Video available: Students compete in 2017 Sea Perch competition

News Release

Feb. 27, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 14th District Hawaii and the Pacific Contact: 14th District Public Affairs Office: (808) 535-3230 After Hours: (808) 341-9849

Students compete in 2017 Sea Perch competition

Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.

HONOLULU – The Coast Guard hosted their annual Sea Perch underwater robotics competition at Base Honolulu, Saturday.

Fifty-three teams comprised of students from Oahu schools competed in the competition.

“We want to develop great partnerships with our local schools and also we’re growing the future kids of America,” said Capt. Edward Sheppard, commanding officer at Coast Guard Base Honolulu. “Some of those kids are going to come work for us in the Coast Guard and other services so we definitely want to have a great partnership and relationship with some of those future Coasties.”

The Sea Perch Challenge is an annual competition where students test robots they have constructed using kits with low-cost parts utilizing engineering concepts, problem solving, teamwork and technical applications. Building a Sea Perch remotely operated vehicle teaches basic skills in ship and submarine design and encourages students to explore naval architecture and marine and ocean engineering principles. 

“I thought this was such a great opportunity," said Noelani Chung, a sixth grader from Nanaikapono Elementary School. "I should take it and not let the advantage go because I could never probably see that again. When I’m older I want to become a scientist for NASA. I want to be an engineer for the rockets.”

The Sea Perch Program provides students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science and mathematics (STEM) while building an underwater ROV as part of science and engineering technology curriculum.

Visit SeaPerch for more information. 

-USCG-