LET (CIS) Eathan Dart has been recognised with the prestigious Herbert Lott Innovation & Invention Award, presented by Commodore Jo Deakin, in a ceremony attended by members of the Royal Naval Leadership Academy (RNLA). The award celebrates his exceptional contribution to the Royal Navy through the design and development of a groundbreaking Python-based digital application that significantly enhances the efficiency of marking Defence Writing (DW) assignments for students on the Leading Rates Leadership Course (LRLC) and Senior Rates Leadership Course (SRLC).
The RNLA wholeheartedly endorsed LET Dart for this award in recognition of his remarkable initiative and technical expertise. His innovative system addresses a considerable challenge faced by instructional staff, who spend up to 25 hours a week marking DW submissions. With over 1,400 students annually, this represents a significant workload. LET Dart, recognising this time burden while attending LRLC as a student, proposed a solution to streamline the process using his knowledge of Python programming.
Upon successfully completing the LRLC, LET Dart worked closely with RNLA leadership to fully understand the requirements for a digital application that would automate assessment tasks. Despite being deployed to Diego Garcia shortly after, he continued the project voluntarily in his own time, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment.
From his remote location, LET Dart spent evenings coding and regularly communicated updates back to the UK. His dedication has resulted in the development of a highly functional application, currently in its Beta phase, that is now being used weekly by RNLA instructors. LET Dart remains actively involved, providing technical support and updates as the application evolves.
This innovative solution not only reduces the administrative burden on RNLA instructors but also enhances the consistency and accuracy of the assessment process, ultimately benefiting the professional development of future leaders in the Royal Navy. LET Dart’s drive and initiative exemplify the qualities of the modern sailor – adaptable, forward-thinking, and determined to make a positive impact.
