Six teams sign up for SeaPerch competition

Six teams have signed up to Ports of Jersey’s SeaPerch competition, which encourages students to build a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), in association with international organisations SeaPerch and RoboNation.

The SeaPerch programme guides students on building an underwater robot, while supplying educators with the tools and training to help them through the process.

The teams taking part will have the opportunity to meet their fellow competitors in the Cargo Centre at Jersey Airport on Friday 15 September. While there, they will meet their Ports of Jersey mentors, learn how ROVs are used as part of maritime operations at the harbour, find out more about the competition and receive their kits from Ports of Jersey’s CEO, Matt Thomas.

The students will then have 12 weeks to build their ROVs, supported by their mentors and technical experts from Group Technical Services (GTS). In December, there will be a swimming pool-based competition, where a range of challenges will be set, including an obstacle course, poster presentation and speed trial.

Six teams have signed up for the challenge, which is aimed at Year 9 students.

• Air Cadets
• De La Salle
• Le Rocquier
• Les Quennevais
• Jersey College for Girls
• Sea Cadets

Head of Group Technical Services (GTS), Julie Acey, said: “We’re delighted to offer this unusual and quirky competition to these schools again this year. Building the ROVs encourages the teams to develop basic engineering, design, presentation, and science skills.

“Ports of Jersey is committed to supporting our community. We hope this competition supports future talent by sparking an interest in STEM subjects among students, particularly as the students will be selecting their GCSE subjects this year. During the competition, our mentors will showcase the variety of opportunities available, both within Ports of Jersey, but elsewhere on the Island too.”

Further details on SeaPerch can be found online at https://seaperch.org/