Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
The Technical Design Report is a required submission of the International SeaPerch Challenge. A Technical Design Report (TDR) succinctly describes your unique SeaPerch ROV and the engineering design process, providing insight into the iterative design process and allowing for data analysis that supports the final ROV design.
The format of the written paper shall adhere to the following guidelines:
5 page limit (excluding Acknowledgements, References, and Appendices)
8.5 x 11 in. page size
Margins ≥ 0.8 in.
Font: Times New Roman 12pt
Header or Footer on every page including Team ID, Team Name, and page number
Submitted in .pdf format
PRO TIP: Teams are encouraged to start and keep an Engineering Notebook at the beginning of their SeaPerch build. Submitting an Engineering Notebook is not required for participation in the International SeaPerch Challenge but does help form the basis for creating a well-written TDR.
Need some inspiration? Visit for a few helpful resources.
Top-Scored Report: Get inspiration from the first place TDRs from the 2025 International SeaPerch Challenge.
Middle School Stock Top Report:
A well-written abstract should concisely explain the key points or essence of your paper and quickly explain to the reader what the paper is about.
This section should include an overview of the task(s) your ROV will attempt and should discuss the characteristics and features of the tasks that affected the final design. Avoid directly quoting course descriptions or problem statements for real-world applications and instead use your own words to describe what your ROV will/would do within the application.
Given the tasks described in the previous section, describe your team’s strategy and approach to developing a novel SeaPerch design. Novelty may occur at various levels of the design and build process including specific components, collections of components, or even team approaches to the process. Focus attention on the creative aspects of your system and how your team conceived of, refined, and implemented these ideas. Describe your experience in making design decisions and how prospective ideas were considered among the team. Include engineering and scientific terms and concepts to demonstrate the team’s understanding of the challenges of constructing and operating an underwater ROV.
This section should describe various tests accomplished in-water and/or in simulation. What were your results? How did these tests impact your team’s subsequent design(s)? Include images, charts, and figures to demonstrate your results.
Reflect on this season’s experience. What did you learn? Were there aspects of the project that you particularly enjoyed or that challenged you? How do you think that your new knowledge or experience will assist you in future endeavors? Include a discussion of next steps for the team and/or the team’s ROV.
Participating in the competition involves identifying resources and support beyond the efforts of individual team members. This support can take many forms, such as technical advice, labor, equipment, facilities, and monetary contributions. Acknowledging those who have supported your efforts is important.
As with any technical publication, original ideas and content not generated by the paper’s authors should be properly cited. While there are many citation styles, the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide should be used. Use in-text citations, where appropriate.
Include all components included in your SeaPerch design and their costs. This budget should not include components included in a standard SeaPerch ROV kit. Add as many rows as necessary to complete your budget.
This information may be utilized during compliance checks to determine appropriate competition class and should reflect the total materials cost of your ROV. Costs for 3D printed parts should be priced at $0.02 per gram.
Open Class Top Report: HydroDynamics | Gateway School District
The Team & ROV Fact Sheet is a required submission of the International SeaPerch Challenge. Connecting with your community is important. We want to get to know you! This is your chance to introduce us to your team and team’s personality.
Reach out and share your team or school's logo, an overview of what your team is all about, and social media information so we can share it with the SeaPerch community.
Teams will be asked to submit the following information:
Team Name, organization, and location
Team/School/Organization logo/icon (submitted as PNG image)
One paragraph (100 words max) team bio/overview
NOTE: Team bios will not be edited to correct any spelling and/or grammatical errors before posting, so put your best foot forward and proofread your entry carefully.
*Acknowledgement certifying that photographs or videos given as part of this entry only include team members who have submitted a Photographic Release Form signed by a parent/guardian.
Download the Fact Sheet template in the .
The Community and Outreach project is an optional submission of the International SeaPerch Challenge.
Giving back to your community can take many forms. Find a good fit between what you are passionate about (or good at) and how that can meet a need in your community. Increase awareness of a topic that you care about. Get others excited about your cause or unite them in support of a common goal.
Share your special skills and interests with others who could benefit from them. In the process, you will hone your communication skills, deepen your own understanding and appreciation, and feel a personal sense of pride and accomplishment. You may even inspire others to join you!
Serve as a near-peer virtual mentor or tutor to other students who are building SeaPerch ROVs or who need extra help in other STEM areas
Volunteer to be a student assistant in a robotics or STEM enrichment club at your school
Help develop an exhibit for a science museum or STEM center
Create a website for people to learn more about ROVs and their real-world applications
Volunteer at a local animal shelter
Collect canned/non-perishable goods for donation to a local food bank
Send cards or letters to nursing home residents
Contact your local community center and inquire about available volunteer opportunities
Teams that choose to participate in this optional submission will be asked to submit the following resources:
Description of the team’s activity (one-page max, submitted as PDF): To capture important details, think about the 5 Ws as you write, explaining, at a minimum, the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of your outreach activity. What inspired you? Why was this important to you? You might also tell us about any future plans you have or share the impact of your efforts.
(Optional) Document should include any supporting photos and reference links to videos, websites, articles, etc.
Acknowledgement certifying that photographs or videos given as part of this entry only include team members who have submitted a Waiver/Photographic Release Form signed by a parent/guardian.
