U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Chicago Flotilla 35-6 (formerly Flotilla 2-6) has served the greater Chicagoland area since 2003.
Under the leadership of these volunteers, Flotilla 35-6 has been recognized as one of the "Most Active Flotillas" by providing public educational programs, vessel safety checks, and assisting the U.S. Coast Guard in non-law enforcement programs such as safety patrols, search and rescue, and marine environmental protection.
We proudly serve side-by-side with the active and reserve members of Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor, Station Wilmette Harbor, Marine Safety Unit Chicago, and Station (Small) Chicago.
Individuals or groups interested in recreational boating safety are invited to take advantage of our educational programs, free vessel safety checks, or even explore becoming a member of our flotilla.
Flotilla 35-6 Chicago meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Chicago Police Department - 1st District Station, 1718 S. State Street, in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood.
Visitors are welcome, but please Contact Us for more information before attending a meeting.
CHICAGO'S VOLUNTEER LIFESAVERS
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BOATING EDUCATION
Taught by experienced and knowledgeable instructors committed to the highest standards of the U.S. Coast Guard, our courses provide instruction to boaters at all levels, from basic to advanced.
If you have any questions regarding our class offerings, please Contact Us.
NO CLASSES ARE AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
To search for all available classes - not just those provided by our flotilla - please search our nationwide database at the Coast Guard Auxiliary Class Finder Website.
(Updated: 14 APRIL 2020)
VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS
As one of our boating safety missions, we conduct complimentary Vessel Safety Checks of recreational watercraft.
Some of the items examined during a Vessel Safety Check:
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Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets)
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Navigation Lights
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Fire Extinguishers
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Ventilation, Battery Covers & Connections
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Registration & Numbering
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Distress Signals (Flares, Horn, Etc.)
These items, and more, are required by state and federal laws and if missing can result in a citation if your vessel is inspected by local, regional or national law enforcement.
We do not issue citations or report results of the safety check to any agency, but we will advise you of the recommended safety features for your size boat and will award a decal to display on your boat if it has passed the safety check.
The Vessel Safety Check gives you a risk-free way to meet the legal minimums and to potentially avoid a costly citation.
ABOUT OUR FLOTILLA
As a unit of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 35-6 Chicago consists of nearly 40 members from the greater metropolitan Chicago area. We actively patrol Chicago area waterways and regularly meet with the boating public at marinas and in classrooms.
As the volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard (Team Coast Guard), we directly support all of its missions except direct military and law enforcement actions. Team Coast Guard is composed of an active-duty force of 41,000 men and women, augmented by the 8,000-member Coast Guard Reserve, the 32,000-strong all-volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliary, and a civilian workforce of 5,500.
We serve side-by-side with active duty and reserve members of Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor (located along the Lake Michigan shoreline at 98th Street in Chicago), Coast Guard Station Wilmette Harbor, Marine Safety Unit Chicago, and Station (Small) Chicago located at the Chicago River Controlling Locks near Chicago's Navy Pier.
Since 2003, and under the leadership of theses individuals, Flotilla 35-6 has been recognized as one of the most active flotillas in its division, providing public educational programs, vessel safety checks, and assisting the U.S. Coast Guard in non-law enforcement programs such as safety patrols, search and rescue, and marine environmental protection.
WHEN & WHERE WE MEET | MEMBERSHIP | OPPORTUNITIES | FUN & FELLOWSHIP
MEMBER'S DECK
To avoid duplication, this site only presents information that applies directly to Flotilla 35-6 Chicago members.
Please check the Auxiliary's National, District Nine - Western Region, and/or the Division 35 Calumet Harbor website for other items of interest.
2020 Member Meeting Dates (4th Tuesday of Each Month)
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January 28
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February 25
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March 24 - NO PUBLIC MEETING (Teleconference for members only)
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April 28 - NO PUBLIC MEETING (Teleconference for members only)
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May 26
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June 23
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July 28
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August 25
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September 22
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October 27
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November 24
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December (NO MEETING)
General Membership Information
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New Member Enrollment Package (9WR Website / Opens in New Window)
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my.CGAux.org (National Member Portal / Opens in New Window)
Auxiliary Core Training (Previousily Known As Mandated Training)
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Auxiliary Core Training (AUXCT) (T-Directorate Website / Opens in New Window)
Uniform Information (Links open in Current Window)
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Auxiliary Uniform Guide (December 2018 version) [PPT: Google Drive]
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Auxiliary Uniform Procurement Guide (May 2013 version) [PDF: 32 pages / 932 KB]
CONTACT US
Flotilla 35-6 Chicago meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the
Chicago Police Department - 1st District Station, 1718 S. State Street, in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood.
Visitors are welcome, but please contact us for more information before attending a meeting.
Inquiries
For any inquiries, questions, comments, concerns, or commendations, please fill out the following form:
Meeting Location
Chicago Police Department
1st District Station
1718 South State Street
Chicago, IL 60616
Email: uscgachicago@gmail.com
Membership
All prospective members are welcome to attend our monthly meetings - but please contact us prior to attending. Thanks!
Important Information To Know BEFORE Contacting Us
On Water Emergencies
Contact the U.S. Coast Guard via VHF Radio Channel 16 or (if available) local fire/police resources by calling 911.
Navigation Hazards
The Coast Guard relies on the input of the maritime community to self-report hazards to navigation, such as discrepant buoys and beacons, or debris. There are several options to report waterway hazards: Use the Aids to Navigation Discrepancy Report; call the Navigation Center at +1.703.313.5900; call your local Coast Guard command center via VHF radio Channel 16.
Expired Flares
The US Coast Guard, and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary are no longer permitted to accept out-dated marine flares and/or pyrotechnics (meteors, orange smoke, etc.). Local fire services or police agencies are most likely sources for advice or assistance on proper disposal of such devices in your area. Out-dated flares are considered explosive hazardous waste, and should never be thrown overboard, activated in the marine environment, or placed in household trash. In addition, flares contain perchlorate (a pollutant & likely human carcinogen) so soaking them in water as a means of disposal is not a viable solution. Please do not contact us regarding these devices. Contact your local city or county fire agency for advice.