1.5 Competition Classes

At the International SeaPerch Challenge, teams are allowed to modify or completely redesign their ROVs from what they used at the regional level. They may also choose to compete in a different class (such as Stock or Open class), provided they meet the requirements for that class.

Document Library: Download the Compliance Checklists.

1.5.1 Competition Classes

A. Middle School Stock Class:

1. Teams that only include students in 8th grade and below

2. The total cost of modifications to the final ROV must be $25 or less

3. Frame built using only PVC, CPVC, PEX, or other plastic pipe and fittings. Any size pipes and pipe fittings may be used. Pipes and pipe fittings may be modified using hand and power tools, but may not be machined using CNC or other automated process.

4. Thruster controls

   • Must only use simple on/off switches for thruster controls

   • May use a fixed or variable resistor to reduce voltage

   • May not use buck converters or any other electronic circuit to reduce or increase voltage

5. May use PWM, microcontrollers, or other devices for non-thruster controls

B. High School Stock Class:

1. Teams that include any students in 9th grade and above

2. The total cost of modifications to the final ROV must be $25 or less

3. Frame built using only PVC, CPVC, PEX, or other plastic pipe and fittings. Any size pipes and pipe fittings may be used. Pipes and pipe fittings may be modified using hand and power tools, but may not be machined using CNC or other automated process.

4. Thruster controls

   • Must only use simple on/off switches for thruster controls

   • May use a fixed or variable resistor to reduce voltage

   • May not use buck converters or any other electronic circuit to reduce or increase voltage

5. May use PWM, microcontrollers, or other devices for non-thruster controls

C. Open Class:

1. Teams can include students of any grade

2. Open Class must have at least one of the following qualifiers:

   • The cost of modifications may exceed $25

   • Frame may include 3D printed or additive manufactured parts as well as other materials, and may be made using CNC machinery or other automated process.

   • May include more than 3 thrusters (i.e., motor and propeller assembly)

   • May use power conditioning or pulse-width modulation (PWM) controls for thruster controls

1.5.2 Class ROV Design and Construction Rules

Rules	Middle School Stock Class	High School Stock Class	Open Class
BUDGET*
The total cost of modifications to the final ROV must be $25 or less	✅	✅	🚫
The cost of modifications may exceed $25	🚫	🚫	✅
MATERIALS
Frame built using only PVC, CPVC, PEX, or other plastic pipe and fittings. Any size pipes and pipe fittings may be used. Pipes and pipe fittings may be modified using hand and power tools.	✅	✅	✅
Frame parts may be modified using using CNC or other automated process.	🚫	🚫	✅
Frame may include 3D printed or additive manufactured parts as well as other materials, and may be made using CNC machinery or other automated process.	🚫	🚫	✅
Attachments and non-frame parts (i.e., hook, gripper, propeller shroud) may be made from various materials to include 3D printed or additive manufactured parts. For stock classes, the majority of the parts used for the ROV must be pipes and pipe fittings (i.e. a single pipe fitting used for the frame with 3D printed parts for motor mounts is not allowed).	✅	✅	✅
POWER SUPPLY
Must design for and utilize a 12-volt power source	✅	✅	✅
May utilize a second power source (no more than 12-volts) to power auxiliary equipment	✅	✅	✅
MOTORS
All motors must be waterproofed	✅	✅	✅
Must use ONLY stock SeaPerch motors (Jameco Electronics 232022) for propulsion**	✅	✅	✅
Additional non-stock motors may be used for non-propulsion uses**	✅	✅	✅
May include more than 3 thrusters (i.e., motor and propeller assembly) for propulsion**	🚫	🚫	✅
May use custom propellers	✅	✅	✅
CONTROLLERS
Must only use simple on/off switches for thruster controls	✅	✅	🚫
May use power conditioning or pulse-width modulation (PWM) controls for thruster controls	🚫	🚫	✅
May use PWM, microcontrollers, or other devices for non-propulsion** controls	✅	✅	✅
May use a fixed or variable resistor to reduce voltage	✅	✅	✅
STRUCTURE/SIZE
Must fit in the Surface Vessel and must be capable of passing through the Obstacle Course hoops. (see Section 2: Pool Competition)	✅	✅	✅
COMPETITION CRITERIA
If ROV is modified after compliance check (except for adding/removing ballasting), it must be presented for a re-compliance check.	✅	✅	✅
The same ROV must be used for both pool events	✅	✅	✅
Team may include a student in 8th grade or below	✅	✅	✅
Team may include a student in 9th grade or above	🚫	✅	✅

** Propulsion - Force directly exerted against the water that causes the ROV to translate or rotate in any direction.

1.5.3 Budget Guidelines

The budget covers only items installed on the competition ROV and its controller that are not included in the standard SeaPerch kit.

A. What to Count In Budget

1. Non-kit parts and materials installed on the ROV or controller (electronics, hardware, ballasting, wiring, connectors, fasteners, adhesives, coatings, enclosures, mounts, etc.).

2. Substitutes for kit items (if you replace a kit part with a different part, the substitute counts).

3. Custom parts made by the team (e.g., brackets, housings), valued per the rules below.

4. Cameras mounted to the ROV, cabling, monitor, mobile device, computer, and any support equipment count toward the budget.

5. Bulk purchases: Prorate only the portion actually used on the competition vehicle (see Section C).

B. What Not to Count in Budget

1. Standard SeaPerch kit parts used as intended.

2. Spares and tools (meters, soldering supplies, jigs, drill bits, blades, printers, etc.).

3. Prototype-only materials/parts not installed on the competition vehicle.

4. Consumables/incidentals used in manufacturing but not present on the final vehicle (support material removed, sandpaper, tape used only during assembly).

C. Pricing Rules

1. Retail/sale price basis: Use the lowest verifiable retail price available to the public. Attach a link, screenshot, or receipt.

2. Donations / free items: Count at the same retail price you would otherwise have paid (documentation required).

3. Bulk/pack items: Prorate by unit (e.g., 2 of 10 screws from a pack of 50; price = 2 × (pack price/50)).

4. Shipping/tax: Exclude ordinary shipping and sales tax from the budget total.

5. 3D-printed parts: Cost at $0.02 per gram of the final installed part(s) only (exclude supports and failed prints).

1.5.4 Rules for 3D Printed Parts

1. Please note, stock classes are limited to PVC, CPVC, PEX, and other plastic pipe and fittings for the ROV frame and may not include 3D printed frames, or frame parts.

2. 3D printed parts that add structural integrity to the frame or connect to more than one frame part shall not be allowed in stock class.

3. A 3D printer assembly that consists of more than one part and that connects to more than one frame part shall not be allowed in stock class.

4. For stock classes, 3D printed parts may not extend the frame to attach other 3D printed parts, this will be considered a frame part.