Volunteer to participate in the clean-up of a local waterway
Write an article for your local newspaper highlighting your team and how you have made it to this year’s International SeaPerch Challenge
Create a social media post or a team promo video to highlight your effort or get the word out
Fact Sheet (PowerPoint slide template, please save as PDF for registration):
Image or drawing of the team’s SeaPerch ROV design
Competition Class (i.e., Middle School Stock Class, High School Stock Class, Open Class)
Overview of SeaPerch Design: Provide a high-level explanation of your SeaPerch design
Number of years your team has participated in the SeaPerch program (this should include years that you have been involved in building a SeaPerch and/or competed in a SeaPerch competition)
Number of times your team has competed at the International SeaPerch Challenge including your anticipated participation at the 2026 Challenge (i.e., Put 1 year if this is your 1st year)
Complete the statement “Our SeaPerch is unique because...”; highlight what you think makes your design innovative
Complete the statement “Our biggest takeaway this season is...”; focus on your team’s experience and what you learned from working together on your design
Website link (optional)*
Organization’s social media link (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) (optional)*
The opportunity to participate in Presentations at the International SeaPerch Challenge is is an optional activity. Interested teams must apply to give a short presentation on their SeaPerch season by submitting a presentation abstract describing their proposed presentation. Presentations will not be scored and will be open to other participants at the event.
Interested teams must submit a one-paragraph abstract outlining what they would like to present (maximum: 100 words):
What makes your ROV unique from others in the competition?
In what ways have you made connections to a real-world situation using your ROV?
Selection Notice: Teams that are selected will be notified by April 30, 2026.
For selected presenting teams, the structure of the presentations will go as follows:
Presentations will be grouped into sessions including multiple teams across different competition classes. All teams are required to attend the full session to which they are assigned.
Presentation sessions will be led by a moderator who will ask questions and facilitate discussions following team presentations.
Networking and open dialogue to share perspective and ask other teams questions during the discussion period in each session is strongly encouraged.
Presentations will be open to attendance by teams, mentors, and spectators.
Teams will not have access to AV so no PowerPoint or other multimedia presentations will be allowed; however, props and models are welcome.
The Real-World Innovation Poster is an optional submission of the International SeaPerch Challenge. This submission challenges teams to explore real-world applications for underwater ROVs. Teams are invited to identify a real-world issue and design a SeaPerch ROV to address the issue.
Interested teams must submit a virtual PDF poster. These posters may include anything from a conceptual design to a full project conducted in the real world. The poster must follow these rules:
4’ wide x 3’ tall
submitted in PDF format
no specific requirements for section headers or space allocated for each section
teams are encouraged to create their own poster, however teams are welcome to use an
Posters will be rated on the following areas:
Project Overview: An overview of their project, approach, and findings
Background & Rationale: The team’s motivations for conducting the project
Approach: Justification for the team’s approach to the project
Discussion & Reasoning: Evidence supporting the team’s approach and modifications to their project
Download the optional Poster template in the .
Next Steps: Thoughtful consideration of new questions and next steps for the team’s project
Use of Graphics: Use of images, charts, and figures to support the poster’s text
Organization: Content organization
Creativity: The creativity of the project and innovative approach to a real-world issue
Overall Quality: The poster effectively conveys the project and approach
Open to elementary school, middle school, and high school aged students.
Compete and win in a regional competition to qualify for the International SeaPerch Challenge. 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.
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.
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
Applications must be answered in student team members’ own words.
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 website.
This Team Handbook contains information that teams need to compete at the International SeaPerch Challenge. It includes task descriptions, rules and requirements, and other guidance and specifications. Teams are encouraged to read this document for a thorough understanding of what is necessary to compete effectively.
16-October-2025
SeaPerch 2026 Team Handbook Released
5-December-2025
Added links to first place TDRs for Middle School, High School and Open Class
05-January-2026
Updated terminology from "buoyancy materials" to "ballasting materials."
Added clarity to rules, with definitions of attachments and ballasting materials.
The annual International SeaPerch Challenge is an invitation-only event open to teams that excel at registered regional competitions and earn a slot to compete in the season’s culminating event.
On land, teams show off their engineering skills through technical papers and presentations. In the pool, they navigate their SeaPerch remotely operated vehicle (ROV) through a series of obstacles inspired by the real world that test maneuverability, control, and utility. Each season has a new theme and a new set of competition tasks, challenging teams to expand on their original vehicle design.
Beyond the friendly rivalry, all competitions bring students together from different schools, states, and countries to form a supportive community.
The goals of the RoboNation student competitions are to provide opportunities for students to experience real-world engineering challenges and to develop the skills needed to solve those challenges. The objective is to produce the people who will push the envelope in the future.
The nominal winners are those teams that have scored the most points. The real winners are all those participants who have learned something lasting about working together to create an autonomous system that accomplished a challenging mission in a complex environment.
This section includes the following sections:
Date
Event
October 1, 2025 - April 5, 2026
Host Regional Event Period (List of Regional Events will be available after November 1, 2025)
December 1, 2025 - February 1, 2026
Wild Card Registration
January 15, 2026 –
April 8, 2026
International Challenge Team Registration
All fees and submissions must be submitted by April 8th.
February 11, 2026
Wild Card Invitations Issued
May 30 - 31, 2026
2026 International SeaPerch Challenge
The 2026 International SeaPerch Challenge will be conducted the weekend of May 30th, 2026 at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, USA. The Pool Competition will take place all day on Saturday, 30 May through midday on Sunday, 31 May, with an awards ceremony to follow in the afternoon.
The International SeaPerch Challenge includes the (1) Pool Competition that demonstrates high-speed maneuverability, navigation, and object manipulation; and (2) Design Documentation that presents each team’s work and vehicle design.
