The Coast Guard's Aids to Navigation Information System (AToNIS) program needed to deploy portable computers that could operate in a harsh saltwater environment. The computers would need to improve productivity by providing remote access to the AToNIS program, and be a reliable tool for verifiers updating navigational data. The Coast Guard deployed Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers after Panasonic engineers made design changes that included paint resistant to sea air, anti-corrosive grease for moving parts and airtight inserts for the DC plug. Not only did the Toughbook computers pass all the tests as a result of the redesign, it also became the standard for the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Aids to Navigation Information System(AToNIS) is a relational database management system used to maintain the AToN program. Maintaining and updating the database is animportant part of the USCG's day-to-day activities. To do this, Aid Verifiers need remote access to electronic navigational charts. Working in a saltwater environment with a regular mobile PC can be very challenging for the verifiers as theycomplete their tasks.

When Panasonic engineers met with the USCG, they discussed the harsh realities of working in a saltwater environment. To provide the US Coast Guard with a mobile PC solution capable of performing in these conditions, the engineers made design changes to the Toughbook®28. These changes were made and the USCG put the unit through very rigorous tests to confirm saltwater resistance. Not only did the Toughbook pass all the tests as a result of there design, it also became the standard for the US Coast Guard.