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United States Department of Homeland Security FLOTILLA 9-6
DIVISION NINE, SEVENTH
COAST GUARD DISTRICT AUXILIARY |
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Who we are
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 9-6 was founded in 1974 to assist the Coast Guard in promoting boating safety. Located at 15331 Vanderbilt Drive in North Naples, Florida, the flotilla has more than 80 members who receive specialized training so they may be a functional part of United States Coast Guard Forces.
The flotilla’s primary mission is to assist the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach in non-law enforcement and non-military programs. Activities related to this mission include public education, vessel safety checks, safety patrols, search and rescue, maritime security, environmental protection, and Coast Guard Academy introduction programs for youth.
Membership in Flotilla 9-6 is open to citizens of the United States who are 17 years or more in age.
Benefits of Membership
Members of the flotilla receive the world’s finest on-the-water and class room training. Advanced courses in navigation, seamanship, communications, weather, patrols and search and rescue are available through the flotilla, and additional training is available through the Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and Coast Guard Institute. Members may also attend Coast Guard “C” school classes, and they may receive training for participation in Coast Guard Auxiliary aviation operations. Other benefits of membership include access to the Coast Guard Credit Union, Exchanges, and insurance programs. The pride of wearing the Coast Guard Auxiliary uniform is further amplified by an Awards and Recognition Program that recognizes and rewards members for their individual and team efforts. Learning, service, fellowship and fun are trademarks of membership in Flotilla 9-6.
Opportunities
Flotilla 9-6 provides numerous opportunities for Member involvement in boating and aviation activities. Members may participate in these Coast Guard support activities to the extent their time allows.
Public Education
Public education to promote boating safety is a cornerstone of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Flotilla 9-6 offers public education instruction in boating skills and seamanship, piloting and coastal navigation, use of the global positioning system, and navigation of area waters. Click on the Boating Education tab to learn more about these offerings.
Vessel Safety Checks
Members of the Flotilla who are trained as Vessel Safety Examiners regularly conduct free Vessel Safety Checks at area marinas and public boat launch ramps. Among these is a free inspection of vessels at the Carl Johnson Boat Ramp on Lovers Key the last Saturday of each month. Anyone wishing to check required safety equipment aboard their boat, sailing vessel, PWC, kayak or canoe should call the flotilla to arrange a free Vessel Safety Check at their convenience.
Operations
On-the-water, land and aviation operations by the flotilla include Safety, Regatta, PWC, and Chart Update Patrols, Radio Communications, Marine Environmental Protection, Search and Rescue Missions, Air Support, Transportation and Training Missions. These activities are always conducted under Coast Guard orders. Owners of vessels and aircraft participating in these programs may receive compensation for fuel, maintenance and meals, and are covered by Coast Guard liability and medical insurance. Participating Coxswains and Crew Members may also receive compensation for meals and are covered by the same liability and medical insurance.
Marine Environmental Protection.
Members of Flotilla 96 promote cleaner waterways through specialized marine pollution awareness programs that help to recognize, protect and assess the environment.
Coast Guard Recruiting
The members of the flotilla help to build a stronger Team Coast Guard by promoting awareness of career opportunities in the US Coast Guard. This includes working directly with Coast Guard Recruiters as well as counseling youth about programs that can lead to their admission to the US Coast Guard Academy.
Administrative Support
There are numerous activities in which members of the Auxiliary regularly provide the Coast Guard with administrative assistance. These include providing interpreters, writing and public affairs support, performing computer programming and training, assisting with publication design, performing building maintenance and repair, and many other functions and skills.
Fun and Fellowship
At Flotilla 96 good old fashioned fellowship and hospitality is a cornerstone, and is apparent at every training session, meeting and mission we undertake. Our dedication to boating safety also provides a congenial atmosphere for sharing boating experiences while making long lasting, meaningful relationships.
Knowing we are part of a unique group of people who work together in support of the United States Coast Guard mission of promoting boating safety and saving lives gives the members of Flotilla 96 a special meaning.
Contact Us
If you would like more information about becoming a member of Flotilla 96 Wiggins Pass please feel free to:
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