Technology in Action for Recovery and Relief. Storm Response explores the power uncrewed systems play in recovery, resilience, and discovery in disaster relief efforts. Framed as an opportunity, not just to restore what was lost, but to rebuild smarter and reimagine the future; this season’s challenges reflect the real-world role of robotics in helping communities respond to and recover from storms and other natural events. Through hands-on missions grounded in post-disaster scenarios, teams will apply technology with purpose – restoring harbor operations, assessing underwater infrastructure, supporting exploration, and unlocking new possibilities. Find out more in Section 2.2 Mission Course for the 2026 Mission Course and tasks.
The official competition website is 2026 SeaPerch. This website includes all official documents and a detailed list of the registered Challenge teams. Helpful resources, past competition results, and other engagement opportunities can be found on this website. Information and documents are updated regularly, and it is the team’s responsibility to check the website for updates.
Competition / Technical Questions
Registration Questions
Event / Safety Questions
Teams are encouraged to start registration as soon as possible after receiving instructions as it is a multi-step process; the registration deadline of April 8, 2026 is firm. Each team must register and bring a unique chaperone to adhere to the Chaperone Policy. A single chaperone cannot bring multiple teams to the International Challenge.
No Deadline Extensions: Teams competing in regional competitions that are held in April will have a shortened time frame to complete registration to attend the International Challenge. There will be no deadline extensions due to event and evaluation timelines.
To complete the International Challenge registration, teams must pay the registration fees and register each student and chaperone.
ROV Registration Fee: $350 USD per team
Individual Registration Fee: $80 USD per team member/chaperone
Teams are limited to a maximum of 12 team members. This total includes students and chaperones. With a maximum of 4 chaperones per team.
Example: If you have 4 chaperones, you can only have 8 or less students.
All teams with registered minors must have at least one designated chaperone, but RoboNation recommends that teams have two designated chaperones. Each team must register a unique chaperone to adhere to the Chaperone Policy.
Each team must have a designated primary chaperone who is assigned exclusively to that team. A primary chaperone may not serve as the primary chaperone for more than one team.
A primary chaperone may also serve as a secondary chaperone for another team, provided both teams are part of the same organization.
Teams with five (5) or fewer youth team members may have one chaperone, although two chaperones are strongly recommended for safety and flexibility.
Any group of six (6) or more youth team members must have a minimum of two (2) adult chaperones registered and present.
Chaperones must actively supervise minors at all times during the competition.
Please refer to for the full policy.
This is not a registration form and is intended ONLY to assist in collecting information prior to online registration.
School/Organization Name
Official Team Name
Team ID# (provided in registration invitation email)
School/Organization Street Address
The registered Team Point of Contact will be responsible for all team communications with RoboNation staff concerning registered attendees, housing, technical submissions, and payments. If this Team Point of Contact will also be acting as a Team Chaperone, they must also be registered under Attendee Registration below as a chaperone.
Name
Phone
Name
Phone
Please provide the name and phone number of an emergency contact for the team while they attend the SeaPerch Challenge. Preferably, this person should be someone who will NOT be on site at the event.
Name
Phone
Please provide any necessary ADA accommodations onsite at the competition.
ROV FEE: $350 per team
PARTICIPANT FEE: $80 per student/chaperone
Teams are limited to maximum of 12 team members. This total includes students and chaperones. There is a maximum of 4 chaperones per team. (Example: If you have 4 chaperones, you can only have 8 or less students.)
How many students are you registering?
How many chaperones are you registering?
Team ID (This ID will be provided with your registration invitation.)
What region you are representing?
New England – ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT
Northeast – NY, NJ, PA, DE
Mid-Atlantic – DC, MD, WV, VA, NC
Great Lakes – OH, MI, IN, IL, WI
How did your team qualify?
SeaPerch Regional
Wild Card
Select the competition class below that matches your team’s ROV specifications. Refer to for the definition of each competition class.
Middle School Stock Class
High School Stock Class
Open Class
What optional events will your team participate in?
All teams are expected to submit a Technical Design Report and Meet the Team documentation as part of their registration. Additional awards will be provided in the following optional events.
Real-World Innovation (Poster)
Community & Outreach
No Optional Event
Would your team be interested in presenting at the event? Selected teams will be notified in May if selected for a presentation slot.
Yes
No
Provide the number of students and educators/mentors engaged with the team. This may include students and educators/mentors that are not registered participants but who worked with the team during the season. This number will not affect the cost of your registration. Registered participant numbers will be entered later.
# of Students: _______________
# of Educators/Mentors: _______________
Specify Other Ethnicity: __________________________
How many students will graduate high school in 2026?
The individual who completes the registration will need to collect an email address for each chaperone to enter into the registration system. The registration system will send a form to each chaperone email to fill in the following information. Refer to .
Chaperone Name (First & Last) and Title (ex. Mr., Ms., Dr.)
Email Address
Phone Number
T-Shirt Size
Please collect this information for each student.
Student Name (First & Last)
Parent / Guardian's Name and Email
Dietary Restrictions / ADA Requirements
T-Shirt Size
Technical Design Report
Meet the Team
Real-World Innovation (Optional)
Community and Outreach (Optional)
Add-ons are purchased separately from the team’s registration and will be accessible at the RoboNation Shop.
All team members must abide by the RoboNation Code of Conduct while participating in the Competition. Failure to abide by this Code of Conduct at any point during the competition season may result in the disqualification of the team and/or participants from the Competition, components of the competition, the full competition, and/or future competitions.
