Coast Guard Opens Science & Tech Innovation Center
Researchers at the New London, Conn., center will develop devices from existing commercial technology and host technology capability demonstrations to counter threats. One of the first projects is about tracking jettisoned objects and hazards to navigation at sea.
2 Connie Terrell, Thursday, May 5, 2016 Written by Lt. Charles Clark
The U.S. Coast Guard's Science and Technology Innovation Center opened its doors May 5, giving the branch a new home for its R&D work. Researchers at the center, which is located in New London, Conn., will develop devices from existing commercial technology and host technology capability demonstrations to counter current and emerging threats, Lt. Charles Clark reported on the USCG blog. One of the first projects is about tracking jettisoned objects and hazards to navigation at sea.
"Over the years, we have had successful joint projects and a good working relationship with Coast Guard [Research and Development Center]," said Anh Duong, director of Department of Homeland Security Borders and Maritime Security Division. "The new [center] helps formalize this partnership and will push it to the next level where our two organizations work closely together toward a culture of innovation and shared knowledge in order to quickly transform science and technology into operational capabilities for the Coast Guard."
Clark explained that Coast Guard policy requires tactical teams to continue pursuing a fleeing vessel, even after items that would be evidence have been thrown over the side of the vessel. "These pursuits can last for hours leading overboard items to drift for miles after an extended period of time, making them very difficult to find. Additionally, the Coast Guard spends countless hours and resources responding to reports of derelict objects and vessels adrift at sea. With the ability to track these objects, the Coast Guard could reduce the amount of time and money spent responding to these reports," he wrote, adding that work has already produced prototypes of the Maritime Object Tracking Technology System.