The Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center’s International Student ROV Competition just occurred in Buzzard’s Bay, Mass. This is the competition for those who already won in 16 regional competitions. The competition featured 54 student teams representing middle schools, high schools, home schools, community colleges, universities, after-school clubs, outreach programs, and 4-H and Scout clubs, from five countries.
This year MATE worked with OceanWorks International and the Deep Submergence Systems Office at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to develop the missions focusing on real submarine rescue training exercise. Student teams were required to build and pilot ROV’s to inspect a simulated submarine for damage, deliver emergency supplies, and replenish the onboard air supply, among other tasks.
The winners of the Explorer Class were Long Beach City College of Long Beach, Calif who took first and are vetrans of the competition earning top ranks in engineering, presentation, and performance as well as being the only team to complete all the pool missions. Second place went to Flower Mound Robotics of Flower Mound, Texas and third when to Sea-Tech 4-H Club of Skagit County, Washington. The team also won the “Sharkpedo” award for innovation and originality, and was recognized for being the most safety-conscious team.
The Ranger Class was taken by the Canadians with Dalbrae Academy of Mabou, Nova Scotia taking first place aand Heritage Collegiate of Lethbridge, Newfoundland taking second. But my hold stomping grounds took third place. Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Sciences of Monterey, Calif. earned overall third place. Team member James Caress received one of three Ranger class “Engineering MVP” awards.
