About the Races

The first human-powered International Submarine Race ^TM (ISR) was held in 1989 at Singer Island off Riveria Beach, Florida and drew 17 boats. ISR 2 grew to 35 sub team entries in 1991.  ISR 3 in 1993 off Ft. Lauderdale drew 44 submarine teams.   The 1995 design competition, ISR 4, was the first in a controlled environment.  The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division,  David Taylor Model Basin in Bethesda, Maryland became the host of the submarine races. Eleven entries competed.  ISR 5 at Carderock in 1997, drew 16 submarine teams.

Each team must develop a one or two-person "Wet" submarine. Two-person subs must have one person providing the propulsion and the other navigating and steering. Both crew members breathe SCUBA from the air supply carried aboard. Each sub is unique, designed from "scratch," and relies upon novel techniques for propulsion and guidance.The International Submarine Race's ^TM specific goals are:

	To inspire students of the various engineering disciplines to delve into broad areas of underwater technology advancement and to provide them an educational experience that translates their theoretical knowledge into reality.
	To foster advances in subsea vehicle hydrodynamic, propulsion and life support systems.
	To increase public awareness of the challenges people face in working in and exploring the ocean depths.

Contestants include universities, high schools, individuals and research labs. Various awards are given out at each ISR, including ones for best overall performance, innovation, speed, speed by category, best use of composite materials and spirit of the race.

The International Submarine Races are a non-profit, educational competition and the organization is all volunteer. We are soliciting help in the form of in-kind services and volunteers to assist in physically running the event. If interested in participating, contact Sue Peterson, Volunteer Coordinator, at speterson@chesapeake.net.

Summary