US Coast Guard Auxiliary San Antonio Flotilla 7-4

08/27/2026

For those that wondered what AUXOP stands for, this is a good read on what that AP, BQ, AX status actually means.

When someone joins the Auxiliary, there are a few different classifications that one can have. Everyone starts with Application Pending (AP). After completing some mandatory training, they move to Basically Qualified (BQ) status; in this status, they can start to hold offices and become qualified in different missions, like Boat Crew, instructor, vessel examiner, and more. Most members remain in BQ status their lifetime with the Auxiliary.

However, there is a number of members who reach the Operational Auxiliarist (AUXOP) status; at this point, members have become knowledge experts in operations. An auxiliary member does not need to be in operations to become AUXOP. This is awarded to Auxiliary members who have taken so many specialty courses and other elective courses within the AUXOP program.

📷: United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

08/24/2026

Sometimes boating safety starts right in the parking lot.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary members at Calaveras Lake meet boaters where their day on the water begins—at the launch ramp. Through Vessel Safety Checks, public education, and one-on-one conversations, Auxiliarists help recreational boaters prepare before they launch.

Whether it's checking required safety equipment, answering questions, or sharing boating safety information, every interaction is another opportunity to help prevent an emergency before it happens.

Safe boats. Prepared boaters. Safer waterways.

📸 Photo Credit: AUX Alex Shapovalov

08/22/2026

CALAVERAS LAKE, TX - AUX Steve Ducharme is providing a vessel safety check for a boater at the main ramp.

Every boat and every boater is different. That's why Vessel Safety Checks provide an excellent opportunity for Auxiliarists to work directly with boat owners, answer questions, review required safety equipment, and promote responsible boating practices.

Our goal isn't just to check equipment—it's to help boaters understand why that equipment matters when an emergency happens.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is proud to work alongside our local boating community at Calaveras Lake to help make every trip on the water a safer one.

📸 Photo Credit: AUX Alex Shapovalov

08/21/2026

CALAVERAS LAKE, TX - AUX Manuel Sandoval is doing a vessel safety check for a boater.

A Vessel Safety Check is a courtesy examination designed to help boaters verify that their vessel has the required safety equipment and identify potential issues before heading onto the water. There are no penalties or citations associated with a Vessel Safety Check—our goal is education and safer boating.

A few minutes at the ramp can help prepare you for a safer day on the water.

📸 Photo Credit: AUX Alex Shapovalov

08/20/2026

SAN ANTONIO, TX - AUX Bob Puharic receiving an award for his service in the Coast Guard Auxiliary at the Coast Guard Recruiting Center in San Antonio during the Auxiliary Flotilla meeting.

Service in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is built on commitment, professionalism, and a willingness to serve others.

Awards and recognition represent more than an accomplishment—they reflect the countless hours Auxiliarists dedicate to supporting our missions, our members, and the boating public.

Thank you for your continued dedication and service!

📸 Photo Credit: AUX Alex Shapovalov

08/19/2026

CALAVERAS LAKE, TX - A safe boater places a vessel safety check sticker indicating that his boat is safe to utilize on the water.

A great day on the water starts with being prepared before the boat ever leaves the ramp.

One of the most important recreational boating safety services provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the Vessel Safety Check (VSC). These complimentary checks help boaters identify potential safety issues and make sure they have the equipment needed for a safer day on the water.

During a Vessel Safety Check, a trained Auxiliary Vessel Examiner reviews items such as life jackets, navigation lights, fire extinguishers, registration/documentation, sound-producing devices, ventilation, and other applicable safety equipment.

Most importantly, a VSC is not a law-enforcement inspection. There are no citations or penalties if a vessel doesn't pass. Instead, the examiner explains what needs attention so the owner can correct the issue.

Why does that matter?

Many boating emergencies can become far more serious when basic safety equipment is missing, expired, inaccessible, or not working properly. Finding those problems at the dock or boat ramp is much better than discovering them during an emergency on the water.

A Vessel Safety Check also gives boaters an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about safe boating practices from a trained examiner.

✅ It's complimentary.
✅ It's educational.
✅ There are no citations for deficiencies.
✅ It can identify problems before they become emergencies.
✅ Most importantly—it can help save lives.

Don't wait for an emergency to find out whether you're prepared.

