SeaPerch Challenge
SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that equips teachers and students
with the resources they need to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
in an
in- school or out-of-school setting. Students build the ROV from a kit comprised
of low-cost, easily accessible parts, following a curriculum that teaches basic engineering
and science concepts with a marine engineering theme. The SeaPerch Program provides
students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics
(STEM) while building an underwater ROV as part of a science and engineering technology
curriculum. Throughout the project, students will learn engineering concepts, problem
solving, teamwork, and technical applications.
Building a SeaPerch ROV teaches basic skills in ship and submarine design and encourages
students to explore naval architecture and marine and ocean engineering principles.
It also teaches basic science and engineering concepts and tool safety and technical
procedures. Students learn important engineering and design skills and are exposed
to all the exciting
careers that are possible in naval architecture and naval, ocean, and marine engineering.
Developed skills include:
- Teamwork, creative problem-solving, and real-life applications
- Ocean science concepts such as buoyancy and displacement
- Underwater vehicle design principles and tooling
- Engineering concepts such as propulsion, waterproofing, electricity, circuits, and switches
SeaPerch and Blue Tech Teacher Professional Development Opportunity
October 27-28, 2023
CEU’s and stipend available.
This two-day workshop is designed to prepare teachers to get involved with STEM and Blue Technologies through the SeaPerch competition. Teachers will learn about the competition and how to guide students in building their own remotely operated vehicles to compete in the regional SeaPerch competition. By the end of this workshop, teachers will be equipped to teach students to build and operate their vehicles, and will understand the rules needed to create teams and enter them into their regional competition. Participants will learn from ocean engineers and hydrography researchers as they demonstrate the use of some of the most advanced ocean technologies!
This workshop is affiliated with the International SeaPerch Challenge.
2023 SeaPerch Competition Season
This 2023 season theme is Ocean Exploration in partnership with NOAA Ocean Exploration and the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI). Participating teams will design and compete ROVs in a simulated exploration effort
including mapping an area, removing marine life from an underwater station, and retrieving
samples from the underwater environment.
Competition 
USM's Regional SeaPerch Competition was a huge success! We would like to congratulate all of the teams on their hard work, innovation and grit as they navigated the obstacle and mission courses. We have four teams from the Gulf Coast Region going to compete in the annual International SeaPerch Competition hosted at the University of Maryland on May 13th 2023.
Competition Guidelines
Resources and competition template can be found below, however we encourage competing teams to check out the International SeaPerch Website for the most updated information:
Competition Resources
- Competition Classes Overview
- Competition classes depend on modifications made to ROV
- ROV Compliance Checklist
- All teams need to ensure that their ROV is in compliance in order to compete
- Team Video
- Team Video Instructions and Scoring Rubric
- Pool Courses Overview and Preliminary Rules
- Technical Design Report
- Technical Design Report Instructions and Scoring Rubric
- Real-World Innovation
- Real-World Innovation Poster Instructions and Scoring Rubric
- Community and Outreach Instructions
USM Regional SeaPerch Challenge
Saturday, March 18, 2023
Check-in: 8:00 a.m. | Challenge: 9:30 a.m
Biloxi Natatorium
1384 Father Ryan Avenue
Biloxi, Mississippi
228.688.3177
Frequently Asked Questions
The SeaPerch Program provides students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics while building an underwater ROV as part of a science and engineering technology curriculum. Throughout the project, students learn engineering concepts, problem solving, teamwork, and technical applications.
Grades of students building SeaPerch:
- Middle School (Grades 5-8)
- High School (Grades 9-12)
Max per team is 8 students.
SeaPerch ROV kits are available for purchase on the SeaPerch/Robonation site.
Yes, there is a limit of 5 teams per school.