Innovations in Technology Initiative (ITI)

NASBLA is excited to announce the Innovations in Technology Initiative (ITI) in conjunction with Boat Ed, NASBLA's Innovations Partner. This partnership will produce an exciting new technologies transfer program for the states' recreational boating safety (RBS) agencies, bringing cutting-edge technologies to bear on the challenges facing recreational boating safety programs and marine patrol officers. 

The Innovations in Technology Initiative will leverage the latest technology to help the states and territories make boating safer and more enjoyable, and make the most efficient use of scarce state resources. By identifying, investigating and publicizing technological applications that demonstrate the greatest promise in achieving our RBS objectives, NASBLA and its ITI partners will bring the proven results of emerging technologies to the tough issues facing boating safety, enforcement, education and administration.

Paul Donheffner (center), boating law administrator for Oregon, accepts the Innovations in Technology Award on behalf of the Oregan State Marine Board. Presenting the award are Kurt and Cindy Kalkomey on behalf of NASBLA Mission Partner Boat Ed.

2009 Innovations in Technology Award

Winner: Oregon State Marine Board

The Oregon State Marine Board developed and implemented its Law Enforcement Activity Reporting Application to streamline marine law enforcement activity reporting performed by field officers. The data captured by the new system was previously reported on handwritten forms with the data being tabulated and entered by hand.

To improve accuracy, access to data, and to achieve a dramatic improvement in timely filing, the LE Activity data is now entered through a web-based application used by 322 statewide marine law enforcement officers. The site is secure and password protected.

The application has increased communication capability by providing real time statistics, streamlining many aspects of Oregon's boating program.  The project also provides a mechanism to accurately capture performance measures used to evaluate statewide contracted marine service providers.  It allows the Oregon State Marine Board to more efficiently allocate fleet resources and personnel.  Response from end users has been overwhelmingly positive and reporting accuracy has increased dramatically.

 Click here to view a video about the program.

The Innovations in Technology Award will be presented annually to the program or initiative that demonstrates the highest level of innovation leading to advances in boating safety.  States or other government agencies, corporations or public-private partnerships can submit their program or innovation by submitting an award nomination form.                                        

Cllick here for award criteria.

Each year, the Innovations in Technology Initiative will develop and produce:

• A series of periodic newsletters (Innovations Insights) containing detailed abstracts of juried innovations applications;
• A series of national media releases featuring National Innovations Leaders ideas and insights;
• An annual video documentary highlighting selected Innovations Initiatives Applications from those submitted for the year; and
• An award presentation recognizing and showcasing both new Innovations winners as well as successful transfers of previous Innovations to new applications in recreational boating safety.

Specifically, the program seeks to identify private and public initiatives that can be leveraged for the national RBS community. A formal submission process is forthcoming and can be accessed from the NASBLA website.