Give your best effort. Display honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship while engaging in friendly competition. Compete fairly. Team products are solely the creation of student participants’ own efforts, ideas, and designs with supporting mentors providing only verbal advice.
Respect others. All participants and guests will display courtesy and respect toward officials, volunteers, other teams, and guests of the Competition.
Support each other. All participants will embody the spirit of RoboNation and endeavor to engage with, learn from, and support one another.
Spectator tickets are required to access team village, pool competition viewing areas, and presentation rooms. Note: Spectators will not have access to the pool deck.
Tickets for adults and children over 13 are $10.
Children 13 and under receive free admission, but still must have a spectator ticket to attend.
Spectator tickets can be purchased here: Spectator Tickets (Opening early in 2026!)
Plains – MI, IA, MO, ND, SD, NE, KS
Southwest – OK, TX, NM, AZ
Rocky Mountains – MT, WY, CO, UT, ID
Western – WA, OR, NV, CA, AK, HI
International
White
Other
Prefer Not to Respond
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Dietary Restrictions / ADA and Special Needs
Background Check
Signed Liability Waiver and Youth Protection Acknowledgement Form
Male
Female
Non-Binary
Prefer Not to Answer
Asian
Black/African American
Hispanic/Latino
Native Hawaiian/
Pacific Islander
K
1
2
3
4
5
Submission of the Host Application does not guarantee that invitations to the International SeaPerch Challenge will be given.
All regional competitions must be hosted by April 5, 2026. Find all the information for the season and International Challenge can be found on the SeaPerch Season website.
APRIL REGIONALS: Teams competing in regional competitions that are held in April will have a shortened timeframe to complete registration to attend the 2026 International SeaPerch Challenge. There will be no deadline extensions due to event and evaluation timelines.
The 2026 International SeaPerch Challenge will include three (3) 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.
Teams that only include students in 8th grade and below
The total cost of modifications to the final ROV must be $25 or less
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.
Thruster controls
Teams that include any students in 9th grade and above
The total cost of modifications to the final ROV must be $25 or less
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.
Thruster controls
Teams can include students of any grade
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.
** Propulsion - Force directly exerted against the water that causes the ROV to translate or rotate in any direction.
The budget covers only items installed on the competition ROV and its controller that are not included in the standard SeaPerch kit.
Non-kit parts and materials installed on the ROV or controller (electronics, hardware, ballasting, wiring, connectors, fasteners, adhesives, coatings, enclosures, mounts, etc.).
Substitutes for kit items (if you replace a kit part with a different part, the substitute counts).
Custom parts made by the team (e.g., brackets, housings), valued per the rules below.
Cameras mounted to the ROV, cabling, monitor, mobile device, computer, and any support equipment count toward the budget.
Standard SeaPerch kit parts used as intended.
Spares and tools (meters, soldering supplies, jigs, drill bits, blades, printers, etc.).
Prototype-only materials/parts not installed on the competition vehicle.
Consumables/incidentals used in manufacturing but not present on the final vehicle (support material removed, sandpaper, tape used only during assembly).
Retail/sale price basis: Use the lowest verifiable retail price available to the public. Attach a link, screenshot, or receipt.
Donations / free items: Count at the same retail price you would otherwise have paid (documentation required).
Bulk/pack items: Prorate by unit (e.g., 2 of 10 screws from a pack of 50; price = 2 × (pack price/50)).
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.
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.
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.
For stock classes, 3D printed parts may not extend the frame to attach other 3D printed parts, this will be considered a frame part.
These rules are preliminary for the International SeaPerch Challenge and may be updated prior to the competition. Any updates will be posted here with notations of changes.
These rules are preliminary for the International SeaPerch Challenge and may be updated prior to the competition. Any updates will be posted here with notations of changes.
The team must use the same ROV that was presented at compliance for both pool events.
Each team must have their own ROV – teams are not allowed to share an ROV.
Teams are not allowed to share ROV attachments or devices.
Spare parts are allowed; however, spare ROVs are not allowed.
Any design or structural modifications made to the ROV after a compliance check requires the team to re-submit the ROV for a compliance check.
No Components or Attachments (see Core Definitions below) may be added to or removed from the ROV between pool events (Obstacle Course and Mission Course) or while a pool event is in progress (see bullet 8 below). The ROV must compete in both events with the same physical hardware connected. This includes the mechanical hardware of any dynamic ballasting systems (e.g., syringes, pumps, or tubing). Violations of this configuration rule will result in disqualification.
Components or attachments may be repositioned (i.e., rotated or swiveled) between or during pool events. However, they may not be disconnected and relocated; they must remain connected to the same mounting point on the ROV when they are repositioned.
The ROV may be worked on or adjusted during between or during pool events under the following conditions:
Ballasting: Teams may adjust buoyancy and trim by adding, removing, or relocating Ballasting Materials (see Core Definitions below) (e.g., foam, weights, or simple sealed containers).
Securing Parts: Teams may add Materials (see Core Definitions below) such as tape or cable ties necessary to secure parts or perform field repairs.
Timing: If adjustments are made while a run is in progress, the run timer will not be paused and will continue to count down.
Replacement of failed or damaged parts is permitted. Teams replacing failed or damaged parts must re-submit their ROV for a compliance check conducted by staff at the Triage or ROV Poolside First Aid Station.
Passing compliance checks does not guarantee the right to compete. The course director has the final say on safety and compliance issues and may require teams that have already passed the compliance check to fix issues prior to competing.
