there's a place--and a need--for you. Contact our Member Services Officer for more information. We'll give you a call to set up an appointment to tell you more about the Auxiliary and hear about your specific interests. If you do decide to join, the flotilla staff will assist with the enrollment process, including submission of an application to the active duty Coast Guard office charged with reviewing new enrollments. Once the District 13 USCG Director of Auxiliary approves your application as a new member of Flotilla 23 Lake Union, you'll be on your way!

Location: Flotilla 23 is located at pier 36 in downtown Seattle. Please see the below map for further directions.