🇺🇸 Get checked. Get prepared. Boat safely.

Photo credit: AUX Alex Shapovalov

08/18/2026

CALAVERAS LAKE, TX - AUX Barbara Manley, AUX Charles Manley, and AUX Rebeccah Czarniak support a booth sharing information about boating safety.

Every patrol, Vessel Safety Check, boating safety class, community event, and recruiting opportunity tells a story about the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and its mission of service.

Public Affairs helps make sure those stories are told.

Auxiliary Public Affairs Officers help connect the organization with the communities we serve by sharing information about recreational boating safety, Auxiliary missions, public education, community outreach, recruiting, and support of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Strong Public Affairs is important because it helps us:

• Educate the public about boating safety and potentially life-saving practices.
• Increase awareness of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the services we provide.
• Support recruiting by showing prospective members the many opportunities available to serve.
• Highlight our members and recognize the volunteers who dedicate their time to the mission.
• Build relationships with boaters, community organizations, local leaders, and the media.
• Document our mission through photography, storytelling, social media, and community engagement.

Public Affairs isn't simply about taking pictures or making social media posts. It's about helping the public understand who we are, what we do, and why our mission matters.

When people see Auxiliarists at a boat ramp, on patrol, teaching a class, conducting Vessel Safety Checks, or participating in a community event, Public Affairs helps connect those activities to the larger mission:

🇺🇸 Promoting boating safety. Supporting the Coast Guard. Serving our communities.

Tell the story. Share the mission. Make an impact.

Photo Credit: AUX Alex Shapovalov

08/17/2026

🚤 BOAT SAFE. BOAT SMART. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! ⚓

Heading out on Canyon Lake? Make sure your vessel is ready for a safe day on the water!

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be offering FREE Vessel Safety Checks at Canyon Lake – Ramp 1.

📅 Monday, September 7, 2026
⏰ 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Canyon Lake – Ramp 1
💲 Completely FREE

Our trained Vessel Examiners will help you check required and recommended safety equipment, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, navigation lights, registration, distress signals, and more.

✅ No fines
✅ No fees
✅ No enforcement action
✅ Just friendly, educational boating-safety assistance

A Vessel Safety Check is a great opportunity to identify potential problems before you launch and help protect yourself, your passengers, and everyone sharing the water.

Look for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary team at Ramp 1 and stop by for your free check!

⚓ Safe boats. Safe boaters. Safer waterways.

08/17/2026

PORT OCONNOR ICW - AUX Alex Shapovalov and other members of a boat crew are doing a patrol of the ICW.

One of the most operationally demanding missions of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is serving as a qualified member of an Auxiliary boat crew.

Auxiliary boat crews train to safely operate on America's waterways while supporting the Coast Guard's missions and promoting recreational boating safety. Qualified members may serve as crew members, coxswains, and other operational personnel, developing skills in navigation, communications, seamanship, towing, risk management, emergency procedures, and search-and-rescue support.

When authorized and assigned by the Coast Guard, Auxiliary facilities and crews can assist with search and rescue (SAR) operations. Whether searching for an overdue boater, assisting a disabled vessel, maintaining communications, or supporting Coast Guard units during an active mission, trained Auxiliarists can provide valuable additional resources on the water.

These missions require much more than owning a boat or knowing how to operate one. Members complete extensive training, demonstrate their skills through qualification processes, maintain currency, and work together as a disciplined crew.

Every patrol reinforces the same priorities: protect lives, manage risk, support the Coast Guard, and get everyone home safely.

From routine safety patrols to responding when help is needed, Auxiliary boat crews represent the operational side of our commitment to service.

🇺🇸 Semper Paratus — Always Ready.

08/17/2026

*** IMPORTANT UPDATE to Texas Hunting and Fishing license requirements ***

Effective August 3rd, 2026, anyone 17 and older trying to acquire a recreational hunting and fishing license must be able to present a valid ID at the point of purchase.

See the FAQ here: bit.ly/LicenseIDFAQ

**IMPORTANT UPDATE to Texas hunting and fishing license requirements**

Effective today, individuals age 17 and over must show valid proof of identification to obtain a recreational hunting or fishing license.

👉 Please review these FAQs before purchasing your license: bit.ly/LicenseIDFAQ