Lithium batteries larger than coin cell size are strictly prohibited at the event.
12-volt direct current (VDC) power connections for the standard SeaPerch power cable alligator clips will be supplied for each competition lane. This power connection is for the ROV only and is limited to 10 amps; no auxiliary equipment may be connected to this power connection.
Teams may provide their own battery for the ROV.
Teams may provide an additional battery for auxiliary equipment such as cameras, advanced controllers, and electromechanical ROV attachments.
The ROV must move only under its own power. The tether may not be pulled to expedite the ROV’s navigation of the course.
If the ROV or tether becomes tangled on the course structure or is otherwise unable to move on its own power, a team member must notify the judge that they would like to try to free the ROV by pulling on the tether. Under this circumstance teams may gently pull on the tether; however, the run timer will continue. If the ROV is pulled by the tether, the ROV must be returned (driven) to the location that it was moved from before it may continue competing.
The team may ask the judge for diver assistance. If diver assistance is requested the judge will pause the run timer and call for a diver. The judge will restart the run timer when the diver arrives at the lane and begins assisting. There is no longer a two-minute diver assistance penalty. If the ROV is moved, it must be returned to the location that it was moved from before it may continue competing.
Prior arrangements are required for waivers to any of the following rules to accommodate students’ special needs. Any special accommodations must be made in advance of the starting date of the International SeaPerch Challenge by contacting .
All team members and spectators are expected to be respectful of other competitors, spectators, volunteers, judges, and staff.
Instructions from judges, volunteers, and event staff must be followed at all times on the pool deck. Those not complying with instructions from judges, volunteers, or event staff will be asked to leave the pool area and may risk disqualification of their team from the event.
In the event of equipment failure between pool events, a team will be allowed to work on their ROV at an ROV First Aid Station or at Triage.
The ROV First Aid Station is intended for quick repairs that can be accomplished in 15 minutes or less. The station will not be equipped with electrical power, so soldering is not allowed.
After successful repairs, the team will re-enter the competition queue in the front of the line.
Sportsmanship is always expected.
Team members and advisors are responsible for the conduct of all members and adults accompanying the team. Unsportsmanlike conduct of registered student team members or chaperones is grounds for the disqualification of a team.
Teams may not raise questions concerning other competing vehicles or other teams’ scores.
Only the two competing team members may approach or speak to lane judges. Exceptions to this rule are only allowed if prior arrangements have been made to accommodate special needs.
All SeaPerch ROVs must meet vehicle requirements for (1) design, (2) safety and (3) construction during the Compliance Checks before the ROV can be permitted on the courses. A Compliance Checklist will be included in each team's registration packet at the SeaPerch Challenge.
No parts or attachments (except ballasting material) may be removed or added after the compliance check, but attachments may be repositioned.
Design must follow .
The Obstacle Course consists of five 18” hoops oriented at different angles and suspended 5-6 feet below the water surface.
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
May use PWM, microcontrollers, or other devices for non-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
May use PWM, microcontrollers, or other devices for non-thruster controls
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
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
🚫
✅
✅
Bulk purchases: Prorate only the portion actually used on the competition vehicle (see Section C).
3D-printed parts: Cost at $0.02 per gram of the final installed part(s) only (exclude supports and failed prints).
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
🚫
🚫
✅
The team's captain or coach must sign off on the Compliance Checklist and and assure that the team will not make modifications to the ROV system after the compliance check.
This section includes the following sections:
Awards will be given to top performers in each class as well as those who have demonstrated exemplary skills in special award categories.
Top team in each class (1 per class) (3 total awards)
TDR (1st, 2nd, 3rd for each competition class) (9 awards)
Mission Course (1st, 2nd, 3rd for each competition class) (9 awards)
Obstacle Course (1st, 2nd, 3rd for each competition class) (9 awards)
Top teams in the Real-World Innovation event - First, second, third (3 total awards)
Fan Favorites - middle school and high school teams from public judging (2 total awards)
Top team in the Community and Outreach event – not related to class (1 total award)
Teams may be nominated for Special awards during pre-event submission judging and on-site at the competition. A nomination form will be available on-site for all participants, advisors, volunteers, staff, and spectators to nominate teams for these awards.
This award recognizes individuals or teams who demonstrate a commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity, and general goodwill towards others. Recipients of this award may be coaches, team members, parents, officials or anyone else that tournament officials or directors feel exhibit these traits.
As the name implies, this award is given to an individual or team who displays the dynamic ability to recover quickly from challenges. Recipients maintain control of a difficult situation and devise new ways to tackle a problem, all while showing courage and resolve or strength of character.
This award is given for a team’s exceptional creativity, either through some aspect of their ROV, or an extraordinary idea beyond the standard build. This award acknowledges and encourages creative thinking and risk-taking; recipients embody the principle of “thinking outside the box” to solve engineering problems.
Team supplied batteries must not be larger than 8” long x 4” wide x 7” high and must be 12 VDC maximum with a 12-amp hour maximum rating.
Teams may not bring anything to the pool deck that requires 110-volt or any other alternating current (AC) power. Laptop computers are allowed if they are battery powered and do not need to be plugged into 110-volt power.
A maximum of six (6) pool passes will be issued for each team. Any team with more than six members in the pool area without special accommodations risks disqualification from the event.
Only four (4) student team members are allowed at the competition lane. Only two (2) team members are allowed to participate in the ROV operation at one time. These two (2) team members are considered the competing team members.
Only competing team members are allowed to communicate with the judges.
