ROV competitions for students: developing the next generation of ocean explorers, scientists, technologists, and engineers

The national interest in and reliance on the ocean environment-from exploration to energy, food, telecommunications, and transportation-is only increasing. Yet despite this fact, educational programs that focus on the engineering and technology that supports ocean activities are sorely lacking, especially at the middle and high school level where students are just beginning to think about their career paths. The national student ROV competition program developed by the MATE Center and the Marine Technology Society's (MTS) ROV Committee is helping to remedy this situation and improve technology education by addressing the lack of (1) relevant technical skills and information in mainstream educational programs; (2) technical expertise and funds to support such programs; and (3) skilled individuals who can fill work force needs. The program also promotes the understanding and development of the skills and abilities needed to support ocean activities, and helps bridge the gap between the educational system and the ocean workplace. Since 2001, MATE and the ROV Committee, working in collaboration with organizations such as NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration, has coordinated and helped to facilitate both regional and national ROV competitions that provide students with a learning environment that is based on real workplace situations. These competitions involve budgeting, setting deadlines, documenting procedures and results, and producing deliverables on time -just like the real working world. Building an ROV to successfully complete a competition mission not only involves a practical, working knowledge of math, subsea physics, electronics, hydraulics, and engineering; it also requires project management, written and verbal communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and continual problem solving. The competitions also promote creativity and innovation, both of which could someday lead to the development of technologies that advance ocean exploration, research, and industry.