Preparing For Service

Auxilarist Norma Newton (right) inspects Phil Patterson's personal watercraft.

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Doug Jansen)

Every year, prior to the start of the operational season, Coast Guard Auxiliary vessels are inspected. Though our vessels are owned and maintained by our members, they are held to a higher standard than many other boats on the water.

Flotilla 4 currently has two personal watercraft (PWC) as a part of the Flotilla 4 fleet. These PWCs are used for safety patrols on lakes and rivers in our area of operation. These vessels are equipped with additional safety equipment to be able to render aid to boaters in distress.

PWC operators go through special training and are evaluated by Coast Guard Auxiliary examiners to demonstrate their skills and understanding to make sure that they can render aid safely. These vessels are able to patrol an area more quickly and are able to go into some areas that are shallower than what some of our other boats are able to go into.