The four team members at the competition lane may switch drivers at any time and as many times as they choose. The lane judge will not stop the timers.
The remaining two passes are for pool area spectators and can be used by other students (competing later in either the obstacle or mission course), parents, coaches, teachers, or chaperones.
Once a pool event run starts the pool area team spectator may not enter the competition lane.
The pool area team spectators must sit or stand behind the designated barrier ribbon.
Any student team members who are pool area team spectators may switch with the team members at the competition lane between the pool event runs (obstacle and mission course).
All team members must wear shoes with rubber soles while on the pool deck.
All team members may help with setup but must exit to their assigned spots before the course run starts. During this set-up period, teams should adjust the ROV’s ballasting and make any other necessary adjustments.
While competition staff will attempt to accommodate all participants, teams not completing repairs by the last pool event time slots may not be able to compete.
If an ROV or equipment malfunctions before attempting any mission task or passing the first obstacle course hoop, the team may elect to stop their run without incurring a time penalty. The team will be allowed to make repairs as described in item 1 of this section.
If an ROV or equipment malfunctions after attempting the first mission task or passing through the first obstacle course hoop, the team may elect to stop their run. The judge will record the current run time and notify the lead judge. The lead judge or course director will evaluate the issue and decide a course of action. If the team is allowed to make repairs and restart their run, they may incur a time penalty equal to their initial run time at the time they stopped their initial run.
If an attachment has to be removed due to equipment failure, the team must receive approval by Course Director before continuing. Re-entry will be at the Course Directors’ discretion.
Team members, chaperones, or spectators may not speak to the divers.
Team members will verify the time on the scoresheet reflects the time on the stopwatch. If there is a discrepancy, a team member may ask the lane judge for a second opinion. Timing disputes such as a team member claiming the judge did not start or stop the stopwatch at the correct time are not allowable disputes.
Disputes should be resolved at the time the alleged grievance occurs. However, if students are not able to articulate the alleged grievance, they may ask to speak to the lead judge. The lead course judge will provide a redress request card that will allow the student and adult team members to meet with the course director or lead judge to resolve the dispute. Decisions of the course director or lead judge are final, and the same dispute will not be heard again.
If an ROV or the course is inadvertently interfered with during the competition, the competing team members should alert the lane judge and ask for a ruling by the lead judge or course director. These situations will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
The minimum required parts necessary for a SeaPerch ROV to function. These parts are integral to operation and are not considered attachments.
Examples: Frame, thrusters, tether, control box, and required electrical systems.
Substances or consumable items used to construct, assemble, mount, secure, or insulate components of the SeaPerch ROV or controller.
Examples: Hardware, connectors, fasteners, adhesives, tapes, zip ties, and similar items.
Note: Materials do not, by themselves, perform a functional task and are not considered Components, Attachments, or Ballasting Material.
Any non-required, discrete object added to the SeaPerch ROV that provides additional capability or function beyond basic operation.
Examples: Grippers, hooks, manipulators, tools, guards, and sensors.
Note: If an object is used to interact with mission elements (e.g., a hook), it is categorized as an Attachment.
Materials used to adjust the ROV’s buoyancy or trim to reach a desired state, such as neutral buoyancy.
Static Ballasting: Passive materials added to or removed from the ROV while it is out of the water. This includes Positive Ballast (materials less dense than water, like foam or simple sealed air containers like plastic bottles or capped PVC pipes) and Negative Ballast (materials more dense than water, like metal weights or water in a sealed container).
Dynamic Ballasting: Active systems that allow the operator to adjust buoyancy during operation (e.g., syringes, air pumps, or balloons).
The Rule: The hardware (pump/tubing) is an Attachment; the medium (air/water) is Ballasting Material.
Adding/Removing Tape/Zip Ties
YES
Allowed for repairs or securing ballast, components, and attachments
Adding/Removing Foam or Weights
YES
Standard static ballasting
Adding/Removing Static Ballasting Material
YES
As long as it is only used for buoyancy
Adding/Removing a Syringe System or other Dynamic Ballasting System or Components
NO
The syringe/pump hardware must stay on at all times
Adding/Removing a Hook
NO
This is an attachment; it must stay on at all times
Start of run: The ROV must be under its own power and surfaced within the outline of the surface vehicle. Team members are not allowed to touch the ROV after the lane judge begins the countdown to start the run.
The ROV is required to pass through each of the five obstacle course hoops in order starting at the hoop closest to the pool wall.
The ROV must surface after clearing the hoop furthest from the pool wall. Surfacing is considered complete when any part of the ROV breaks the surface of the water.
The ROV must re-submerge and head back to the pool wall by passing through each of the five hoops in reverse order.
End of run: The run is complete when the ROV surfaces (any part of the ROV breaks the surface of the water) within the outline of the surface vehicle located next to the pool wall. The run will end if the allotted time expires even if the ROV has not completed the course.
Teams are ranked based on time.
This section includes the following sections:
The competition will include two in-pool courses:
The Obstacle Course tests high-speed maneuverability and requires the SeaPerch ROV to navigate the course as quickly as possible.
The Mission Course incorporates a mission that teams must complete related to storm response.
All SeaPerch ROVs must meet vehicle safety requirements during the on-site before the ROV can be permitted on the courses.
No parts or attachments (except ballasting material) may be removed or added after the compliance check, but attachments may be repositioned. Teams that arrive at the competition failing to meet the vehicle requirements will not be permitted on the course, until the vehicle is modified to meet all requirements.
