The PCGA is a service-oriented, uniformed, voluntary organization. It is a non-government, non-political organization whose membership adhere to the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) customs and traditions. Its organizational structure is parallel to PCG and has its own chain of leadership and management.

The PCGA was established in 1972 through Republic Act No. 5173 initially for the purpose of assisting the Philippine Coast Guard in the conduct of search and rescue and safety of boats at sea. Thereafter, the PCGA organization eventually expanded and now officially covered under Section 11 of Republic Act Number 9993, otherwise known as the PCG Law of 2009. Its primary functions include providing support and assistance to PCG in the promotion of safety of life and property at sea, the preservation of the marine environment and its resources, the conduct of maritime search and rescue, the maintenance of aids to navigation, recreational safety and such other activities that enhance maritime community relations which include civic action, participation under the National Service Training Program, youth development, and other related activities.

The PCGA is headed by the National Director (ND) assisted by two deputies, the Deputy National Director for Operations (DNDO) and the Deputy National Director for Administration (DNDA). It has Auxiliary Districts and Squadrons under every regular Coast Guard District in the archipelago. The PCGA has about 4000 Squadron members in 13 Districts located in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The new Coast Guard law maintained the exercise of direct control and supervision of the PCGA by the Commandant, PCG and his duly designated representatives in supervising the over-all activities of the PCGA. Hence, the advent of RA 9993 legislated and further strengthened the bond between the PCG and the PCGA towards achieving a safe, clean and secure marine environment for the entire Filipino people.