The Coast Guard Auxiliary assists the PCG in the enforcement of maritime laws, sea safety and search and rescue, marine environment protection and preservation, youth development and humanitarian service.

The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary is a voluntary unformed non-government organization, formed with a military structure and attached to the Philippine Coast Guard under the Development of Transportation and Communication.

It has 10 operating commands patterned after the PCG set up, which has 10 districts. The first district, now known as the Coast Guard Auxiliary District National Capital Region-Central Luzon, is based in Manila and covers the area from South of Pangasinan to North of Batangas.

On Navy Day, February 9, 1972 (the old observance) top officials of the Manila Yacht Club joined Navy activities. That evening during cocktails at the PN officer's club the formation of an auxiliary corps of the Coast Guard was mulled. Arrangements were made for a preliminary meeting at some future time with this objective. But that evening, the Coast Guard Commandant announced the desire of the flag officer-in-command of the possibility of forming a civilian volunteer auxiliary unit to assist the Philippine Coast Guard.  Thus was born the PCGA.