The obstacle course and mission courses will be suspended from the pool’s lane dividers with the lower course frames approximately 5-6 feet below the water surface and 5-6 feet from the side of the pool.
The obstacle course and mission course will be arranged beside each other and considered a single competition lane. The pool will include eight (8) competition lanes to accommodate eight (8) teams simultaneously. Competition lanes will be separated by a vacant pool lane (i.e. no course). Each team will have sole use of their assigned competition lane for their allotted time slot.
12-volt direct current (VDC) power connections for the standard SeaPerch power cable alligator clips will be supplied for each competition lane. See for more information.
Teams will have 20 minutes to complete Pool Course runs. After the course judge verifies the team and provides instructions, a 20-minute course timer will start. Teams will be responsible for managing their time and may take as much time as needed for setup and reset within the twenty minutes allocated. When the course timer expires and reaches zero, the team must depart the Pool Course.
Runs will be timed using a run timer (stopwatch). The run timer will start when each run starts and records the official run times. Teams may start subsequent runs immediately after completing a prior run but must receive a start signal from the judge to ensure the run will be scored. Teams may abort runs at any time without completing the course if they are experiencing problems and want to ensure they have enough time for subsequent runs. A run ends when the run time expires, the team has aborted the run, or the team has completed the course (whichever comes first). Guidelines for obstacle course and mission course runs are below.
Teams may attempt up to two (2) runs.
Each run is limited to four (4) minutes maximum.
Teams may attempt one (1) run on the mission course.
The mission course time limit is eight (8) minutes maximum.
This section includes the following sections:
The 2026 Mission is based on the following scenario. A powerful storm swept through, leaving behind damaged infrastructure, disrupted communications, and environmental hazards. Vehicles are deployed to demonstrate how coordinated action can turn disaster into resilience:
Assessment & Discovery: Vehicles are deployed to inspect bridges, dams, and communication nodes, gathering the critical information needed to understand the scope of damage.
Recovery & Repair: Vehicles work to reconnect power and communication lines, stabilize dam structures, and clear debris to restore safety and functionality. Yet recovery is not only about rebuilding what was lost; it’s also about protecting the future.
Environmental & Public Safety: Vehicles conduct water sampling to ensure safe drinking supplies and rescue displaced wildlife, underscoring the responsibility to restore balance for both communities and ecosystems. The Mission includes the following tasks:
The Mission Course tasks include:
: Inspect the Bridge
Due to floodwaters, the bridge supports could be damaged, creating unseen underwater hazards that need inspection. The ROV must navigate bridge supports, retrieve the red marker float, repair the support beam, and release the green marker float.
: Survey the Dam
To prevent any further flooding or damage, the dam needs to be surveyed and repaired to identify any cracks or failures. The ROV must move the plug to the hole in the dam, and rotate the cover to close the flood gate.
: Clear the Debris Field
Floodwaters bring hazardous debris that can obstruct waterways and ecosystems. The debris needs to be cleared to allow for safe navigation and environmental recovery. The ROV must relocate the displaced marine life, and remove the heavy submerged debris.
: Sample Water Quality
The flooding may have contaminated the water supply and needs to be tested before normal activities can resume. The ROV must retrieve the water sampler and return it to the Surface Vessel.
The Mission Course consists of a surface vehicle located next to the pool wall, two task frames that will be suspended 5-6 feet below the water surface. A full breakdown of how the course is built can be found in the .
The following section covers the details for the , , and .
A PVC structure representing a Surface Vessel will be placed by the pool wall where team members and judges are positioned. This structure will serve as the runs.
One plug (Task 2) will hang below the surface vehicle structure.
The front platform is the platform closest to the pool wall. This platform includes the broken bridge pillars and the broken pipe (Task 1). At the start of the run, marine life will be positioned on the platform (Task 3).
The back platform includes the wall of a dam (Task 2), the heavy submerged debris (Task 3), and Water Sampler (Task 4).
Start of run: The ROV must be under its own power and surfaced within the outline of the Surface Vessel. Team members are not allowed to touch the ROV after the lane judge begins the countdown to start the run. The tether cable does not have to go through the open area of the Surface Vessel. Teams are allowed to position the Surface Vessel along the wall within the lane.
End of run: The run is complete with the ROV surfaces (any part of the ROV breaks the surface of the water) within the outline of the surface vehicle located next to the pool wall. The run will end if the allotted time expires even if the ROV has not completed the course.
Objects falling past the suspended task frames are out of play and the ROV is not allowed to attempt to retrieve them.
The ROV may transport multiple objects simultaneously. Objects may be moved between platforms for staging without completing the task. (For example, the plug can be moved to the front platform before moving to the dam after completing other tasks.)
The ROV must navigate bridge supports, retrieve the red marker float, fix the broken pipe, and release the green marker float. At the start of the run, the red marker float will be floating above the back right bridge pillar, the green marker float will be hooked on the front left bridge pillar, and the broken pipe will be uncovered. All Task 1 elements are located on the Front Platform.
Task 1.1: Retrieve the red marker float, and hook on the back right bridge pillar.
Task 1.2: Slide the cover pipe to the left to fix the support beam.
Task 1.3: Release the green marker float at the front left bridge pillar.
The ROV must move the plug to the hole in the dam, and rotate the cover to close the flood gate. At the start of the run, the red plug will be located on a hook on the Surface Vessel, and the red flood gate will be located on the slanted dam wall on the Back Platform.
Task 2.1: Lift and place the plug in the hole on the slanted dam wall.
