The U.S. Coast Guard has released the Digital Transformation (DTX) Strategy, a comprehensive blueprint to modernize the Service.
The digitally transformed Coast Guard will respond faster in crisis, better secure our maritime borders, provide faster service to our mariners and seafaring public, and acquire and deploy advanced capabilities at the speed of need for the American people.
A Transformed Workforce
The strategy focuses on equipping the workforce with the tools, data and systems needed to operate with greater speed and agility in service of the seafaring public and American people. By advancing near-real-time data access, automation and artificial intelligence, the Coast Guard is reducing administrative burden and increasing “minutes on mission” – time spent on critical work that requires human judgment and expertise.
The DTX Strategy provides a Service-wide roadmap to:
- Increase “minutes on mission” by automating repetitive administrative tasks and reducing manual workload so members can focus on critical work that requires human judgment.
Accelerate decision-making by delivering near-real-time data to operators and leaders at every level.
Enhance operational coordination by improving data sharing across units, mission areas, and partners.
Field capabilities faster through modern, integrated systems that perform reliably in any operating environment.
Empower the workforce to use new technologies through targeted professional development, enabling faster adoption, greater effectiveness, and more impact on the mission.
- Strengthen readiness by enabling leaders to anticipate trends, allocate resources, and respond with greater precision.
Transforming Experience for the American People
As part of digital transformation initiatives, boarding officials will be equipped with handheld mobile devices containing secure, digital versions of required forms and operational systems when interacting with the seafaring public. Instead of spending valuable time filling out forms by hand and reentering information into required databases, boarding officers will be able to capture key data in real time while staying focused on their primary mission: boarding vessels and keeping the American people safe. During boardings, boarding teams can enter information directly into their systems in real time and provide the boating party a printed summary or digital copy of the boarding record, along with a QR code linking them to follow-up information, case updates, points of contact, and additional guidance if needed.
The result is a faster, more transparent experience for the public and reduced administrative burden on Coast Guard boarding personnel, allowing crews to spend less time on paperwork and more time focused on mission execution and public safety.
Transforming Experience for Mariners
In the digitally transformed Coast Guard, mariners will use NAVITA — a modern, web-based merchant mariner credentialing platform designed to improve efficiency, consistency, transparency and customer service for the maritime industry.
Through NAVITA, mariners will be able to securely apply for credentials and medical certificates, upload required documentation, track application status in real time, receive notifications about missing information or required actions, and manage their credentialing needs through a centralized digital platform.
The result is a more transparent, responsive, and user-friendly experience for mariners, while also reducing administrative burden and improving the Coast Guard’s ability to deliver timely services to the maritime industry.
A Transformative Future
Enabled by the historic $25 billion investment in the Coast Guard through the FY 2025 Budget Reconciliation, the DTX Strategy is the first in a broader effort that will include forthcoming AI and data strategies. Together, these initiatives will build a more agile, digitally enabled Coast Guard ready to adapt at the speed of change.
To learn more, read the DTX strategy at https://go.uscg.mil/dtxstrategy.
Coast Guard Members can access the internal engagement site at https://go.uscg.mil/dtx (CAC required).
