33 CFR § 5.3 - Purpose.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t33/s5.3"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "33 CFR § 5.3 - Purpose."
title_number: 33
title_name: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
section_number: "5.3"
section_name: "Purpose."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "A"
subchapter_name: "GENERAL"
part_number: "5"
part_name: "COAST GUARD AUXILIARY"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "14 U.S.C. 503, 3901, 3902, 3903, 3904, 3905, 3907, 3908, 3909, 3910, 3911, 3912, 3913, 4102."
regulatory_source: "USCG-1999-6712, 80 FR 3476, Jan. 23, 2015, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "5"
---


# 5.3 Purpose.

(a) The Auxiliary is a uniformed, volunteer, non-military organization administered by the Commandant under the direction of the Secretary.

(b) The purpose of the Auxiliary is to assist the Coast Guard, as authorized by the Commandant, in performing any Coast Guard function, power, duty, role, mission, or operation authorized by law.

(c) Auxiliary units assist the Coast Guard in maintenance and upkeep, and in conducting tours of Coast Guard and other Federal- or State-owned structures and property.

(d) The Auxiliary assist Federal, State, and municipal agencies, as authorized by the Commandant.