Task 2.2: Rotate the flood gate cover to close the flood gate.
The ROV must relocate the displaced marine life (SeaPerch fish) and remove the heavy submerged debris (weighted object). At the start of the run, the marine life will be located on the Front Platform, and the debris will be located on the Back Platform.
Task 3.1: Retrieve and place marine life on the Back Platform.
Task 3.2: Lift heavy piece of submerged debris.
Task 3.3: Place heavy piece of submerged debris on a hook on the Surface Vessel.
The ROV must retrieve the water sampler and return it to the Surface Vessel. At the start of the run, the water sampler will be open and located on the Back Platform.
Task 4.1: Lift and close the water sampler, positioned on the Back Platform.
Task 4.2: Place water sampler on a hook on the Surface Vessel.
Teams are scored and ranked based on completion of tasks and time. A full scoring breakdown can be found in .
The design documentation deliverables are prepared and submitted prior to the on-site competition, due at the close of team registration on April 8, 2026.
This section includes the following sections:
Required Documentation:
Optional Documentation
Abstract – 10 points max
Task Overview – 10 points max
Design Approach – 26 points max
Experimental Results – 14 points max
Reflection & Next Steps – 10 points max
Acknowledgements – 4 points max
References – 8 points max
Budget – 4 points max
Writing Skills – 8 points max
Paper format – 6 points max
The following Scoring Guidelines are provided to evaluate the Technical Design Report.
Mission Components (0 points): Requirements missing does not meet minimum requirements.
Basic (2 points): Meets basic requirements. Average (60-75%)
Satisfactory (3 points): Meets all requirements with additional content. Above Average (85%)
Robust (4 points): Exceeds requirements with additional content, material, formatting. Superior (95%)
This is not a scored event. Meet the Team and Fact Sheet submissions will be published on the SeaPerch website.
This is not a scored event. Poster submissions will be open for a public review and rating, to be eligible for awards. Poster submissions will be published on the SeaPerch website.
This is not a scored event. Project submissions will be reviewed and eligible for awards. Project submissions will be published on the SeaPerch website.
This is not a scored event. Presentation abstracts will be reviewed and eligible for an invitation to present at the International SeaPerch Challenge. Presentation abstracts will be published on the SeaPerch website.
A maximum of 110 points can be earned on the Mission Course through successfully completing tasks with bonus points awarded for completion of the course under a time limit. Points are not official until verified by master scorekeeper.
Points will be earned at completion of each task action. If tasks are disturbed in subsequent actions, teams will still earn the points for completion.
Tasks can be completed for a total of 100 points divided across the tasks as follows:
Task 1: Inspect the Bridge has a max of twenty-six (26) points.
1A – Ten (10) points for hooking the red marker float on the right rear bridge pillar.
1B – Two (2) points for sliding the cover pipe partially onto the red stripe to fix the support beam.
1C – Six (6) points for fully sliding the cover pipe completely covering the red stripe to fix the support beam.
1D – Eight (8) points for releasing the green marker float.
: Survey the Dam has a max of twenty-four (24) points.
2A – Four (4) points for removing the plug from the surface vessel.
2B - Twelve (12) points for placing the plug in the hole on the slanted dam wall.
2C - Eight (8) points
: Clear the Debris Field has a max of thirty-eight (38) points.
3A – Four (4) points for removing the marine life from the Front Platform
3B – Eight (8) points for placing the marine life on the Back Platform.
3C – Six (6) points
: Sample Water Quality has a max of twelve (12) points.
4A – Four (4) points for removing the water sampler from the Back Platform.
4B – Eight (8) points for placing water sampler on a hook on the Surface Vessel.
Teams may earn bonus points for successfully completing all tasks in less than 6 minutes. Bonus points are based on adjusted finished time including any time penalties incurred during the run. Bonus points are applied for:
Ten (10) points for finish times less than 4 minutes
Five (5) points for finish times less than 6 minutes
Find out more: Section 2.1 Obstacle Course, Section 2.2 Mission Course, Section 4.1 Pool Competition Scoring
Find out more: ,
Find out more:
Find out more:
Find out more:
Find out more: ,
All team members must abide by the RoboNation Code of Conduct while participating in the Competition. Failure to abide by this Code of Conduct at any point during the competition season may result in the disqualification of the team and/or participants from the Competition, components of the competition, the full competition, and/or future competitions. (Section 1.7 RoboNation Code of Conduct)
Teams must build an ROV to compete and qualify for the International SeaPerch Challenge. The International SeaPerch Challenge is an invitation-only event. (Section 1.1 Ways to Qualify)
All competition deliverables, must be the original work of the student team members.
Teams must register in one of the three competition classes and arrive at the competition with an ROV that meets all the class requirements to be permitted in the pool competition. ()
Open to elementary, middle and high schools. ()
Teams are limited to a maximum of 12 team members. This total includes students and chaperones. With a maximum of 4 chaperones per team. ()
All teams with registered minors must have at least one designated chaperone, but RoboNation recommends that teams have two designated chaperones. Each team must register a unique chaperone to adhere to the . ()
The registration deadline of April 8, 2026 is firm. ()
Teams must follow the defined . ()
All SeaPerch ROVs must meet vehicle requirements during the Compliance Checks before the ROV can be permitted on the courses. ()
All decisions of the judges are final. ()
SeaPerch organizers are not responsible for any damage to a team’s ROV as a consequence of participating in the competition.
3D – Twenty (20) points for placing the heavy piece of submerged debris on a hook on the Surface Vessel.
