Standard Auxiliary Maintenance Allowance (SAMA)
What is SAMA?
SAMA is a program intended to reduce the maintenance costs incurred by Auxiliarists.
Why is the Coast Guard interested in the maintenance of my vessel?
Proper maintenance is neccessary to ensure the safe operation of all vessels.
How much will I receive from the SAMA program?
SAMA reimbursment is based on the length of your vessel, the number of engines and the horsepower of each engine. The table at the bottom of this page shows the hourly
rate of reimbursement. Because SAMA rates differ between single engine and
twin engine vessels of the same size, a calculation is required to identify
the amount of time both engines were operated to ensure fair distribution
of SAMA funds. To find out how much SAMA you will receive combine the hours
of both engines and divide the total hours by two.
Why did my SAMA Rate change?
SAMA Rates have been adjusted to reflect the commercial out of pocket expenses incurred by the member. A survey of commercial repair / maintenance shops, throughout the country, was conducted
to determine the average cost of maintaining a vessel in accordance with the manufacturer's suggested 50 hour and
100 hour maintenance schedule. The survey was based on having the following maintenance performed:
| RECOMMENDED MANUFACTURER'S MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE |
| 50 Hour Maintenance |
100 Hour Maintenance |
| Change Engine Oil |
Check Cooling System Hoses & Connections for Leaks |
| Replace Oil Filter |
Tighten Engine Mount Fasteners |
| Lubricate Propeller Shaft |
Lubricate Throttle & Shift Linkage Pivot Points |
| Check Water Pump & Alternator Belts for Tension |
Check for Loose, Damaged or Missing Parts |
| Check All Electrical Connections for Tightness |
Change Water Separating Fuel Filter |
| Replace Carburetor Fuel Inlet Filter |
Check Battery Electrolyte Level |
| Inspect Propellor for Possible Damage |
Inspect Zinc Anodes, Replace When Necessary |
| Check All Electrical Connections for Tightness |
Check Exhaust System for Leaks |
| |
Inspect the Fresh Water Pump & System |
Why do the SAMA Rates change?
SAMA Rates are adjusted based on the amount of funding available for the program at the time. As additional funding is provided, the rates are increased to ensure all of the funding for the program is disbursed to Auxiliary Members by September 30th.
Why are the rates lower than last year?
The rates have been set based on the known budget (current and anticipated). If additional funding is provided by other sources or supplements then the rates will change again in order to ensure all of the new funds are expended by the end of the SAMA cycle (October 1st-September 30th). In FY06 we recieved an additional 40% budget increase in the middle of the year. Because of the timing of the increase we drastically increased the rates to make sure all of the new funds were used before the 30 September deadline. This supplement has been promised again this year and has been included as part of our known budget.
Why didn't I receive SAMA?
SAMA payments may be suspended if funding for your region is exhausted prior to September 30th. Payment of SAMA may resume with the next patrol processed if additional funding can be obtained during the same SAMA cycle. Once funding is available for the next SAMA cycle, on or about October 1st, payments will begin for patrols conducted during the new SAMA cycle.
| AUXILIARY VESSEL MAINTENANCE REIMBURSEMENT SCHEDULE |
| Category |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
I |
| Length |
<= 16’* |
>16’, <=26’ |
>16’, <=26’ |
>16’, <=26’ |
>16’, <=26’ |
>16’, <=26’ |
>16’, <=26’ |
>26’, <=40’ |
>40’ |
| Engine/HP |
All** |
One, < 180 HP |
Two, < 180 HP |
One, 180 HP – 230 HP |
Two, 180 HP – 230 HP |
One, > 230 HP |
Two, >230 HP |
All |
All |
| Current Rate/Hr |
$2.50 |
$2.85 |
$4.75 |
$3.75 |
$6.00 |
$3.85 |
$6.65 |
$6.15 |
$7.50 |
*Includes PWCs
**Paddlecraft are not eligible for SAMA
| 
