Over the Bow Volume 80 Issue 2 Fall 2021 | Page 36

Como Pica had this to say about the current annual inspection and reporting process required for hundreds of PATONs:“ Everything the Coast Guard knows about a PATON is in the Harbormaster database. It makes the most sense to take information with you, to determine on scene what is discrepant. So, the Aids Verifier is compelled to download from Harbormaster to paper, enter inspection data onto a paper form, and then later re-type all that wri�en information into the Harbormaster database … in the 21 st century?”
In addition to submi�ing his idea to CG Ideas @ Work Innovation for improvement to the existing manual PATON inspection process, Auxiliarist O’ Connor began work on developing a prototype iPhone-based inspection application to replace the current manual process.

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UBSEQUENTLY, the ideas submi�ed by both Auxiliarists were recognized by the
Ideas @ Work team as having merit and were eventually submi�ed and selected as a project for the CG Research and Development Center’ s 2022 project portfolio. Next, A project team was assigned to manage the resources needed to accomplish the stated objectives below.
Next step was having a RDC project team assigned to Project 2022-12. Fortunately, the story does not end here. Over the past 5 years a very good working relationship has evolved between he CG Reasearch and Development Center and the Auxiliary. It is now a sustainable partnership
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