> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://robonation.gitbook.io/seaperch-challenge-resources/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://robonation.gitbook.io/seaperch-challenge-resources/section-1-competition-overview/1.1-eligibility-and-qualifying.md).

# 1.1 Eligibility & Qualifying

{% hint style="info" %}
Click here to find out more about [ways to qualify](https://seaperch.org/competition/#ways-to-qualify) for the International SeaPerch Challenge.
{% endhint %}

### 1.1.1 Eligibility 

Open to elementary school, middle school, and high school aged students. 

### 1.1.2 Qualifying at Regional Competitions

Compete and win in a regional competition to qualify for the International SeaPerch Challenge. [Regional competitions](https://seaperch.org/regionals) are planned, hosted, and executed by local SeaPerch advocates, mentors, and regional coordinators. Each registered regional competition is allocated a set number of qualifier spaces for the International SeaPerch Challenge. 

{% hint style="info" %}
A list of [Regional Events](https://seaperch.org/regionals) for the 2026 SeaPerch Season will be posted after November 1, 2025. Participation requirements and competition tasks for regional events vary. 
{% endhint %}

SeaPerch competitions are hosted annually by volunteer coordinators around the world. These events range from local exposition events to regional competitions that allocate qualifying spaces for top teams to compete at the annual International SeaPerch Challenge. 

### 1.1.3 Qualifying as a Wild Card Team

An alternative opportunity for teams to qualify for the International SeaPerch Challenge is to apply for a Wild Card invitation. This opportunity is open to any interested teams, including teams who compete in a regional competition. Priority for Wild Card spots will be given to teams who do not have access to a regional competition.

In the Wild Card application, teams must prepare:

* a brief overview of their SeaPerch ROV design
* a short statement about what participation at the International Challenge means to them
* a nonrefundable $10 application fee

{% hint style="warning" %}
Applications must be answered in student team members’ own words.
{% endhint %}

The Wild Card application will open December 1, 2025, and close on February 1, 2026. Teams that have been awarded an invitation will be notified by February 11, 2026. The Wild Card application link can be found on the [SeaPerch Season](https://seaperch.org/2026-season) website. 


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://robonation.gitbook.io/seaperch-challenge-resources/section-1-competition-overview/1.1-eligibility-and-qualifying.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.